Conflict |

Antagonists: What Have They Lost?

Posted by beckylevine on 29 Dec 2009 in Antagonists, Conflict |8 Comments

Okay, I admit, this feels like an odd post to be writing at the end of the year, with a new one and all its possibilities just around the corner. But I’m working on characters this week, and I’m spending quite a bit of time with my antagonists. All of whom, really, have their good sides. […]

Conflict AND Connection

Posted by beckylevine on 22 Aug 2009 in Character, Conflict |20 Comments

Here’s what I worked on this afternoon. Okay, well, I filled it in, too. Earlier this week, Jenn Hubbard blogged here about reading actor Jeff Griggs’ book Guru. You should read Jenn’s post to see all she got out of the book, but the thing that stuck with me was her realization that our characters need to […]

Who is your Hero…Now and Then?

Posted by beckylevine on 17 Jul 2009 in Character, Plot |2 Comments

Recently, on Twitter, Susan Taylor Brown tweeted about character traits she was considering for her hero. She tweeted about pairs of traits, because she was contemplating which of each set of two traits was true for this hero. I wish I could remember them now, but what struck me was the very subtle difference between […]

Amping Up Character Tension

Posted by beckylevine on 21 Jun 2009 in Character, Conflict, Scenes, Tension |8 Comments

This summer I will turn forty-mumble-mumble years old. At this time in my life (says the old, wise one), I have built up a community (or a tribe, as my friend Terri Thayer calls it) of friends with whom I am comfortable and happy, and who help me keep my life interesting and my brain […]