Falling Deeper into your Characters
For me, autumn is a time to fall back into a better writing rhythm. It could be the cooler mornings, or the changing light, or it may be the sense of hunkering down after a hot summer. Regardless, I always find myself craving a little more structure—and a little more (writer)spark—to get back into my stories. This fall, I’ve been working on my book launch for House of Spells and Secrets (March 24, 2926). Since I haven’t started my new book yet, I’ve had extra time to organize my YouTube channel, Bourbon and Books.
To that end, I’ve created a series of playlists for writers. I’ll be sharing about them in the coming weeks, but for now, I’ll start with what I see as the core of all story…character.
When I understand my characters—really understand them—everything else in my stories falls into place. Knowing my characters helps me untangle plot threads, helps clarify my scenes, and recognize everything else with more clarity…things like conflict, motivation, mood & tone.
My character study playlist features focused videos that walk you through the deeper layers of character. These are the pieces I come back to again and again. They’re what I use when teaching my How to Write a Novel and How to Write a Cozy Mystery courses. They’re how I guide my coaching clients. And they’re the questions I ask when something in my story feels “off” in my own stories.
I’m so excited that they’re all in one place now. Below is a detailed look at the playlist. There is something for every writer!
The WriterSpark Character Study Series
Character Secrets
Every character has at least one thing they don’t want the world to know. Those secrets shape everything—how they speak, what they avoid, what they stand to lose. This video digs into how to find those secrets and use them to add natural tension to your scenes.
Writing What’s Not Said (Subtext)
I love this topic. There’s so much power in silence, in hesitation, in looks exchanged across a room. Subtext is where your scenes get emotional weight. Once you learn how to use it intentionally, your writing gets stronger and your characters get deeper.
Goals, Motivation & Conflict
If I had a dollar for every time I realized a scene wasn’t working because I’d lost sight of the character’s goal, I could literally buy a lifetime supply of notebooks. This video breaks down how GMC really works and why it makes plotting infinitely easier.
Show, Don’t Tell (With Practical Examples)
We’ve all heard this phrase (over and over and over). This video focuses on how behaviors reveal who a character is. It’s not about description or backstory. It’s about actions, choices, and patterns.
And my most popular video to date (121,000 views and counting!) is all about Deep POV.
Deep Point of View is the ultimate way to draw readers deep into your story and keep them emotionally hooked from page one.
In this craft-focused episode, I walk writers through the 4 easy steps to establish Deep POV in their writing. Deep POV is essential!
Here’s the full playlist if you want to dive in:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn2ttNo868ISbZ4bHXVhNorCSc-wTx8cm
I hope you enjoy these videos! I’m all about paying it forward, and I firmly believe it takes a village…and we ARE that village. The videos in this playlist are made to support you wherever you are in your writing journey. Have fun!
Here’s to falling deeper into your characters!
—Melissa