Short Stories: Can They Still Have Character Arcs?

Apple on books with text: Deepen Your Craft with Resident Writing Coach Jami Gold (at Writers Helping Writers)

It’s time for another post as a Resident Writing Coach over at Writers Helping Writers, where we’re digging into short stories and character arcs.

The Power of Character Arcs

Clay figures sitting back to back with text: What's More Memorable? Characters or Plots?

Without spoilers for Avengers: Endgame, let’s explore how the power of the Marvel movies isn’t about the plot or spectacle—but with the characters.

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Character Arc Development: Is There a Best Approach?

Person's shadow on the beach with text: Developing a Character's Arc

There are almost an infinite number of ways we can develop our story. As long as we end up with a finished book, our process works. And just like the variety found in the overall writing processes we might use, we have many options for how to come up with our protagonist’s arc as well.

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Building a Character Arc: Start at the End

Train tracks ending on a beach with text: Want a Strong Arc? Start at The End

As I mentioned with the worksheet I shared last week, it’s often easier to work backward when we’re framing our story. At the very least, knowing the ending often makes it easier to see our character’s arc.

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Building a Theme through Character Arcs

Chalkboard with text: Theme: What Lesson Have You Learned?

We normally create stories where the point—the theme—is in line with our worldview. But it’s not unusual for our characters to hold opposite beliefs, even our protagonists. At least to start. And their story journey is often where our theme lies.

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Inner Conflict: How to Resolve Our Character’s Internal Arc — Guest: Angela Ackerman

Pensive man standing in front of plywood with text: Building Up & Resolving Inner Conflict

Inner conflict is essential for deep characters and storytelling. Angela Ackerman shares examples, tips, and insights for how can we use and add internalr conflict with our characters and story, as well as for how to force our characters to make the hard decisions

Storytelling Expectations: Character vs. Plot Arcs

It’s time for another post as a Resident Writing Coach over at Writers Helping Writers, where we’re comparing story focus: plot vs. character arcs.

Diversity in Writing: Researching Characters — Guest: Melinda Primrose

Multicolored stick figures holding hands with text: Creating Unique Characters through Research

We often write about settings or jobs or situations we haven’t experienced, and diversity among our characters should be no different. Today’s guest post is about how we can research and learn more about experiences for which we don’t have first-hand knowledge and avoid the fear of “getting it wrong.”

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Character Talents & Skills: Beyond the Superficial — Guest: Becca Puglisi

Closeup of red dart on the bullseye of a dartboard with text: Do Your Characters Have Talents or Skills?

What can our character’s talents or skills add to our story if they’re not important to the plot? Becca Puglisi of Writers Helping Writers shares five ideas.