Write Your Novel
Step by Step


By Melanie Anne Phillips
Creator of StoryWeaver

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For Story

Structure


Story Structure

Library


Videos on

Structure



For Story

Development


Writing

Tips

Library


Articles on Writing






Read the Science Fiction Thriller

From the founder of Storymind

Man Made follows a mysterious force as it sweeps around the globe erasing anything man made - from buildings, vehicles, and technology to medicines, clothing, and dental work.

Governments stagger under the panic, religions are at a loss for an explanation, scientists strive for any means to stop or divert the phenomenon, and the world’s population from families to individuals struggle to prepare for The Event, which will drive humanity back beyond the stone age.

The Event is coming.

Are you prepared?

Copyright Melanie Anne Phillips


Storymind

Free Writing Resources

~ Step 23 ~


Personal Issues


We all have personal issues – trouble with co-workers, family difficulties, unfulfilled hopes or dreams or a moral dilemma.


Though it is not necessary, every character can benefit from having a personal issue with which it must grapple or a belief system that comes under attack.


A moral dilemma, worldview or philosophy of life helps your characters come off as real people, rather than just functional players in the story.  In addition, readers identify more easily with characters that have an internal struggle, and care about them more as well.


Consider each of your potential cast members, one by one.  Read their entire dossier so far consisting of their list of attributes, self-description and perspective on your story.


If a belief system, personal code of behavior, philosophy, worldview, moral outlook or internal conflict is indicated, note it and write a few words about it in their dossier.   If a character has emotional issues regarding themselves, their world or the people in it, note that as well.


If you don’t see such an issue already present, read between the lies to see if one is inferred.  If so, write a few words about that.


Now don’t beat your head against the wall looking for something that may not be there.  If a personal issue isn’t indicated, it makes no sense to try to impose one.  Some characters are better off without them.


For this step, just look over what you already know about each character and then single out and describe any personal issues it might have.