Here are some resources and links for fellow writers to check out!
Character Creation
New Character Profile 2012 – An extended character profile I created for myself. The link at the left is to download it as a Word document (.docx), and if you’d like you can check it out here before downloading.
Another character profile option – This one has a fun questionnaire at the end to answer from your character’s point of view. I like to use this when trying to get deeper into my character’s head and way of thinking.
A crash course in Myers-Briggs typology – Basic information about this personality typing theory that I have found very helpful in crafting characters.
Pros and cons of using Myers-Briggs to get to know your characters – Reasons MBTI might (or might not) be a good tool for you to use as an author.
Naming Characters
Nameberry – Name database, often with remarks on names’ meaning, popularity, “hip factor”, history, etc. My favorite “quick check” site for names.
The Baby Name Wizard Voyager – Graphs the popularity of names over the past century or two. Very useful for picking age-appropriate character names. Use this when you think you have a name idea and want to see if it fits.
Social Security Administration Name Database – Another good resource for age-appropriate names. Use this if you’re not sure on a name and want to pick one out of a list from the right era.
BabyNames.com – General name site with a simple advanced search and name meanings.
Plot and Structure Help
Dan Wells on story structure – A 5-part video seminar on building a good plot, using a very simple outline method. I have found this invaluable in both writing and revising.
Nathan Bransford’s Writing Advice Database – This blog is a goldmine of writing advice. Some other favorites from him: the “Query Letter Mad Lib” and “What Do Your Characters Want?”
Helping Writers Become Authors – K.M. Weiland’s blog. Her character arc series is amazing.
Elements of Fiction Writing – Conflict and Suspense by James Scott Bell. Buy this book. You won’t regret it!
Jeff Gerke’s writing tip database
Writing/Reading Communities and Resources
Realm Makers – Realm Makers is a conference designed specifically for Christian writers of science-fiction and fantasy. This link takes you to their Facebook page, which has a wonderful, thriving community of Christian speculative fiction authors.
Speculative Faith – One of my favorite faith and speculative fiction blogs.
Parenting an Aspiring Author?
Go Teen Writers – A blog and online community for teenage authors.
One Year Adventure Novel – As a writer, I think that this writing curriculum looks like one of the best options out there for teaching creative writing. Caveat – I have not used it myself. But the core principles look rock solid.
This page has the following sub pages.
Thank you for providing this! I think it will be very helpful. 🙂
Is there supposed to be a link with “you can check it out here before downloading”? Because it’s not showing up for me. 🙂
Yes, there is supposed to be a link there! Sorry. I will fix that. 🙂
I took a look at it–it looks great! I think I’ll try using it on my next project. 🙂
I hope you find it helpful!
Good job, Bethany! I plan to download the Character Profile and to also send a friend here,
Maria
Thank you, Maria! I hope you find it useful. I love character profiles, and I’m excited to be sharing this one.