harmonyinkpress:

• Know where they’re coming from.

• A character profile can help define influences,
  values, motivation.
• Background history shapes the character’s
  present and future actions.
• Three-dimensional characters have both strengths
  and flaws.
• What is the character’s core problem or desire?

• Get readers to care about the character.

• Show them struggling with issues and tough
  choices readers can relate to.
• Show the effect their actions (positive or
  negative) have on the character.

• What is the character’s motivation?
• Tie in to their background and what’s important
  to them.
• Use cause and effect to make the character’s
  growth realistic and believable.

• Let them face both internal and external
  obstacles.
• External:
  fired from their dream job
• Internal: Longs
  for revenge on the evil boss who fired them.
• Internal challenges can be more important than
  external ones.
• You can’t control your environment, only how you
  react to it.

• Development happens over time.
• Avoid last-minute, deathbed conversions that
  come out of nowhere.
• Change often isn’t linear—one step forward, two
  steps back

long–may–you–reign:

We need more examples of genuinely happy, healthy relationships on TV and in books and films. No more of this bullshit about how real, epic love is painful and impossible or deadly. Love should not break you! Love should make you stronger. Show me two friends who make each other feel safe and confident and empowered. Show me a couple that respects each other fully and without question. Show me a couple that has FUN. Show me a couple that support each other. Show me a couple where their issues and conflicts are resolved with love, respect and kindness. Show me healthy love. Happy love. Real love.