What do you remember about your favorite book? Was it plot or character? Characters provide the emotion of the story and what we relate to. Where do they come from? How do you develop them?
The Original Idea: The Seed of Your StoryBob Mayer
The idea is the heart of your story. Knowing it keeps you on target to complete the book and succeed. Idea is not story. Being able to state your idea in one sentence is key. We often spend an entire day at our writing workshop getting the four attendees to pin this one sentence down, but that's how important it is!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
What are the elements of narrative structure? Where should your novel begin? What is the resolution? What are the narrative questions you should ask yourself before writing the book? Do you need to outline? This and more!
First person, third person, omniscient. What are they? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Why should you think like the director of a film when considering point of view?
How do you achieve your goal? How do you plan ahead? Do you know your one sentence idea? Your conflict lock? Your characters? How do you keep track of your progress? All these things are key for success.
The Conflict Box by Bob Mayer (updated 2016)Bob Mayer
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing
will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents
a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to
overcome them and succeed.
In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author
Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's
straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along
with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.
You'll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot
-- one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts
Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you
need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running.
Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to
make your dreams of publication come true.
What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures
that you're properly equipped for success!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
The Original Idea: The Seed of Your StoryBob Mayer
The idea is the heart of your story. Knowing it keeps you on target to complete the book and succeed. Idea is not story. Being able to state your idea in one sentence is key. We often spend an entire day at our writing workshop getting the four attendees to pin this one sentence down, but that's how important it is!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
What are the elements of narrative structure? Where should your novel begin? What is the resolution? What are the narrative questions you should ask yourself before writing the book? Do you need to outline? This and more!
First person, third person, omniscient. What are they? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Why should you think like the director of a film when considering point of view?
How do you achieve your goal? How do you plan ahead? Do you know your one sentence idea? Your conflict lock? Your characters? How do you keep track of your progress? All these things are key for success.
The Conflict Box by Bob Mayer (updated 2016)Bob Mayer
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing
will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents
a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to
overcome them and succeed.
In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author
Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's
straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along
with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.
You'll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot
-- one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts
Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you
need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running.
Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to
make your dreams of publication come true.
What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures
that you're properly equipped for success!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed. In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work. You'll learn how to: Develop story-worthy ideas Translate those ideas into a compelling plot-- one that keeps readers mesmerized Pace your story for maximum excitement Create realistic, complicated characters Submit attention-getting manuscripts Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running. Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to make your dreams of publication come true. What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success! "An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out." #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks "Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George "A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone." #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
Plot Part I: Research and Narrative QuestionsBob Mayer
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed.
In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.
You'll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot
-- one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts
Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running. Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to
make your dreams of publication come true.
What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
"Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George
The present and future of publishing for writersBob Mayer
The industry is changing faster and faster. Here's a snapshot view from someone who has been in the business for 30 years and done traditional, hybrid and indie publishing with great success.
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed.
In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.
You'll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot
-- one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts
Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you
need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running.
Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to
make your dreams of publication come true.
What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
"Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George
With a quarter century of experience working with thousands of writers, I've seen plenty of submissions. This presentation gives guidelines on how to target queries, write a cover letter that grabs, boil the synopsis down to one page and other valuable information on the road to getting published.
How do you achieve your goal? How do you plan ahead? Do you know your one sentence idea? Your conflict lock? Your characters? How do you keep track of your progress? All these things are key for success.
Powerpoint of a script writing masterclass at the 2nd African Women in Film Forum (AWIFF), led by the award winning playwright and screenwriter Ade Solanke
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed. In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work. You'll learn how to: Develop story-worthy ideas Translate those ideas into a compelling plot-- one that keeps readers mesmerized Pace your story for maximum excitement Create realistic, complicated characters Submit attention-getting manuscripts Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running. Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to make your dreams of publication come true. What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success! "An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out." #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks "Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George "A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone." #1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
Plot Part I: Research and Narrative QuestionsBob Mayer
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed.
In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.
You'll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot
-- one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts
Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running. Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to
make your dreams of publication come true.
What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
"Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George
The present and future of publishing for writersBob Mayer
The industry is changing faster and faster. Here's a snapshot view from someone who has been in the business for 30 years and done traditional, hybrid and indie publishing with great success.
Writing a novel and getting it published: That's your goal. And nothing will keep you from making it happen. Such a goal, of course, presents a number of challenges. Make sure you have the tools you need to overcome them and succeed.
In THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT, NY Times Best-Selling author Bob Mayer shares a veteran writer's hard-won advice with a style that's straight from the hip. He lays out the nuts and bolts of novel writing, along with guidelines for starting, finishing and revising your work.
You'll learn how to:
Develop story-worthy ideas
Translate those ideas into a compelling plot
-- one that keeps readers mesmerized
Pace your story for maximum excitement
Create realistic, complicated characters
Submit attention-getting manuscripts
Self-contained chapters make it easy to focus on the just the elements you
need. Take in the advice, sharpen your skills, and hit the ground running.
Mayer provides all the reliable information and instruction you need to
make your dreams of publication come true.
What are you waiting for? THE NOVEL WRITER'S TOOLKIT ensures that you're properly equipped for success!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
"Something for every writer, from neophyte to old hand. My hat is off to Bob." Best-Selling Myster Writer Elizabeth George
With a quarter century of experience working with thousands of writers, I've seen plenty of submissions. This presentation gives guidelines on how to target queries, write a cover letter that grabs, boil the synopsis down to one page and other valuable information on the road to getting published.
How do you achieve your goal? How do you plan ahead? Do you know your one sentence idea? Your conflict lock? Your characters? How do you keep track of your progress? All these things are key for success.
Powerpoint of a script writing masterclass at the 2nd African Women in Film Forum (AWIFF), led by the award winning playwright and screenwriter Ade Solanke
The idea is the heart of your story. Knowing it keeps you on target to complete the book and succeed. Idea is not story. Being able to state your idea in one sentence is key. We often spend an entire day at our writing workshop getting the four attendees to pin this one sentence down, but that's how important it is!
The idea is the heart of your story. Knowing it keeps you on target to complete the book and succeed. Idea is not story. Being able to state your idea in one sentence is key. We often spend an entire day at our writing workshop getting the four attendees to pin this one sentence down, but that's how important it is!
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike. Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
How many times have you left a practical talk thinking "but where I work...". How many times have you waited for the world or your workplace to create the perfect conditions so you could act in accordance to your "principles"?
The reality is, if you need ideal conditions to apply your principles, they aren't principles, they are conveniences. Change happens from inside out, examples speak louder than words, the agile culture fosters protagonists, not victims. If you believe that the agile way is the path to follow, then the question you should ask yourself is: how can I make it happen?
When we think about changing a company it needs to be clear that it is not easy, it is hard work, takes time, some initiatives will go wrong, and the person that took upon themselves the challenge of being a change agent will need lots and lots of resilience. With that in mind, we are going to talk about an approach on how to sell an agile implementation to a company, or superior, that are resistant to the idea, as well as, the downside of the technical profile that we need to be aware and overcome in order to be successful.
Finally we will conclude the session in a much more interactive way, filling a learning canvas with a case from the audience, someone that needs help beginning their agile transformation journey.
iCAAD London 2019 - Dufflyn Lammers - RESILIENCE GAMESiCAADEvents
RESILIENCE GAMES is an experiential workshop that creates an empowering journey guiding participants through the discovery of all four types of resilience
Explaining A Quote In An Essay. 004 Essay Example Maxresdefault How To Quotes...Caitlin Adams
How to use Quotes in an Essay in 7 Simple Steps 2023. 014 How To Cite In Essay Quote And Poem An Using Mla Format Step .... Using Quotes in an Essay: Ultimate Beginners Guide. Exceptional How To Introduce A Quote In An Essay Thatsnotus. How to Put a Quote in an Essay with Pictures - wikiHow. Using Quotes in an Essay: Ultimate Beginners Guide - How to write an .... How to Use Quotes in an Essay. Beginning Of Quotes In Essay Example. QuotesGram. Using quotes in an essay. 004 Essay Example Maxresdefault How To Quotes In Thatsnotus. How To Quote In An essay-Tips with An Example Included-Bright Writers. 021 Essay Example How To Explain Quote In Thatsnotus. Best Ways To Introduce A Quote - ShortQuotes.cc. 005 How To Begin An Essay With Quote Example Thatsnotus. Essays how to quote - blueoniodia.x.fc2.com. How To Introduce Quotes In An Essay - slide share. How to introduce a quote in a essay examples - poslassa. Inserting Quotes In Essays. QuotesGram. How To Use A Quote In An Essay - Inspiration. How To Properly Write A Quote In An Essay - Agnew Text. Beginning an essay with a quote example - essayanthology.x.fc2.com. Using Quotes in an Essay. Explaining a quote template. Price Quote Template: Free Download .... Explaining An Essay Within Quotes. QuotesGram. Introducing An Essay In Quotes. QuotesGram. How to Put a Quote in an Essay with Examples - wikiHow. 010 Essay Example Quotes In Essays Note 161023 2 Thatsnotus Explaining A Quote In An Essay Explaining A Quote In An Essay. 004 Essay Example Maxresdefault How To Quotes In Thatsnotus
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
We all have good and bad thoughts from time to time and situation to situation. We are bombarded daily with spiraling thoughts(both negative and positive) creating all-consuming feel , making us difficult to manage with associated suffering. Good thoughts are like our Mob Signal (Positive thought) amidst noise(negative thought) in the atmosphere. Negative thoughts like noise outweigh positive thoughts. These thoughts often create unwanted confusion, trouble, stress and frustration in our mind as well as chaos in our physical world. Negative thoughts are also known as “distorted thinking”.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
Bills have a main role in point of sale procedure. It will help to track sales, handling payments and giving receipts to customers. Bill splitting also has an important role in POS. For example, If some friends come together for dinner and if they want to divide the bill then it is possible by POS bill splitting. This slide will show how to split bills in odoo 17 POS.
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
2. Character Is Pre-Eminent
Emotion is more important than logic.
Therefore character beats plot.
Goals are what characters are striving
for.
Motivation is why they are striving for
their goals.
3. Motivation
Every character thinks the story is about
them.
Everyone has a core motivation.
Victor Frankl called this the ‘One Thing.’
The motivation can be anything.
The motivation must be believable to the
reader.
You need to know it (or uncover it), but
does the character?
4. Blind Spot
Needs produce blind spots.
Everyone has blind spots.
As an author, make sure you know yours.
Strongest defenses are built around the blind
spot. Therefore . . .
Often the blind spot is the part of character
thought to be the strongest.
Denial defends blinds spot and justifies needs.
Blind spots are the making of tragedy.
5. Pathological Need
In a moment of crisis, what is the driving
force?
It is a need, not a want.
Every need has a corresponding flaw.
A pathological need produces a blind spot.
6. Trait Need Flaw
• Loyal
• Adventurous
• Altruistic
• Tolerant
• Decisive
• Realistic
• Competitive
• Idealistic
• To be trusted
• To have change
• To be loved
• To have no
conflict
• To be in charge
• To be balanced
• To achieve goals
• To be the best
• Gullible
• Unreliable
• Submissive
• No conviction
• Impetuous
• Outer control
• Overlook cost
• Naive
7. Develop Characters
Where do your characters come from?
Invented or real life?
How does the reader meet them?
How do you get to know people?
What do we see in their first scene.
What was the key point in their life?
Do you know everything about your
character?
You have to (or uncover it).
Reader doesn’t have to.
Less is better.
8. Protagonist
Drives the main story line.
Always have one.
Reluctant protagonists. Bruce Willis in Die
Hard.
Empathetic protagonists. We have to feel
something about the protagonist.
Negative protagonists. Yes, you can have one.
Often, everyone else is worse.
9. Protagonist
What if your protagonist fails?
If you are going to have character arc, the
protagonist would usually fail in the climactic
scene being who they are as the book opens.
Their arc is the change through the story to be
someone who will succeed.
If they fail, it reveals what’s at stake in your
story.
10. Antagonist
Always have one.
Should be human.
Has a believable motivation.
If removed, the plot collapses.
Usually drives the plot by introducing the
problem.
11. Antagonist
Do the antagonist’s plan before writing.
If you are going to google “how to kill my
spouse” for a murder mystery do it on a friend’s
computer, not your own.
Stronger antagonist= stronger protagonist.
12. Show, Don’t Tell
Actions speak louder than words.
Do your characters react ‘naturally’?
Give the spark of redemption in the
beginning if you want to arc a character
with that theme.
13. Character Templates
Instead of inventing from scratch.
Or using real people.
Also use these to understand characters and
real people.
Use what experts have already done for you:
Profiling
Archetypes
Myers-Briggs
14. Profiling
FBI Behavioral Science Unit: John Douglas:
MINDHUNTER-- tracking serial killers.
But you can profile anyone.
99% of what we do is habit.
Habit= behavior patterns.
Examine the results and work back.
What are your characters’ habits?
15. Archetypes-- Gender Differences
Female
• Boss
• Seductress
• Spunky kid
• Free spirit
• Waif
• Librarian
• Crusader
• Nurture
Male
• Chief
• Bad boy
• Best friend
• Charmer
• Lost soul
• Professor
• Swashbuckler
• Warrior
The same person, labeled by gender.
17. Gives you 16 character types.
Where characters are different in one of
the letters, you have potential sources
of personal conflict.
Myers-Briggs Types
18. Character And Change
Can people change?
Change produces character arc.
You want to show change, not tell it.
Change requires three things to happen
. . .
19. Moment Of Enlightenment
Experience something never
experienced before.
Experience something you’ve
experience before, but it affects you
differently than ever before.
This is the classic ‘’light bulb going on’.
By itself, it is not change, just a
momentary awareness.
20. Decision
Because of the Moment of Enlightenment, a
decision is made.
It is not necessarily a good decision.
Character is then:
Stuck with the decision (externally imposed
change) or
Sticks with the decision (internally motivated
change)
By itself, a decision is not change, just a
fleeting commitment.
21. Sustained Action
Because of the decision, behavior is
changed.
The changed behavior is sustained long
enough to become habit.
In the military, this is called training.
Sustained action leads to change.
23. The Climax & Character Arc
If you want arc, then by the end of the book
we want to know our protagonist has
changed.
They act differently.
Take your protagonist as she is at the
beginning of the book and put her in the
climactic scene.
She should fail.
If she does, then you have arc.
24. “Talent is less important in film-
making than patience. If you
really want your films to say
something that you hope is
unique, then patience and
stamina, thick skin and a kind of
stupidity, a mule-like stupidity, is
what you really need.”
~Terry Gilliam
25. For more free slideshows on
writing, survival, history and other topics,
go to:
www.bobmayer.com/workshops
26. How to
write the book
How to
be an author
www.bobmayer.com/nonfiction
“A book to inspire, instruct and challenge the writer in everyone.”
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Susan Wiggs
"An invaluable resource for beginning and seasoned writers alike.
Don't miss out."
#1 NY Times Best-Selling Author Terry Brooks
27. “In Who Dares Wins, Bob Mayer gives us a unique and valuable window into the
shadowy world of our country’s elite fighting forces and how you can apply many of
the concepts and tactics they use for success in your own life and organization.”
Jack Canfield: Co-creator Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Success Principles
“Success in life—as in combat—has always demanded depth of character. Who Dares
Wins reveals what it takes for you to move into the world of elite warriors and how their
training developed that Can Do spirit and Special Forces ethos of excellence.”
Lewis C. Merletti: Director United States Secret Service (retired), Former Sgt 5th
Special Forces Group (Vietnam); Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President & COO
28. New York Times bestselling author, graduate of West
Point and former Green Beret. He’s had over 80 books
published across an array of genres, including the #1
bestselling series Green Berets, Shadow Warriors, Time
Patrol, Area 51, and Atlantis.
He’s presented for over 1,000 organizations during three
decades of writing full time.
If you’re interested in his weekend intensive workshop or
having him present for your group, email him at:
bob@bobmayer.com
www.bobmayer.com
Editor's Notes
Rutger Hauer-- Blade Runner next
Rutger Hauer-- Blade Runner next
Fool-- Sully next
MOE in VERDICT next
Kubler-Ross’s stages of death and dying
also the editorial process