Terrible Baddies!

Last week we looked at not making our ‘heroes’ too angelic. I didn’t think to say, that we also, of course, shouldn’t make our ‘baddies’ too terrible either!

Even the most evil of people will have a soft spot for something or someone – they would perhaps do anything for their granny, or guard their little sisters with their life. Nobody is all bad, in just the same way that nobody is all good!

moon against a branch

Janet Wilson, founder of Dernier PublishingSo make sure you get the balance right with your baddies as well as your goodies. 🙂

Grace and peace to you, and hope you are enjoying the holidays,

Janet

Flawed Goodies?

angelic little girl Just a quick writing tip this week, but nonetheless it makes an important point. How good are your main characters? You need to make them good enough for us to be rooting for them, but not so … Continue reading →

Important V Urgent

writing a journal Hello again, Christian writer friends, and welcome once again to another creative writing tip. I hope you are enjoying the summer (unless you are reading this in the southern hemisphere, in which case, I hope you are enjoying the winter)! 🙂 This week’s writing tip is a bit more philosophical than most – don’t know … Continue reading →

Write it or Lose it?

writing notes Do you keep a writing journal? When we did the last meet-up course, I provided a notebook for everyone who came, for taking notes, doing writing exercises, and for completing the homework I set. I think they were useful! I have a confession to make… Continue reading →

Fiction is Fiction

child reading with a lion Fiction is fiction – well of course it is! But as writers-for-a-reason, we have to remember that the main reason young people pick up and read a story, is to be entertained. Of course, we write for a reason – that’s why we’re here! But we must make sure that the message we want to […] Continue reading →

Understanding

lonely tree To feel understood by those close to you is a great blessing. If you don’t feel understood by family and friends, you feel a kind of isolation. And you know what Mother Teresa said: “Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.” Do you remember a time in your life when you didn’t feel understood? When no one knew how you were really feeling? If you… Continue reading →

Panning for Gold

gold nugget Have you ever thought, when you’re writing – I wonder if this is just a waste of time? I know I have! Don’t worry, you have to sift through a lot of muddy water when … Continue reading →

Is My Story Good Enough? 4 Solid Pieces of Advice

fantasy story Do you ever ask yourself this question – Is my story good enough? I certainly do! In fact, I’m writing a story at the moment, and have reached that point where I’m asking myself exactly that question. Is it too long-winded? Is there enough action? Are the characters… Continue reading →

All Tied Up

rope Hello again everyone! Hope your writing is going well. I have a creative writing tip today that comes from a real example! If you are writing about an event or a situation you haven’t… Continue reading →

Being Mean II – The Reason

praying Last week we took a look at making life hard for your protagonist. Did that resonate with you? Here’s a further thought on the same theme: your readers will have to go through tough times. Trials and temptations are part of this fallen world. Sad, but true. Perhaps they are bullied at school, come from […] Continue reading →