Charlie Foxtrot's Blog, page 12
April 25, 2024
World building: Crafting Rich, Imaginative Settings for Your Stories (pt 1)
We’ve talked about character creation using my character template, but what good are characters that don’t interact in a rich and inviting world? This is the first in a series of posts about building compelling worlds and societies for our characters to interact in.
Crafting Captivating Worlds
Creating truly captivating worlds for stories is a multifaceted endeavor, influenced by both the readers’ preferences and the author’s intended message. Will the environment be so unforgiving that survival becomes a daily struggle for the characters, or so ordinary that it blends into the background of the “real world”? Even within the “real world,” experiences vary across different regions; a simple drive down the road can be vastly different depending on the country. It’s these real-world disparities that have the potential to profoundly impact your story and characters. As an author, it’s crucial to be aware of these differences to build and maintain the trust of your readers.
The Role of World-Building in Fiction
When embarking on your world-building journey, it is paramount to ponder, What matters in your world? This pivotal question sets the stage for the creation of a compelling setting. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, the battleground between lightness and darkness serves as a cornerstone for the world and its cultures, allowing characters to traverse the glories of the past while confronting present conflicts. Similarly, in Larry Niven’s Ringworld, the main world transcends being a mere backdrop; it is elevated to the status of a character within the larger Known Space Universe. The Ringworld, therefore, functions as both an environment to be explored and a puzzle to be unraveled by the characters. A common thread between these worlds is the pivotal role played by the world itself in driving character conflicts and interactions, thus serving as a linchpin in the overall plot.
Our Roadmap
We’re going to kick-off this series of posts looking at five elements of world building that I feel apply regardless of the genre you’re writing in. These are:
Creating believable cultures and histories, Establishing laws, ethics, and morality, Developing political structures and economies, Building landscapes and geography, and Constructing a cosmology and mythologyAll of these elements are inter-twined. A mythology will affect culture and history, the laws and ethics of the people of the world and possibly the political structures. The landscape and geography should influence the economies and cultures, which will have an effect on the history of the people. By thoughtfully considering how these elements intersect, writers create rich, interconnected worlds that offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Once these five elements have been explored, we’ll add in things that you may want to consider for genre specific worlds, like Crafting Magical Systems and Fantastical Elements, and Incorporating Technology and Infrastructure.
For subscribers, I’ll also share a handy aid for your own world building journey.
If you haven’t already subscribed to get access to the free character template, and my world-building guide, please do. There will be more subscription only content soon, including my novel outline tool that includes the character template.
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
Worldbuiling: Crafting Rich, Imaginative Settings for Your Stories (pt 1)
We’ve talked about character creation using my character template, but what good are characters that don’t interact in a rich and inviting world? This is the first in a series of posts about building compelling worlds and societies for our characters to interact in.
Crafting Captivating Worlds
Creating truly captivating worlds for stories is a multifaceted endeavor, influenced by both the readers’ preferences and the author’s intended message. Will the environment be so unforgiving that survival becomes a daily struggle for the characters, or so ordinary that it blends into the background of the “real world”? Even within the “real world,” experiences vary across different regions; a simple drive down the road can be vastly different depending on the country. It’s these real-world disparities that have the potential to profoundly impact your story and characters. As an author, it’s crucial to be aware of these differences to build and maintain the trust of your readers.
The Role of World-Building in Fiction
When embarking on your world-building journey, it is paramount to ponder, What matters in your world? This pivotal question sets the stage for the creation of a compelling setting. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, the battleground between lightness and darkness serves as a cornerstone for the world and its cultures, allowing characters to traverse the glories of the past while confronting present conflicts. Similarly, in Larry Niven’s Ringworld, the main world transcends being a mere backdrop; it is elevated to the status of a character within the larger Known Space Universe. The Ringworld, therefore, functions as both an environment to be explored and a puzzle to be unraveled by the characters. A common thread between these worlds is the pivotal role played by the world itself in driving character conflicts and interactions, thus serving as a linchpin in the overall plot.
Our Roadmap
We’re going to kick-off this series of posts looking at five elements of world building that I feel apply regardless of the genre you’re writing in. These are:
Creating believable cultures and histories, Establishing laws, ethics, and morality, Developing political structures and economies, Building landscapes and geography, and Constructing a cosmology and mythologyAll of these elements are inter-twined. A mythology will affect culture and history, the laws and ethics of the people of the world and possibly the political structures. The landscape and geography should influence the economies and cultures, which will have an effect on the history of the people. By thoughtfully considering how these elements intersect, writers create rich, interconnected worlds that offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Once these five elements have been explored, we’ll add in things that you may want to consider for genre specific worlds, like Crafting Magical Systems and Fantastical Elements, and Incorporating Technology and Infrastructure.
For subscribers, I’ll also share a handy aid for your own world building journey.
If you haven’t already subscribed to get access to the free character template, and my world-building guide, please do. There will be more subscription only content soon, including my novel outline tool that includes the character template.
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
April 24, 2024
A bonus for subscribers
April 23, 2024
Creating Compelling Characters (pt 6)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
The Rest of the StoryWelcome to our final installment in this series on creating compelling characters using the character template. I’ve spent most of this series on what some might call the obvious aspects of creating a character. The template actually has many more sections. While I believe they are mostly self explanatory, I wanted to cover a few items that haven’t been touched on yet.
Context
Each character serves a purpose in the overall story. The first section of the template captures this context for the character. What’s their name? What gender are they? Are they from a recognizable race or culture? What’s their role in the story? Are they the hero or the villain? A side-kick? Comic relief? Defining what role they are expected to play can help with all of the other details in the template.
The physical, part 2
I chose not to cover every section of the physical descriptions. I did not touch on any physical abilities they may have, or specific physical vulnerabilities. Characters may have active abilities they can use, or passive abilities that just are. They also have limits to those abilities. Every Superman needs a little kryptonite to keep them on their toes.
These physical capabilities may be relevant as part of the character’s physical description or may drive their strengths and unique abilities. Alternatively, they could be linked to the weaknesses and vulnerabilities for your character. As you use the template, you’ll have to decide if these aspects are important and what other parts of the template they relate to.
Social Connections
Relationships and romance could be an important part of the character’s growth arc. Detailing these out early in your planning could drive dialog, actions, and emotional outcomes throughout the story.
These social connections may be what drives the character’s motivations and goals, or maybe fuels their emotional growth arc.
Conflict
Every great story features struggles that push characters out of their comfort zones and force them to grow. Let’s examine how a character grapples with internal and external conflicts within the template.
First up, let’s look at internal conflict. [] is a complex individual plagued by her past, particularly an incident in which she was falsely accused of betraying her friends. This internal struggle manifests as crippling self-doubt and fear of being trusted again. Her inner turmoil leads to emotional conflicts with those around her and prevents her from fully embracing new relationships or opportunities.
Internal conflicts give your characters depth and complexity, making them more relatable and compelling for readers. They also offer opportunities for character growth as the characters confront their fears, face their personal demons, and learn to overcome their emotional struggles.
In the broader world, the external conflicts our character’s face is likely a significant element of the overall story. [] external conflicts come in the form of a powerful enemy seeking vengeance for the past betrayal that she didn’t commit. This adversary poses a grave threat not only to her personal safety but also to those closest to her. As [] navigates this dangerous situation, she must confront her inner fears and learn to rely on new allies if she wants to protect herself and those she cares about.
External conflicts provide the tension and suspense that keep your readers engaged in the story. They also offer opportunities for character development as the characters face challenges that test their limits, forcing them to grow and adapt.
This leads to planning the character arc.
Internal conflicts and character arcs create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers on an emotional level. They offer opportunities for characters to grow and evolve, providing satisfying closure and leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment.
External conflicts offer opportunities for characters to prove themselves in challenging situations, highlighting their strengths and showing how they’ve evolved throughout their journey. They create an exciting narrative that keeps readers invested until the very end.
Here are these sections for my character Elara. She is still a work in progress, but is shaping up nicely. If you read through this, I hope you can get a sense of her story and how her interactions with the other characters would change her in a satisfying manner. I hope to publish Elara’s tale before the end of the year.
By skillfully balancing internal conflicts, external conflicts, and character arcs using the character template, you create a captivating, cohesive story that resonates with readers and leaves them eager for more adventures featuring your compelling characters!
This concludes the series on how I use my character template. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Next month, I’ll be posting my Novel Outline tool that helps me map the journey my characters will travel. Stay tuned for more!
If you haven’t already subscribed to get access to the free character template, please do. There will be more subscription only content soon, including my novel outline tool that includes the character template.
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
April 18, 2024
Creating Compelling Characters (pt 5)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
Those messy emotionsWelcome to our fifth installment in this series on creating compelling characters using the character template. Today, we’ll delve into the importance of emotional growth and progression in crafting complex, engaging stories that resonate with readers.
The template section
A character’s background shapes who they are and influences their motivations, actions, and decisions. For [], her upbringing in a secluded monastery after her village was destroyed instilled a strong sense of discipline and inner peace within her. This kind of background context not only adds depth to the story but also makes the character more relatable and authentic.
The background information you choose to put into the template may be sparse or very detailed. Elara’s background spans nearly half a page (too much to post here), but this is an excerpt of it:
A richly developed background provides valuable information about a character’s origins, family history, education, and notable relationships, allowing readers to better understand their motivations and emotional journeys. This background, with a simple mapping of the character’s history and relationships will inform and drive their emotional challenges and growth as well.
Template section
Emotional Challenges
Every character faces emotional challenges throughout their journey – be it grief, loss, betrayal, or fear. In our example, Character Name experiences profound grief and anger after losing her loved ones. This emotional turmoil not only adds depth to the story but also creates opportunities for character development.
Personal Epiphanies and Realizations
Emotional growth often involves gaining new insights about ourselves or the world around us. For Character Name, her emotional journey leads her to discover the true meaning of family, community, and forgiveness. Through these experiences, she learns valuable lessons and grows as a person.
Let’s look at my sample character once more. As you can see, big parts of her character arc have been fleshed out here. As you can imagine, this has given me the structure to make some interesting interpersonal conflicts in the plot as well as present key challenges to move the story forward.
So-What?
By focusing on emotional growth and progression in our characters, we create stories that resonate with readers and leave lasting impressions. These elements not only make our characters more relatable but also add depth and complexity to the narrative, ensuring a satisfying and rewarding reading experience for our audience.
Remember, every great story is fueled by compelling characters who evolve and grow throughout their journey. In our next installment of this series, we’ll explore how relationships play a crucial role in shaping our characters and adding depth to their stories. Stay tuned!
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
April 16, 2024
Creating Compelling Characters (pt 4)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
Motivations and GoalsWelcome to our fourth installment of exploring compelling character creation through the lens of the character template. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the power of motivations and personal goals that guide your characters forward and infuse a sense of purpose throughout their stories.
The template section
Motivations
First, let’s explore what drives a character to act, as these motivations shape their actions and decisions. For instance, [Character Name] seeks revenge against the pirate captain who destroyed her home village and killed her family out of a deep-rooted desire for justice and closure. Understanding a character’s motivation not only adds depth but also creates opportunities for engaging conflict resolution and character development.
Personal goals and desires
Moreover, every compelling character should have an ultimate goal or desire driving them forward. Consider [Character Name’s] dream of building a peaceful community where her people can live harmoniously with nature. This personal objective not only provides direction but also creates opportunities for growth and conflict as she faces the challenges that come her way.
Let’s look at it in practice. Remember, I built out the character sheet for Elara, before starting to write the story.
You can already see what is going to drive Elara’s action as she faces obstacles in her journey. Malachi (the antagonist of the tale) is the reason she has been cut off from her sisterhood. Since I’m early in the writing of her story, I can’t share how these traits, motivations, and goals have translated to the page, but I know they will
By understanding how motivations and personal goals contribute to compelling characters, we can effectively write engaging stories that resonate with readers by providing a clear sense of purpose and direction for our characters. Stay tuned as we continue our exploration of character development using the character template!
Up next: In the fifth blog post, we’ll discuss using the character template for emotional growth and progression throughout the story, which adds depth and complexity to your characters and creates opportunities for powerful, satisfying narratives. Don’t miss it!
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
April 11, 2024
Creating Compelling Characters (pt 3)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
Don’t be so Negative, but be vulnerableIn this, our third installment of character creation using the template, we’ll delve into the realm of personality traits – weaknesses and vulnerabilities. These elements are essential for adding depth to your character and creating opportunities for growth and development throughout the story.
The template section
Weaknesses
Begin by exploring negative traits and flaws that challenge a character. For instance, [Character Name’s] arrogance can land her in hot water when she underestimates opponents or neglects important details. By acknowledging these weaknesses, we create opportunities for character growth as the characters learn to confront and overcome their personal challenges.
Vulnerabilities and fears:
Moreover, each character should have a fear or insecurity that can be exploited by adversaries. Consider [] greatest fear of drowning; this vulnerability puts her in peril during underwater battles and adds tension to these scenes. Fears and vulnerabilities not only make the characters more relatable but also provide engaging conflict opportunities, keeping readers invested in their journey.
Let’s continue looking at my sample character, Elara:
These few short lines made Elara a much more interesting character for my story. They speak to the fears that drive her and potential pitfalls she may have to overcome as the story develops. Once again, these motivations came about before I wrote the first sentence of the story. In the third chapter, while still setting up the over all plot lines, I tapped into these vulnerabilities to engage the reader in Elara’s plight:
Her goddess had truly forsaken her if she could not fight this compulsion on her mind. While she wanted to resist the pity welling up in her throat, her loss was all consuming. For the first time since being raised as an acolyte, she cried with the nearly silent sobs from her childhood.
Alone and abandoned again.
By understanding how personality traits, particularly weaknesses and vulnerabilities, contribute to compelling characters, we can effectively create complex, human stories that resonate with readers. Stay tuned as we continue our exploration of character development using the character template!
Up next: In the fourth blog post, we’ll discuss using the character template for personal motivations, goals, and inner conflicts, which drive the characters forward and shape their arcs throughout the story. Don’t miss it!
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
April 9, 2024
Creating Compelling Characters (pt 2)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
Personality MattersIn our second exploration of character creation using the template, we’ll dive into the depths of personality traits – strengths and unique abilities. These elements are crucial for making your character stand out and contributing to their overall appeal and intrigue.
The template section
Strengths
First, let’s delve into positive traits and characteristics that make a character endearing. For instance, [] embodies kindness, always putting others before herself, showcasing her selfless nature. Moreover, she displays unwavering determination when tackling challenges, revealing her tenacious spirit. These strengths not only make our character relatable but also provide opportunities for reader engagement and investment.
Inherent abilities that make the character unique:
Moreover, each character should possess a distinctive talent or skill that sets them apart from others. Consider []rare ability to communicate with animals. This unique trait not only adds depth to her character but also offers exciting possibilities for forming deep connections with various creatures throughout her adventures. These unique abilities provide engaging conflict resolutions and opportunities for character development, making your story even more captivating.
Once again, a single line in the template can be expanded greatly. I wanted Elara to have incredibly strong empathy for some of the other characters in the story. While I haven’t tapped into these abilities in the narrative yet, they are on her character sheet and I’ve got plenty of notes on where they will matter.
By focusing on a clear understanding of how personality traits contribute to compelling characters, we can effectively harness their strengths and unique abilities to create unforgettable stories that resonate with readers. Stay tuned as we continue our exploration of character development using the character template!
Up next: In the third blog post, we’ll discuss using the character template for personality traits – weaknesses and vulnerabilities, which add depth and relatability to your characters. Don’t miss it!
Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.
April 5, 2024
Creating Compelling Characters (pt 1)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
Focus on the physicalBringing a new character to life on the page can be an exciting and daunting task. One of the first elements to consider when crafting a character is their physical description. This crucial aspect sets the foundation for your character’s visual identity and helps readers connect with them on a sensory level. In this blog post, we’ll dive into using the character template for physical descriptions and explore why it matters in creating compelling characters.
The Power of Physical Descriptions
Physical descriptions serve as the initial impression readers have of your character. They create mental images that help readers differentiate between various characters in the story and immerse themselves in the world you’ve built. These details also offer opportunities for symbolism, adding depth and meaning to your characters through visual cues. For instance, a character with a prominent scar might symbolize their past struggles or resilience.
The top of the template
Building a Character from the Ground Up
Let’s explore an example using our character template. [] is a tall, lean man with short, curly brown hair and piercing blue eyes. A scar above his eyebrow adds an air of mystery. This physical description paints a vivid image in the reader’s mind, helping them connect with the character on a deeper level. It also creates intrigue, leaving readers wondering about the origins of the scar and what it might signify about [] past.
Notice the template has a single line for what could be a lot of descriptive text. Put whatever works for you in there. Here’s an example of a character I’ve been working on recently.
Crafting Authentic Physical Descriptions
When crafting physical descriptions, it’s essential to strike a balance between detail and authenticity. Be specific yet avoid descending into excessive or unrealistic details that may detract from the story rather than adding to it. Instead, focus on the elements of your character’s appearance that are relevant to their personality, backstory, or role in the narrative.
Incorporating Physical Descriptions into Your Writing
Physical descriptions can be seamlessly integrated into your writing in various ways. For example, you might describe a character’s appearance during an introduction or reveal their physical traits through the actions and interactions they have with other characters. Remember, physical descriptions should serve to enhance the story rather than detract from it, providing readers with valuable insights into your characters while keeping them engaged and invested in the narrative.
Continuing to use the sample for Elara, here’s how it shows up in my first draft:
She looked up at him as he stopped his flight. Her long, cascading silver hair fell in waves around her shoulders, framing her sharp features and piercing emerald eyes. The delicate curves of her face are accentuated by the high cheekbones giving her an air of regality, while her lips were full of promise, but set in determination as she stifled her crying. Her complexion was pale, but faint freckles were just visible in the poor light, giving her a youthful and sun-kissed appearance.
Notice this is almost a cut-and-paste of the description I built in the template. I won’t continue re-using the same parts of the description, but this made it simple for me to get the first impression out of my head, onto the page, and then shift back into the action of this part of the story.
Appearance and Style
In addition to the physical appearance, details about their style and mannerisms are essential for bringing them to life for the reader. Details such as clothing and personal items can reflect their personality and provide readers with a clear image of their unique style. For instance, [] leather jacket and wooden staff adorned with symbols from her home village offer insights into her tough exterior and strong connection to her roots.
A well-defined appearance not only adds visual appeal but also offers opportunities for symbolism and character development through subtle visual cues. These details help readers connect with the characters on a deeper level and create an immersive reading experience.
Part of a character’s style may be mannerisms, patterns of speech, or ‘ticks’ they have. Unique ways of speaking that reveal a character’s personality or background. For example, [] has a habit of pausing dramatically before delivering important information, emphasizing her wisdom and thoughtfulness.
Similarly, gestures and body-language can reveal a character’s thoughts, emotions, and intentions, providing readers with a clearer understanding of their motivations and reactions. Maybe [] often fiddles with her necklace when she’s nervous or uneasy, adding tension to sensitive scenes and highlighting her emotional vulnerability. These sorts of details add nuance and depth to the storytelling, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the characters and their experiences.
Looking at this part of the template for Elara gives some additional insight into how I might incorporate these details into her story:
A Visual Feast for Readers
Using the character template for physical descriptions is an essential aspect for me crafting compelling characters. These details provide readers with a tangible image of your characters, helping them connect on a sensory level and immerse themselves in the story. By focusing on authentic, relevant physical descriptions that add depth and meaning to your characters, you’ll create an engaging and memorable reading experience for your audience.
Stay tuned for our next blog post in this series, where we’ll delve into using the character template for personality traits and explore how they contribute to creating compelling characters.
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April 4, 2024
What’s in a name?
Hey there, fellow storytellers!
In today’s post, we’re diving into a topic that might seem small but can have a big impact on your characters – character names. I mean, think about it; the right name can add depth and intrigue to your characters in ways you never thought possible! So, let’s chat about some aspects to consider when picking character names for your stories.
This post isn’t really about my character template and how to use it, but is definitely complimentary to the series of posts about the template. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out!
Names That Reflect Character Traits:
A character’s name can be a subtle hint about their personality or background. For instance, a “Thorn” might sound prickly and difficult, while “Daisy” suggests innocence and purity. Consider how the meaning or sound of a name aligns with your character’s traits and backstory.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
Adding names from various cultures and historical periods can make your characters more interesting and diverse. For example, an African name might suit a character from that region, or a Medieval name could be fitting for a story set in that time period. Researching the meaning and significance behind different names can lead to some unique and fascinating character choices!
If you are looking for a good resource to help you here, check out There are other resources online as well for finding common and un-common names from specific cultures.
While working on my most recent tale, one of the main characters is a priestess to the Moon Goddess, so I decided to use Elara Moonblossom as her name. In Greek mythology, Elara was one of Zeus’ mortal lovers, which coincides with my character’s beauty and devotion to her god. Moonblossom reinforces the relationship to the goddess of the moon, and the fact that the character has an ethereal beauty.
Unique Spelling and Pronunciation:
Give your characters a distinct edge with a one-of-a-kind name! Unusual spellings or pronunciations can add intrigue, making readers take notice. But be careful not to make the name too difficult for readers to remember or say – you wouldn’t want them to get frustrated and put down your story because they can’t wrap their heads around a character’s name!
In my stories about the Families of the Empire, I chose Cosimo as the protagonist’s name. It is a unique name, but also has some history; Cosimo de’ Medici, the 15th-century founder of Medici rule in Florence, was a patron of the Renaissance and a successful merchant. It plays well for the role my character takes on.
Character Evolution:
As characters grow and change throughout a story, their names can sometimes evolve with them. For example, a character might adopt a new name after a significant life event, or a nickname might stick that better represents their transformed personality. Keep in mind the potential for character development when choosing a name.
I’ve used this technique myself, having a character named, lost her name due to becoming convicted of a crime, and then being give another pseudonym while on a covert mission.
Balancing Realism and Fantasy:
For realistic stories, consider names that fit the cultural and historical context of your setting. However, fantasy stories offer more freedom to explore unusual or made-up names. Be mindful of striking a balance between realism and fantasy, ensuring that the names feel appropriate for your story’s genre and tone.
What do you think? Have you used any unique or interesting character names in your own writing? I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue this conversation. Happy writing!
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