12 Comments
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Roberta's avatar

I am definitely NOT a plotter and so many times I just get...stuck? And I've noticed that I don't tend to really think about any details that won't appear in the story, when in reality that's what makes a story/character well-rounded and make everything click together. love the worksheet!

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

I used to be more of a pantser too! But doing just a bit more plotting in advance (and character development) has made writing so much easier! So glad it was helpful!

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Moo's avatar

I love the word plopped

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

haha always got use active, specific verbs!

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Jayson Rey's avatar

I went to a book convention for young adult books and learned a lot more about getting to know my characters better. I noticed a lot of authors get to know their characters even before they start to write. In one of my WIP, I've went through the same hesitant process of using a character sheet but it has done wonders for my writing. It's no longer "what happens next" and more "what would my character think or do here." I definitely vouch implementing a character focus

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

yes! This is exactly right Jayson! “What would my character do next?” is sooo much better than “What happens next?” — it makes your plot flow so much more logically, compellingly, and believably! What was the convention called? It sounds awesome - I’m actually working on a young adult book right now.

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Bella Pittinger's avatar

I always gravitate to nonfiction/personal essays, likely because world and character building feel impossible. This worksheet feels like an accessible first step. Thank you for this, I'm saving and working from it now!!

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

I am the opposite -- stories come easier and essays feel harder! That's part of the reason I got on Substack, so I could read more essays and get better at writing them :)

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Jane's avatar

Saved this and cannot wait to read it when I take my lunch break at work

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

Aw Jane thank you so much! It feels surreal that someone is looking forward to reading something I've written :)

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Jess Focht's avatar

Working on a novel right now and really needed this worksheet so thank you!

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

Ah so glad it was helpful Jess! It's one of my favorite tools :)

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