Notes from Isolation 1: Characterization

 I have been contemplating ways to keep everyone informed on my progress about my novel as that is very much essential as of now to avoid falling into the same patterns of previous failed attempts which I touched upon in my previous post. So rather than just giving you all filler chapters which have not been enough for either of us or going on some pointless rant about the day to day struggles I face within my creative process I have decided to share a few lessons I learned from studying the craft of writing over these few years I spent isolating and partially perfecting my voice as a writer.
Please note that these are open for interpretation and should not be followed to the letter as every writer out there has their own method to the madness that is writing but I do hope that these lessons I share help you in some small way to guide you onto a more easier path when it comes to honing your own craft as a writer of any variety. I will begin with perhaps the most difficult aspect I had as a writer starting from the first few drafts I wrote. If you find these musings helpful and wish for me to continue sharing these notes I will be more than happy to do so plus if you have a specific question on an aspect of writing such as plot structure, conflict, making a hook at the beginning etc. post in the comments below. Once again thank you all for your support I do hope that these notes help you in any way as it is my way of returning the favor for your assistance over the years. Good luck and remember there is always a way out in a room with no doors.

 Good evening friends I write this to not only help myself in motivation to write but to also teach others the lost art of writing solid characters. To begin, one of the major rules is to show don’t tell. Leave unnecessary details about a characters strengths/flaws unless it pertains to amplify or advance the core story as a whole. If you spend far too much time showing the reader too much details about who a character is rather than what purpose they serve within the story they will become disinterested as this leaves very little intrigue/mystery about the character they are being introduced to. Keep details limited and let the reader define themselves who they really are as the story progresses. Through this method not only will it hook the reader into finishing the story you write as to understand the character it will also make the reader feel as if they too are a part of the story in some way themselves. Never underestimate the imagination or intelligence of the reader you are conveying your story to as they are more than capable of if not far more perceptive than you, the writer, when it comes to the structure of said character. Equally distribute character explanation throughout key parts of each chapter never fully explain them in less than one to three chapters. Also take into account to never make a characters personal life or choices the focal point of their existence within the story; leave some room for other characters both major and minor a chance to add greater depth/influence on them for this will add cohesion between them and will help to serve a stronger sense of impact when reaching critical points in your story once it reaches the point of no return. Thank you all and best of luck in all you do.