Character Arcs, what are they? In Creating Character's Arcs by K.M. Weiland, it's how the protagonist begins in your story, the journey of your protagonist, and how he or she ends up at the end. The author goes even further to ask, what's the "lie" your character believes?
For example, Ava may begin in the story wanting to be loved and seeking a marital relationship. Her lie? No one will love her for her because her last relationship ended with her fiance dumping her on Valentine's Day. She's feels worthless. From there, whatever our inciting incident is (main dramatic event of the story), Ava goes on her journey, which pulls her to face her lie versus staying the same. Maybe she meets a new man, and the conflict is breaking down her walls since he's sincere in his approach. By the end, does she change for the better or worse? Does she experience what she needs (i.e. spiritual/emotional freedom) versus what she wants (seeking love)?
When I first started writing, I didn't start with any of this. I wrote just to write, but there are mechanics to writing a romance novel, or any story for that matter. What's the lie your character believes? It doesn't have to be a bad lie, it can be something perceived to be good but actually is detrimental. I've attached a link to the guide below that I've been using. Until the next tip!
Creating Character Arcs:
https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Character-Arcs-Masterful-Structure/dp/1944936041/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548784418&sr=8-1&keywords=creating+character+arcs+by+k.m.+weiland
For example, Ava may begin in the story wanting to be loved and seeking a marital relationship. Her lie? No one will love her for her because her last relationship ended with her fiance dumping her on Valentine's Day. She's feels worthless. From there, whatever our inciting incident is (main dramatic event of the story), Ava goes on her journey, which pulls her to face her lie versus staying the same. Maybe she meets a new man, and the conflict is breaking down her walls since he's sincere in his approach. By the end, does she change for the better or worse? Does she experience what she needs (i.e. spiritual/emotional freedom) versus what she wants (seeking love)?
When I first started writing, I didn't start with any of this. I wrote just to write, but there are mechanics to writing a romance novel, or any story for that matter. What's the lie your character believes? It doesn't have to be a bad lie, it can be something perceived to be good but actually is detrimental. I've attached a link to the guide below that I've been using. Until the next tip!
Creating Character Arcs:
https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Character-Arcs-Masterful-Structure/dp/1944936041/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548784418&sr=8-1&keywords=creating+character+arcs+by+k.m.+weiland
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