characterisation

Discover the magic that unfolds when setting takes center stage in a novel, transforming lifeless backdrops into dynamic entities with a soul of their own. This week, best-selling author Danny Petrie joins me, Wendy H Jones, to unravel the secrets behind crafting settings that captivate and characters who resonate with readers like old friends. Amidst the rugged Alaskan wilderness and the vibrant streets of Santa Fe, we delve into the art of choosing the perfect locale to reflect the essence of our stories, and how these choices impact every twist and turn of the narrative.

As an author who loves to sketch out the bones of dialogue and action, I share my unique process of dressing these bare frameworks with the flesh of immersive settings. Danny and I discuss the balance required to maintain narrative momentum without sacrificing the rich tapestry of descriptive detail that brings a world to life—especially crucial in genres where the stakes are high, and the suspense is thicker than fog. Our talk is a celebration of storytelling, marked by the release of "One Wrong Move," a novel that epitomizes the harmony of setting and plot in a thrilling dance of intrigue.

To all fellow writers and fervent readers, our conversation is a tribute to the craft that unites us. I offer gratitude for your unwavering support and invite you to join the community that fosters these insightful dialogues. Your patronage on Patreon ensures the continuity of this creative exchange, and for that, I thank you. Remember, the journey continues next week with another inspiring guest, and I eagerly anticipate sharing more wisdom that lights the path for your literary adventures.

Have you ever faced a character in a book so flat they seem to fall off the page? Fear not, fellow wordsmiths, for I, Wendy H Jones, am here to share the secret sauce to spicing up your characters! This episode of the Writing and Marketing Show is a treasure trove of insights into the subtle art of characterisation. From the lush setting of Wester Wootatelle and Spa to the vibrant aisles of the London Book Fair, I take you on a whirlwind tour of a writer's life, replete with the unexpected twists that demand a nimble mind and a flexible pen.

Characterisation isn't just about crafting a biography; it's about breathing life into your protagonists and antagonists with a finesse that makes them leap off the page and into readers' hearts. I delve into the nuances of showing emotions, why a tapping finger can speak volumes more than an exclaimed "I'm frustrated!", and how varying word choices can transform a mere description into an experience. Danny Petrie may not join us this time around, but the conversation doesn't lack for depth, exploring everything from evocative verbs to avoiding the pitfalls of emotional repetition.

Finally, I pull back the curtain on what's ahead and where you can join this literary journey with me. Humor mingles with earnest advice as I navigate the everyday chaos of a husky's treat-time amidst musings on character flaws and dialogue pauses. The promise of next week's special guest lingers enticingly as I bid you adieu, inviting you to stay connected and continue fostering your love for the written word. Remember, the stories we craft are as alive as we make them, so let's keep the pages turning and the ink flowing.

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, focusing on Tarantino’s strengths and weaknesses as a film-maker.

Today on the show I am talking about developing historical characters that ring true for their time and how their environment can be used to help shape characters who are believable, interesting, and of their time. 

This week I am talking to award winning author, Marni Graff about writing characters that endure and continue to be believable throughout a series. 

Today I am talking about developing believable historical characters. have you ever wondered how you can get inside the mind of someone from another era? Today's show is full of actionable tips that will get you started. 

It's a Showdown! Amy and Sean are going head to head over to Richard Curtis's film Notting Hill, with Alex caught in the middle. Except Alex is too obstreperous to stay above the fray, and Amy and Sean keep agreeing on everything. We can't even argue properly. This week we're looking at character, motivation, embedded sexisms and other isms in Notting Hill (a film from the Dark Ages that we keep finding ourselves arguing over at the pub), and a whole range of random logic holes in films that bear no resemblance to Notting Hill at all. This is peak Word Docs, where there's madness in the method, and we regret everything.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a Showdown! Amy and Sean are going head to head over to Richard Curtis's film Notting Hill, with Alex caught in the middle. Except Alex is too obstreperous to stay above the fray, and Amy and Sean keep agreeing on everything. We can't even argue properly. This week we're looking at character, motivation, embedded sexisms and other isms in Notting Hill (a film from the Dark Ages that we keep finding ourselves arguing over at the pub), and a whole range of random logic holes in films that bear no resemblance to Notting Hill at all. This is peak Word Docs, where there's madness in the method, and we regret everything.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.