characters Archives - Libby Fischer Hellmann

Writing Lite Tip 48: Use characters’ actions instead of dialogue tags

March 9, 2015 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

You already know you don’t need dialogue tags other than “he/she said” or, occasionally, “he/she asked.” Often, however, you don’t need a tag at all, if you couple it with a character’s action. That action, BTW, will tell you more about a character’s frame of mind than a bunch of words. Examples: Ellie ran a … Read more

Writing Lite Tip 46: Write backstories for major characters

February 19, 2015 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Writing Lite Tip 46: Write backstories for your major characters. You'll be surprised what you learn.

I talk about character backstories and how to write them here. Basically, I believe they’re the best way to get to know your characters and what motivates them. How passionate or emotional they are. What their style of interacting is. The lengths they’ll go to to achieve their goals. A backstory will help you create … Read more

Writing Lite #7 — Character Arcs

June 3, 2013June 2, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

All your characters, whether major or minor, need their own arc. Those arcs don’t have to be dramatic or life-changing, but they have to be apparent. I explain below. What do you think?

Writing Lite #6: Authentic Characters

May 27, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

What happens when your characters act — well — out of character? I explain in this installment of Writing Lite.

Writing Lite #5 — Character Backstories

May 17, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

I’m baaack.. with another Writing Lite segment. This time I’m starting a series on character development and how to do it. Today I talk about my favorite technique — writing character backstories. They only have to be a couple of single spaced pages, but they accomplish so much. What do you think?