Karin

Writing is more than just putting words on a page – it’s a whole mindset. Creating a writing routine is key for anyone serious about improving their craft. Let’s look at why this habit is so powerful. Habit formation is backed by science. When you make writing a consistent part of your day, your brain … Read more

Regular writing isn’t just for novelists or journalists. It can significantly impact anyone who puts pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) on a daily basis. This habit can transform your creative process and even your mental well-being. On the psychological side, writing regularly is like a workout for your brain. It helps to clear … Read more

The Power of a Writing Journal I have kept various writing journals in various forms for many years now. While I started out with handwritten journals, I now have some typed and some as audio recordings. But there is something about putting the pen to the page that “feels” like writing! A writing journal is … Read more

I thought we would take a little break from character building for a bit and look at another vital aspect of our story-building—the place where our characters will live. One of the more fun ways to do this is through fantasy world prompts. The reason this one is so fun is because anything is possible. … Read more

Understanding the Concept of a Writer’s Voice Your voice is probably one of the most distinct parts of your writing. Your voice will define the personality, style, and tone that make your writing uniquely yours. It reflects your individual perspective, emotions, and experiences, distinguishing your work from others. Understanding your writer’s voice involves recognizing your … Read more

Today we are going to look at the blueprint of a character’s journey—specifically a hero’s journey, but this blueprint can work with any character. It’s a narrative framework that maps out a protagonist’s adventure from the mundane to the remarkable, a concept made famous by Joseph Campbell in his work ‘The Hero with a Thousand … Read more

Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ isn’t just a tale of global catastrophe; it’s a deep exploration of character strength in the wake of the unthinkable. In a world decimated by a man-made plague, the survivors embody diverse kinds of fortitude that surpass the mere physical or mental. These characters, whose resilience, wisdom, and loyalty offer guidance … Read more

The Allure of Imperfect Characters in Storytelling Please note that the images in this post are created using DALL-E 3 a form of AI. It’s getting better at spelling, but still has some flaws just like us and our characters we create! In this brief series on developing strong characters we have looked at The … Read more

In the world of storytelling, authentic and relatable characters are the heart and soul of any narrative. They are the bridges that connect readers to the story, allowing them to see parts of themselves in the characters they read about. When I think about relatable characters, Stu Redman from Stephen King’s The Stand always comes … Read more