Theme and Controlling Idea are NOT the Same Thing
Many authors, literary critics, and High School English teachers conflate a book’s “theme” and “controlling idea” into the same concept, implying both terms mean the message of the book. I prefer to differentiate the two concepts. I see theme as something that can emerge (often unconsciously) in the drafting of a manuscript, whereas a controlling idea is…
How to Create Charismatic Characters — Part 5: Supporting and Minor Characters
In the first four parts of this series, we’ve explored character creation largely in the context of main characters, i.e. protagonists and antagonists. But our novels are, of course, filled with many other types characters. In this article, the final article in our series, we’ll look at the role supporting characters and minor characters play…
How to Create Charismatic Characters — Part 4: Twilight/Hunger Games Case Study
In part 3 of this series, we examined the character depth spectrum, which has well-rounded characters on one end and flat characters on the other. For an interesting example of how flat and well-rounded characters can both be used effectively, in this article we are going to look at two hugely popular young adult action franchises: Twilight and The…
How to Create Charismatic Characters — Part 3: The Character Depth Spectrum
In part 1 of this series on creating characters, we discussed assigning physical attributes to characters. In part 2, we discussed the importance of identifying our character’s objects of desire. In this this article, we’re going to look at what I call “the character depth spectrum.” All characters exist on a spectrum of depth or complexity.…
How to Create Charismatic Characters — Part 2: Objects of Desire
In Part 1 of this How to Create Charismatic Characters blog series, we discussed assigning physical attributes to the characters we create. (Read part 1 here.) While a character’s physical appearance can be important, in literature what really defines characters are the actions they take and the decisions they make when faced with challenges and crisis…
Catherine Never-Ending
I’ve known for a long time I was probably going to have to write this someday. I prayed that day would never come, but I knew it probably would, and now it’s here. And I don’t have the words . . . Last Saturday, Catherine Brunelle passed away due to complications from cancer. Catherine was…
How to Create Charismatic Characters — Part 1: Assigning Physical Attributes
Despite having written three books on the craft of writing (The Novel Writer’s Blueprint: Five Simple Steps to Creating and Completing Your First Book, Smash Fear and Write like a Pro, and Novel Advice: Motivation, Inspiration, and Creative Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors), I haven’t yet addressed the topic of creating characters. It’s time to…
19 Hours of Training Videos for Aspiring Authors
How does 19 hours of video training for authors sound to you? Listen, I’m talking about videos covering everything from the author mindset to the mechanics of writer’s craft to the drafting and revision process to independent publishing, book marketing, and more! Interested? If so, read on . . . You see, last January I…
Jason B . Ladd on Family, Spirituality, and Book Reviews — The Writing Coach 054
Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work. In ep. #54 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author and entrepreneur Jason B. Ladd about his new book for indie authors, Book Review Bonzai:…
Jeff Goins on the Myth of the Starving Artist — The Writing Coach 053
Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work. In ep. #53 of The Writing Coach podcast, USA Today bestselling author and popular blogger Jeff Goins returns to the show to talk…
