Write Characters Your Readers Won't Forget

Toolkits for Emerging Writers #1

by Stant Litore

"I just don't care enough about your character." Write Characters Your Readers Won't Forget is a toolkit for addressing that issue. Packed with 30 exercises, abundant examples, and practical strategies, this guidebook will help you write unforgettable characters who "come alive" on the page, create compelling dialogue, and chart more breathtaking emotional journeys for your characters. Stant Litore is the author of The Ansible Stories, The Zombie Bible, The Running of the Tyrannosaurs, and Dante's Heart. Best known for his weird fiction, alternate history, and scifi, he has taught frequent courses for writers across the genres and has served as a developmental editor for Westmarch Publishing. His own fiction has been acclaimed by NPR, has served as the subject of scholarly work in Relegere and Weird Fiction Review, and he has been hailed as "SF's premier poet of loneliness." He lives in Colorado with his wife and two daughters, and is working on his next book.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Research

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2015

About the author

Stant Litore is the author of Ansible, The Running of the Tyrannosaurs, The Zombie Bible, and Dante’s Heart. Besides science fiction and fantasy, he has written the writers’ toolkits Write Worlds Your Readers Won’t Forget and Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget, as well as Lives of Unstoppable Hope and Lives of Unforgetting, and has been featured in Jeff Vandermeer’s Wonderbook: An Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction. He has served as a developmental editor for Westmarch Publishing and holds a Ph.D. in English. He lives in Aurora, Colorado with his wife and three children and is currently at work on his next novel.

Reviews

[Joy Pixley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short book, this packs in a lot of great insight into how to think about and develop your characters. I tend to start by thinking through a character's whole backstory and current predicament, so it was interesting to see that he doesn't get there until halfway through the book. Instead he starts with the heart of what will make readers "fall in love with" your character -- not what they look like, or their mannerisms, or what their background is, but who they are at a much deeper level, and how they're dealing with whatever vital thing they're struggling with right now.

This is a workbook, with exercises at the end of each short chapter. A few chapters in, Litore points out that some readers will be tempted to skip the exercises, and warns us that we won't get as much out of the book that way. He's absolutely right. I admit that I only did exercises for some of the chapters, and got much more out of those. Given how well those worked, I plan to go back and do (at least most of) the rest.

Throughout the book, Litore encourages the reader to think about everything else in the story in terms of what it reveals about the character(s). One of the most unique sections is where he talks about setting this way: to describe the setting only to the extent that it tells us something important about the character. As soon as he explains it, it makes perfect sense. Don't take my word for it: go read his version.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh way to approach their characters. It's not the be-all, end-all of character creation, but no one book is, and this one is definitely worth reading.

[Noelle Brighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem! It's meant to be used, not just read, and it is full of insightful advice for writers on character creation as well as exercises that provide in-depth learning tools that can bring writers closer to their story in other ways. I highly recommend this author's work - he also writes compelling fiction.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to not read books about writing, if only because they generally tend to not be that helpful at all. The help I'm looking for, the answers I'm seeking, aren't to be found. Even so, either because I'm stubborn, or naive, I keep looking, so I keep reading books on writing craft.

But, guys, I finally found the right one.

Stant Litore's Write Characters Your Readers Won't Forget is a small book, but densely packed with information and examples. You won't find meaningless filler here. He makes his points clearly and illustrates them with examples or passages from texts (his own and from other authors as well). The exercises (which one might be tempted to skip) are actually fantastic. The author doesn't insult your intelligence as a writer to give you "baby step" exercises. You're a writer, you know how to write, so do it. That's what the exercises are all about. They are awesome, and I know I will be using and returning to them many times.

The most important thing to me, personally, in this text is the fact that Stant addresses writer's block, and gives suggestions for overcoming it. Most books will tell you "just do the thing" (i.e. write), or maybe do some free writing or something. Stant tells you to do the thing, but gives you direction for how to do the thing so you can make it through writer's block and back to writing. This is the last, and one of the shortest, chapters in the book, but it was exactly what I needed to read, exactly what I needed to get over the writer's block/terror/paralysis/catatonia hump and back into the act of writing itself. I've never heard anyone suggest getting back to what makes you excited about writing in the first place, to find that joy and excitement again, even if you have to rewrite a scene you've already written five million times.

This really is a fantastic book, and I recommend it to anyone who writes, whether they're just starting or a veteran, returning to writing after a long depression, or still honeymooning with their stories. Love your characters, and write your characters so your readers will love them, too.

[Tintinrulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Write Characters Your Readers Won't Forget" by Stant Litore is a slim, but incredibly focused intensive writing course concerning character creation. It's an excellent book filled with delicious writing wisdom. Included herein, are 3o writing exercises of differing difficulty levels. None of which I've yet attempted. They will challenge and encourage you to be thoughtful and honest in your character creation, two hallmarks of a true storyteller. I'm looking forward to applying myself.

8/10

[Kevin Thumpston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stant gives you an MFA on the creative writing of characters in 100 pages. So clear with great questions and exercises. My flat characters are deeply indebted. Thanks.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A no nonsense book. I hate reading 150 page plus, how to books of minimal useful information with filler that has no context. This book gets straight to the point with helpful exercises that can improve your writing instead of hindering it.

[PC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, concise book which offers easy to follow advice for aspiring authors. To anyone considering (or in the process of) reading this book, my advice is this: do the exercises, as many as you can (you could do most even if you haven't started your manuscript yet, and save the rest for later).

I've been notorious for skipping them in previous workbooks, but as Litore says early on, you get so much more out of this by doing them, and I did. I used one of my main characters and learned so much more about her, including an idea for a whole new opening scene for the book and several new ways to bring out the nuances of her character in ways that engage readers.

[J.E. Pinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow the practical advice in this book, your characters will come to life on the page. This book helps you think about why human beings act and feel the way they do and how their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes, habits, secret fears, behaviors, and motivations are intertwined. Even as an author, you'll watch in amazement as your characters rise up off the pages of your book and live out the moments of personal power that will make them memorable to readers long after your story ends. I've been to many conferences and read countless books on writing, and this one stands out.

[David Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my current perspective as a begining writer, this is a very good book that teaches many interesting and important things about writing great characters. It would be a great book for me if I had reached a higher level of skill before reading it. For me, many the skills it teaches are aspirational rather than practical. Some of the exercises and ideas fit my current level of skill, so this is well worth the time for a beginner. Once I have mastered those, it will be time to return to the book for those things that are currently beyond me.

[Sonia Sulaiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a class, and it was a truly developmental experience for me as a writer. Here you will finally learn how to craft scenes that are really anchored to your character's psychology- their desires, fears, etc. and how these change.

I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 simply because Litore's descriptive bent, which is a strength, is also where my own limitations come in. I need a tad more structure, which is not something that is overt in this craft book. You have to experience it, and the class with Litore really made it all come alive for me. W/ the class, I'd give this a 5.

[Colleen Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read tons of books on the craft of writing, and THIS is the one you need. Writing characters that jump off the page can feel challenging. So many craft books give vague advice on "getting into your character's head" but fail to really detail how to do that. Litore clearly explains how you can build complex, meaningful characterization that truly drives your stories. His writing techniques and exercises are fun and challenging and have transformed my stories.

Highly recommend it—especially for experienced writers who want to dig deeper into their stories.

[Miguel Ángel Alonso Pulido · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uno de los aspectos más importantes de toda historia, puede que el que más, son los personajes de la misma. Si no tienes personajes memorables para que el lector se preocupe por ellos, lo tienes crudo. En este libro podrás encontrar muchas claves para desarrollar tus personajes, hacerlos tridimensionales y potenciar su relación con otros elementos de la historia. Muy muy recomendable para todos los que quieran aprender más sobre el arte y ciencia de contar historias.

[Ameerah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tools!

This book was very beneficial. I enjoyed all of the exercises. I was able to learn and understand how to fully develop my characters. I was able to learn how to connect with my readers. This book is highly recommended for inspiring and current writers. This gave me the motivation I need to become successful in my story telling and creativity.

[Jamie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful exercises

This book was nice because it had a lot of helpful exercises, that even if you didn’t actually write them down, allowed for easy application to my current work in progress. The most useful section I found was the section on settings and using settings to enhance emotions. Overall, quick and easy read that provided a lot of helpful insight.

[Carrow Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this as a resource when it comes to creating memorable characters. The author knows who needs to read the book and provides the insight needed to help his readers. Easy read, has a lot of insight when it comes to character creation. There are also exercises in this for the reader to toy with to help them understand character background, interests, and so on.

[Shelagh P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I found this book to be extremely helpful in bringing together the various approaches to character that I am familiar with. Litore encourages writers to approach characters in a holistic way - as part of their world and story. I also enjoyed the tone of this guidebook - approachable and engaging.

[Lisa Para · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic guide with useful exercises. I only wish most of the examples had been actual excerpts instead of summaries (particularly with the dialogue examples - it would have been helpful to read the actual dialogue!).

[Jim Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, insightful book on considerations for creating and introducing characters in your writing.

I would recommend for any new writers, as well as any writers that want to hone their craft and enliven their characters.

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wealth of information for improving your writing skills!

I loved the advice given in this book. Practical steps for improving your writing. Can't wait to practice these tips.

[Dave Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Lots of great info. I took lots of notes...

[Summer Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing characters

The author seems well read so offers good advice, a lot of focus on making emotions physical or visible which is important

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a class. It had some useful information, but I can't tell how much I got out of it or didn't.

[Katherine Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful material and practical exercises to help you write characters people care about!

[Isaac Wachsmuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Toolkit

Every chapter in here is worth it's weight in gold for the fledgling author, from character arcs to setting the mood. Highly recommended!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid stream of exercises, humorous and helpful stories, and a enthusiastic voice make this an excellent toolkit for anyone interested in telling stories.

[rainbowreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great exercises, can't wait to flex my character development muscles.

[Johanna Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book delivers on its name. Delivers many ways to get into and around characters, as well as a set of exercises to carry out those plans.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful, practical character exercises to hone your skills and create meaningful character arcs. Will be coming back to these!

[Brendan Conboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I'm currently only 20% of the way through this book and having completed 9 of the exercises, I feel compelled to write this review. This book and Stant's amazing guidance has already transformed the way that I write and am absolutely convinced that I will continue to develop my writing style, to become even more engaging for my readers. Thank you Stant, for caring and sharing your knowledge, you are an incredibly generous man.

Finished: This may be a small book, but it is packed full of transformational tips, tools and exercises. You don't just read this book, you use it. Stant Litore doesn't waste a single page of this book, he is generous in sharing his incredible depth of knowledge. You will not regret grabbing hold of a copy of this book. My biggest regret is not discovering it sooner. I can't wait to read his other book, 'Write Worlds your readers won't forget.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the chapters here truly help reinforce good reading and writing habits that we often label as mere common sense. You'll thank yourself later if you decide to read even half of this informative book.