Common Writing Obstacles: Building Believable Characters (Part 8)

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

This is the latest in a periodic series about the common obstacles writers face. Both experienced and newbie authors deal with building characters who are believable and real enough for the reader to want to follow for several hundred pages.

Common Writing Obstacles (part 5 ): Taking Risks

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Write the Story

Writing is risky. And not just in the sense of facing physical danger. Although I’m sure many writers did face physical danger at one time that stimulated or inspired them to write their story.

There are other risks every writer faces. More mundane than climbing Mt. Everest, but just as real. The underlying source of these risks is fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of failing.

Common Writing Obstacles (Part 3): Perfectionism

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Perfectionism is the bane of many a writer, even experienced ones. Each story must be perfect or it’s no good. There’s no middle ground. There’s no forgiveness for ourselves. We don’t allow for the fact we’re human, we’re frail, and, despite our pride, we don’t know it all.

Common Writing Obstacles (Part 2): Talent vs Learning

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

“You’re not a writer. You’re not even published.”

My superior at my day job spoke these words many years ago. They were his response when my immediate lead told him I was writing.

Talent has been described as something you either have or you don’t. You can’t learn it.

I and many others disagree with this notion. You can learn to be a writer whether or not you have talent.