Finally, create the backstory that will take your plot to a new level.For example, is the character still struggling with the same thing at the end? This is the emotional dynamic, the lesson. This happens early, where the character is drawn into and committed to the story-whether it’s a problem, obstacle or tragedy. In the planning stages, start with your Inciting Incident.Create experiences through your character for the reader instead of telling the reader what the character is actually doing. Every time an event changes in your story, the character has to change. Really understand your character in the planning process.

If they can’t connect with your characters-ergo your story-they will pass on your manuscript. Agents and publishers need to connect emotionally with your story.True storytellers will make the reader care about the character rather than the situations the character finds him/herself in. Why? Readers have to connect with your characters through emotion. Here are some key points from her program on “The Character-Driven Story”: Simons Island, Ga., which featured a stellar set of professional speakers.Īnna DeStefano, a nationally bestselling and multiple award-winning author of classic romance for Harlequin and Silhouette and contemporary paranormal romantic suspense for Dorchester Publishing, spoke on Saturday. I attended the August 2010 Scribblers’ Retreat Writers’ Conference in St. This post is by guest columnist and SWO member J.M. “ Pointers from the Pros” gives tips from authors and publishing industry professionals on everything from craft to querying to their experiences on the road to publication.

Lucky Chica by Berta Platas