Writing Excuses

19.32: An Interview on Character with CL Clark

Aug 11, 2024

CL Clark, a talented writer recognized for their insight on crafting vivid characters, shares their expertise on building distinct POV characters in short stories. They discuss the importance of plot processing and defining stakes in storytelling. Clark highlights techniques to create depth through character flaws and motivations, and elaborates on the impact of perspective in enriching narratives. Additionally, they present engaging writing exercises focused on power dynamics to refine storytelling skills.

33:08

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Episode guests

CL Clark

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Creating distinct characters in short stories requires a focus on their desires and stakes to enrich the narrative.

Utilizing different points of view can manipulate emotional distance and heighten tension, enhancing the reader's engagement with characters.

Deep dives

Character Development in Short Stories

Creating well-defined characters is essential in short stories, particularly due to their limited word count. Writers should focus on the character’s desires and the stakes involved, as this specificity enriches the narrative and makes characters distinct from one another. For example, C.L. Clark’s approach involves triaging characters at the story's outset, determining who to focus on based on their motivations and conflicts. This method not only clarifies the primary character’s journey but also enhances the overall depth of the story.

Intro

2min

Exploring Character Development in Short Fiction

5min

Navigating Character Depth in Storytelling

10min

Mastering Negative Space in Storytelling

9min

The Power of Perspective in Storytelling

8min

Exploring Protagonist Dynamics Through Writing Exercises

5min

We sat down with CL Clark to talk about character—specifically, how they build different POV characters in the compressed space of a short story. We dive into plot processing (a tool CL Clark has learned from Mary Robinette!), how to specify the stakes of your world, and how to build distinct characters.

Thing of the Week: Reasons Not To Worry: How to be Stoic in Chaotic Times by Brigid Delaney

Homework: “4 Scenes About Power” — Write four scenes: (1) a scene in which your protagonist does something to someone else, (2) a scene in which someone does something for someone else, (3) a scene in which your protagonist has something done to them, and (4) a scene in which your protagonist does something with someone else.

Liner Notes:

Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin

Close Reading Series: Texts & Timeline

Next up is Tension! Starting September 1, we’ll be diving into Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark. Please note, this novella uses tools from the horror genre to add tension, and this can be intense for some readers!

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal and Erin Roberts. Our guest was CL Clark. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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