From the Desk of The Mad Inkster discussion
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𝔸𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕤
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Feb 11, 2026 07:15PM
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Heyo!! So I’m writing a dystopian book, but I’d love some advice on writing really compelling characters that the readers adore. The feedback I’ve gotten from my beta readers is really good, but I want the story to be the best it can be. And then for the romance aspect, it’s not really love at first sight, more like both are intrigued by the other, and it builds from there. But, since you’re writing two romances, I’d love any advice you have for writing a solid romance.
Mod
Hey!! Thank you for the question, and here are some things that really help when it comes to writing characters readers get attached to:
Writing Characters Readers Adore
- Give them a clear want and a clear fear. Even small ones make them feel real.
- Let them make mistakes. Perfect characters are forgettable (flawed ones are lovable)
- Show their soft spots: a secret hobby, a person they protect, something they’re embarrassed about.
- Give them a unique voice. What they notice, how they think, and what they joke about makes them stand out.
- Let them grow. Readers love watching a character change over time.
-Maybe give them a quirk
Writing a Slow‑Burn Romance
So since your characters start intrigued by each other, not in love, slow burn is perfect. A few things that help:
- Start with curiosity, not instant attraction. A moment of “who is this person?”
- Use micro‑moments: lingering eye contact, brushing hands, shared jokes, small vulnerabilities.
- Build trust before love (especially in a dystopian world)
- Let them challenge each other, protect each other, and misunderstand each other a little.
- Make the emotional payoff earned. When they finally admit something or get close, it hits harder.
In short: compelling characters come from real fears, real wants, and real growth. And a strong romance comes from curiosity, tension, trust, and tiny moments that build into something bigger.
Hope this helps!!
-Agnes
This is super useful, thanks!
@Agnes hiii lolol okay what do you use to publish your books? how much did editing cost, unless you edited yourself
Mod
I self published my other stuff so I used Amazon KDP which is FREE but even though it's easier to use I requires a LOT of self promotion AND unfortunately KDP books don't make it to bookstores. With Notes Between Us I'm planning on using IngramSpark which is more complicated and requires some money BUT they help your book end up in bookstores.
Personally I haven't paid anything for editing since sometimes I'll meet some other authors who I'll do ARC reading in exchange for free edits.
@Agnes ohhh I see!! Yeah I was gonna do Amazon kdp first (but I want my book to be in stores) so maybe (if) when it gets readers/viewers etc and if they like it I’ll move it to b&n or what you are doing too. I wanna do an ARC for your book 😭🙏
@Agnes anddd do you use a pen name?
Mod
Which one??? And also I appreciate your enthusiasm for my writing, it means the world to me 🥹
Mod
Sometimes I go under Anya Dunne but I'm thinking about just sticking with Agnes Crisler
Mod
Btw sorry I took so long to respond, there was a comment lock *rolls eyes*
@Agnes which one what lol? And no worries!! anddd of course! I STINKING LOVE YOUR BOOK! So you deserve all the love
Mod
Which book for ARC?
Mod
Ohhh okay :3
Also should I ask this question in here or in another topic talking abt my book (love confession etc)?
Mod
Here or chat is fine
@Agnes okay so do you want me to go straight to the confession or explain what my book is about?
Mod
Whatever you want. What exactly is it about the confession that you are having trouble with?
Mod
Also have you read Hector's confession? And I think I posted Logan's confession (he's from NBU)
@Agnes so in book one (im only telling you this Bcs your helping me) my FMC (Josie Sterling) was controlled by the king (hes got abilities where you can control the body like a puppeteer) and was forced to kill her lover (Ik it’s sad) and bcs Nayem Lior is dying on the ground I want to keep it short lol but different instead of just saying “I love you” and btw theres a group of people called Crowns Desire that wants to take control of Josie Bcs she has abilities of fire and is kinda the thing that sparked the war between the northern kingdom and the southern kingdom. So Nayem is telling Josie to dont let anyone control her and to always go back to their half collapsed library and remember the dance, the almost kiss they had.
@Agnes wait who’s Logan? And noooo i have not read Hectors! I WANT TO
Mod
He's the popstar character from my other book? There are more topics in the group (there should be a more topics button) if you want to read more from NBU. Hector's confession should be in the 3rd page in counting on you snippets
Mod
Oooooh this sounds interesting! What were you thinking about writing for the confession?
@Agnes technically I already wrote it but am having HUGE second thoughts. But then again i was writing and writing and not editing. And now im almost in the editing process so when I am I’ll probably edit that. But um something that Nayem says that’ll make readers cry or smth (bcs apparently you make your readers cry to confessions LOL)
Mod
Well not ALL confessions make readers cry, but it depends what sort of emotion you're going for. I can give you feedback if you want...actually I might just make a new topic in here for me to give people a chance to get feedback on their work...
