Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies

by Sol Stein

Characterization should be kept visual whenever possible: “He walked against an unseen wind” is visual. Opportunities are available in a character’s gait, posture, demeanor, and other physical behavior. For instance, there are a lot of ways that a character can get across a room. Walking is the easy, lazy answer. The writer’s aim should be to pick a way that both characterizes and helps the story.