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Top 10 Books for Mastering Novel Character Building
Discover the 10 best books to enhance your character-building skills for novels, featuring expert insights and practical advice for aspiring writers.
Book Summaries
Robert Greene's exploration of mastery offers profound insights into character development and personal growth, making it a compelling read for writers seeking depth in their characters.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Discover Your Life's Task Through Persistent Self-Reflection
- Embrace Apprenticeship as a Crucial Phase of Mastery
- Cultivate Social Intelligence to Navigate Professional Relationships
Will Storr's exploration of the psychology behind storytelling offers valuable insights into character development and narrative structure, making it essential for writers.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Stories are fundamental to human cognition and social behavior
- Change and curiosity drive compelling narratives
- Our brains construct a hallucinated model of reality
How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel
Lisa Cron's book delves into the psychology of storytelling, emphasizing character motivations and internal conflicts, making it essential for writers aiming to create compelling narratives.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Story is the brain's decoder ring for reality
- Every story needs a protagonist with a clear desire and misbelief
- The protagonist's worldview shapes the story's internal logic
Orson Scott Card, a renowned author, provides invaluable insights into character development and viewpoint selection, making this book a must-read for writers looking to deepen their understanding of characterization.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Characters are defined by their actions, motives, and past
- Effective characterization balances realism and romanticism
- Sympathy and antipathy shape reader engagement
Larry Brooks provides a structured approach to storytelling, emphasizing the importance of character and plot, making this book a must-read for writers focused on character building.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Story structure is the foundation of successful writing
- The Six Core Competencies form the pillars of storytelling
- Concept: The seed that evolves into a compelling story platform
A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling
James N. Frey's straightforward guide offers practical advice on character development and storytelling techniques, making it a great starting point for aspiring novelists.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Compelling Characters Are the Foundation of Great Fiction
- Conflict Drives the Story and Reveals Character
- A Strong Premise Is Essential for a Cohesive Novel
The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School
This collaborative guide from Gotham Writers' Workshop offers practical exercises and insights on character development, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced writers.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Craft compelling characters to drive your story
- Develop a focused plot with a major dramatic question
- Choose the right point of view to tell your story effectively
What Good Editors Know
Shawn Coyne's analytical approach to story structure provides essential tools for writers to develop compelling characters and narratives, making it a valuable resource.
3 Key Takeaways:
- The Story Grid: A powerful tool for writers and editors
- Genre is crucial: Understanding and meeting reader expectations
- The five commandments of storytelling: Essential elements for every scene
A Practical Guide to Building Stories That Resonate
Brian McDonald emphasizes the importance of hidden storytelling elements, providing practical insights into character development and narrative structure, making it a valuable read for writers.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Invisible Ink: The Hidden Elements of Storytelling
- The Armature: Building Your Story's Foundation
- Ritual Pain: Transforming Characters Through Conflict
