In June 2023, Sara Gentry from Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp.

Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach myself, I agreed. After all, many writing techniques span many genres and categories, and that’s why I’m sharing this interview with you.

During the conversation, Sara and I discussed how theatrical techniques can improve writing, especially for character building.

And we really get to the heart of the struggles writers can face, even beyond the work itself.

Ultimately, weaving the inner and outer narratives together requires a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. By crafting a compelling outer narrative and a layered inner narrative, writers can create stories that resonate with audiences on multiple levels and leave a lasting impact.   Let's take a closer look.

As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, as well as explore the unknown and create new, complex worlds. The reasons that we write stories are as varied and diverse as the stories themselves – some people write stories for entertainment, others to explore their own experiences, and some to bring about change in the world.

No matter the reason, the power of story is undeniable. For ages, stories have been used to give shape to our values and beliefs, to record history, and to challenge us to think differently. Many of our most beloved stories – fairy tales, fables, and myths – have been passed down for generations, offering a window into a distant past, and conveying life lessons that still resonate today.

But why do we write stories? What drives us to express our thoughts and feelings through the art of storytelling? To answer this question, it is important to look at the various motivations that can lead a person to write a story.

So let's do it!

Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly interested because I've recently encountered a character who isn't likeable, and it's pulling me out of their story.

For years, writers have struggled with an age-old question: Do fictional characters need to be likeable? This question has spurred debate with people passionately defending both sides. The "likability" camp insists that if a character isn't agreeable, readers won't be able to connect with the story. On the opposite end of the spectrum lurks a faction determined to prove that unlikable characters can still be engaging.

So, do fictional characters have to be likeable, or should they be able to bring something different to the table? Let's see if we can reach a verdict on whether likability is mandatory for our literary characters.

We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that your characters are as three-dimensional and interesting as possible, you need to have answers to a lot of questions about them. At least seventy, if not more.

You might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but take a deep breath and don’t worry – this doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We’re aiming to make this activity fun, lighthearted and inspirational! After all, the more questions you have answered before you start writing, the better your characters will be.

The questions I'll be covering in this episode were ones I used as an actor for creating characters for the stage, and they're designed to explore your main characters in more depth, helping you to create characters with their own unique personality traits and backstories. Once you’ve got all of your answers, you’ll be in a much better position to start writing about them and giving them life.

When answering the questions, don’t be afraid to be creative, and you don’t need to answer them in a specific order. This process is all about developing your own unique universe, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot.

In the main, I acted, but I also directed, designed and made costumes, worked backstage, and once designed a set that was completely made of sails. And I sewed those sails. Yes, me, and all on my own.

So, working in the theatre, mainly as an actor, I had to learn how to inhabit a character, and I brought all of that to my creative writing practice - and more.

You might have heard the name Konstantin Stanislavski. Stanislavski was a Russian theatre practitioner who developed a system many actors follow to train, prepare, and rehearse. I studied Stanislavski's methods, and here's what I think writers should take from his system.

If you'd rather read, here's the accompanying blog post.

It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful, takes skill and finesse.

Here are a few tips on how to write a romantic tragedy that will leave your readers in tears.

Ah, the dreaded three act structure, four act structure, and five act structure. If you're a novelist who just isn't feeling structure, you're definitely not alone. You're ready to dive into the deep end and start planning your novel without any of these structures, but you don't know where to start. Fear not, intrepid writer! I'm here to guide you in the mysterious and wild world of novel planning without traditional structures.   Let's start with the basics, then ignore them. What is a three act structure, four act structure, or five act structure? Simply put, these are the most common forms of writing structure when it comes to novels. They all follow a basic outline of a beginning, middle, and end. The main difference between them is the number of acts. Simples!   Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's move on to planning a novel without this any of this traditional nonsense.

Writing a successful fictional narrative is the dream of many authors, but structuring the plot in a way that captivates readers can be a really daunting task because there are several approaches to organising a story.

The three-act structure, four-act structure, and five-act structure are the most popular options. Each one offers unique advantages and disadvantages, but all three can be used to create a powerful and compelling narrative.

Let's take a closer look.

You can read the accompanying blog post here.

I still feel bad about missing horror from my last article's list of literary genres. Because of that, I'm making it the first in line for my closer looks at each literary genre.

(So don't come at me, okay?)

Many of us have grown up with a love for the horror genre, whether it's through movies, television, or books. Horror has the ability to captivate our imaginations and transport us to a world filled with thrills and chills. We’re drawn to the suspense and unknowns that await us either on the next frame or on the next page.

In this episode, I'll look at horror's history, its sub-genres, and my top 10 horror novels.

Settle in and get ready to explore the dark corners of... well... pretty much everything.

You can find the accompanying blog post here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/a-closer-look-at-the-horror-genre