Character Development Archives

Impactful & Memorable Setups | #EditorTalk with Ali Williams

February 14, 2022June 14, 20222 Comments

Episode Description

This episode, me and fellow editor Ali Williams take a look at trends in the industry and discuss books that not only have standout setups but also really showcase what we’re looking for in specific subgenres—all from the editor perspective. If MSWL and book reviews had a baby, this is it, so join us as we rave about books that have stuck with us!

Show Notes / Episode Transcript

Kate Marope (00:00:01):

This is Kate Marope, and you’re listening to the Path to Print podcast. <music>

Before we start, please be aware that this episode contains in-depth discussions about mental health and trauma, sexual assault and rape, physical violence, COVID-19, police brutality, and doxing. If you’re not comfortable or triggered by such topics, please take care of yourself and skip this episode.

This week, we have our third guest episode on a segment I repurposed from my old YouTube videos called Editor Talk. New Editor Talk episodes are all about having authors hear from editors directly about what books they’re loving and want to see in their submissions queue or in their email tray, without worrying that their asks are more based out of sales numbers than passion and enjoyment of the books they’re requesting. Me and my guest will talk about trends we’ve been noticing, books we’ll forever, forever recommend and peddle, and what books we think really represent what we love most about each genre and subgenre.

Today, I’m joined by an intelligent, vivacious human being who is a scholar, editor, and author friend. Her book are like drinking kinky hot chocolate, and she’s just a source of light and encouragement every time I see her.

Ali Williams’ inner romance reader is never quite satisfied, which is why she oscillates between writing romance, editing romance, and studying it as part of her PhD. She can be fun at the foot of the South Downs in the UK, either nerding out over local mythologies or drinking cocktails on the beach. She believes with all of her bifurious heart, that writing romance is an act of rebellion and that academia will be so much better when studying diverse HEAs is naturally a part of the curriculum. As a freelance romance, novel editor, she specializes in contemporary romance, paranormal and speculative romance and romantic suspense.

Welcome to the podcast, Ali Williams.

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Using a Character Sketch to Identify Character Moments

February 11, 2022April 18, 20236 Comments

If you’ve ever worked with me, either freelance or at Carina, you know that I am all about character. Characters are the enactors of your plot, so I believe you need to make sure you spend a good chunk of time developing, nurturing, and understanding the people whose story you’re writing—because let’s be honest, it is very much their story.

Setups are the reader’s introduction to the character (or characters) who will be enacting the premise you’ve sold to them, and so, you need to make sure your setup starts with that quintessential character moment that shows who the characters are, what they want, and most importantly, what they need (the implicit internal goal).

But while it’s easy to brainstorm ways you can torture your character and mold them into their end form, it’s not always easy to identify the opening character moment (it’s kind of a chicken or egg problem).

So I wanted to give you a process that will help you narrow down that opening moment by doing a little character work.

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Why You Should Write Character-Centric Humor

October 22, 2021

Picture this.

Alexa is a woman who values honesty, fidelity, and a good nature. She’s good people, always there with a kind word and a helping hand. But don’t get her angry; she’s a firecracker.

She goes for a business lunch, and as she comes back from the bathroom, who does she see, but her boyfriend, Todd, eating with her best friend, Cindy. That would be okay, if she hadn’t left him at their apartment that morning, plied with Hay fever medication to combat the treacherous pollen that decided to wreak havoc on his delicate system. It was so bad, Todd called in sick.

When Todd and Cindy lean in for a kiss, Alexa interjects, “What the hell is going on here?”

And for a second, Todd and Cindy look very guilty. But slowly, Todd cracks a smile. The smile sets off Cindy’s giggles.

Surprise! It’s a cheating prank.

Alexa is hella pissed at the Todd (after finding out it’s a prank). She resents him for thinking infidelity is a laughing matter, and punches him in the face.

The look on Todd’s face? Priceless.

At least she hadn’t grabbed his steak knife.

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