Ten Weeks of Writers Prep, and a Challenge: Week Six!


Not a writer? Scroll down for your challenge!

Ten Weeks of Writers Prep
Week Six: Memories!

Last week, we focused on the importance of conflict for giving characters more depth, for making them more real and relatable. However, present tense isn’t the only way to give characters a chance to show their true colours. You can also utilize a past tense, or even an altered tense, both of which can prove just as useful in this sense.

Memories, dreams, and strong emotional states (i.e. unexplained anxiety or outrage,) are also a fantastic way to allow readers more insight into your characters. While present conflicts allows us to watch a character develop and change, past conflicts allow us to understand why they are the way they are in the now. Why are they so cold to people, why do they push people away, why are they afraid, why are they so determined, why do they use humour as a self-defense mechanism, why did they give up on love, why did they switch to the dark side, etc.

So what are a few memories you can give your protagonist to reinforce who they are, and why they are the way they are?

What are a few you can give the antagonist to make them more realistic in their psychology?

Feel free to add these into that plot line you create a couple weeks ago. Good luck!

Ten Weeks of Challenges
Week Six: Gratitude!

We've all seen some rough times in our lives, no one is immune to that, but we're usually pretty fortunate to have some form of support system around us. Think of some people who have been there for you during your trials and tribulations in life, who have seen you through your tough times, who add meaning to your days. Really think about what they have done for you and what their presence in your life means to you. Allow yourself to take a moment to truly appreciate the depths of your gratitude for them.

Now, let them know. Far too often we take for granted that which matters most. Even more often, those who hold so much value in our lives feel as though they're not doing enough, they have bad days questioning their own value and worth. These are things I'm sure we've all felt in our lives, so we can all understand what it would mean to hear those sincere words of appreciation.

I truly believe that one of the ways we can make this world a better place is by more freely expressing our appreciation and gratitude to those around us. So go ahead, spread the love and sincerity!

*****

Hey Ramblers! Whether you are a writer or not, I hope you enjoy week six of your challenge. As always, feel free to comment below or email me at thebrastreetrambler@gmail.com to share your experiences or feedback.

Cheers!
The Bra Street Rambler

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