Dr. Watson. Hermione Granger. Donkey. Pancho Villa. A good sidekick can become a reader or fan favorite in books and movies, but writing a good one is not as easy as you may think. A sidekick can either be too insipid, too static, and not contribute to the plot, or they can take over, taking attention away from the main character and confusing the storyline. And we know you want your character to have friends, but sometimes, it's important to isolate them to allow better character development.

Join writing coach Karena Akhavein, PhD, in this insightful episode of the How to be an Author podcast as she delves into the art of creating compelling sidekick characters. Whether you're a novice writer or an experienced author, Akhavein shares valuable techniques to avoid common pitfalls and develop sidekicks that enhance your storytelling. Discover the secrets to writing effective sidekicks that enrich your narrative without succumbing to clichés. Don't miss this masterclass on crafting dynamic companions that elevate your characters and engage your readers.