Episode 54 : A.L. Jackson - Deepening Character Developments
Jun 15, 2023
auto_awesome
Bestselling author A.L. Jackson shares tips on creating unforgettable characters. She emphasizes the importance of sensory actions and emotional connections. The discussion highlights character introspection and conflict dynamics. Insights on deepening character developments and narrative perspective for reader engagement.
Incorporating external physical reactions, internal physical reactions, sensory experiences, physical actions, and emotions enhances character development.
Being a pantser, Amy Al Jackson focuses on character interactions and emotions to shape her stories organically.
Delving deep into characters' internal and external experiences creates relatable and engaging characters, fostering reader emotional investment.
Starting with 'Give Me a Reason' provides an entry point to Amy's character-driven narratives and immersive writing style.
Deep dives
Character Development
Amy Al Jackson discusses the importance of deep character development in her stories. She highlights the feedback she received from readers about their strong emotional connection to her characters, prompting her to consciously include five key elements in every scene to draw readers deeper into her characters.
Elements of Character Development
Amy outlines the five essential elements she incorporates in every scene to enhance character development. These elements include external physical reaction, internal physical reaction, sensory experiences, physical action, and emotion. By weaving these elements into each scene, Amy aims to create a more immersive reading experience.
Writing Process and Style
Amy shares her writing process, emphasizing that she is a pantser who dives into writing without detailed outlines. She describes her wild approach to plotting and development on the pages, focusing on character interactions and emotions to organically shape her stories.
Introspective Writing Approach
Amy discusses the introspective nature of her writing and how she imbues characters with genuine emotions and reactions. By delving deep into characters' internal and external experiences, she creates multi-dimensional and relatable characters, fostering reader engagement and emotional investment in the story.
Book Recommendations
Amy recommends starting with her book 'Give Me a Reason' as a good entry point into her interconnected standalone series. This book provides a solid introduction to her writing style and character-driven narratives, making it a suitable choice for readers interested in immersive romance stories.
Writing Style Flexibility
Amy reflects on her writing journey, from self-publishing to traditional and hybrid approaches. She highlights the significance of using different writing styles for various characters and scenes, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and authenticity in crafting engaging and emotionally rich storylines.
Future Writing Plans
Amy hints at her ongoing writing projects and future releases, including her new book 'Promise Me Always.' With a focus on character-driven narratives and immersive storytelling, Amy's work aims to captivate readers and evoke strong emotional connections through well-developed characters and compelling story arcs.