Daniel – DwaterhouseBooks

Storytelling Preferences: Character Arcs vs Story Plots

Great storytelling hinges on the interplay between character development and plot momentum. Some narratives thrive on intricate psychological exploration, while others propel readers forward with high-stake twists and external conflicts. Neither approach is inherently better, it all depends on the experience the story wants to offer.

Character-Driven vs Plot-Driven Stories

The divide between character-driven and plot-driven stories shapes how readers engage with a narrative. Some novels prioritise deep, personal transformation, while others focus on events unfolding at a gripping pace.

A character-driven story orbits around the protagonist’s personal journey, choices, and emotions. The narrative unfolds as they react, evolve, and confront internal conflicts. Books like The Secret History by Donna Tartt immerse readers in the psychological dynamics of morally complex characters, where relationships and internal tensions dictate the story’s direction. Similarly, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens thrives on its protagonist’s personal experiences, rather than a fast-moving plot.

In contrast, a plot-driven story prioritises external events, structuring action, conflict, and revelations to drive momentum. Think of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, where mystery and urgency steer the narrative, leaving little room for deep character introspection. Likewise, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins relies on survival stakes to push the protagonist into reactive situations, shaping her growth through action-packed sequences rather than quiet reflection.

While both approaches have their merits, great storytelling often blends them. A strong plot keeps readers engaged, but meaningful character evolution ensures emotional investment.

Why We Love Messy Characters

Perfect protagonists rarely resonate. Readers connect with flawed, struggling characters because they feel real. Messy emotions, questionable decisions, and moral ambiguity make them compelling.

Consider Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Heathcliff is deeply flawed, driven by obsession, revenge, and grief, yet remains an unforgettable figure in literature precisely because of his contradictions. Similarly, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde presents a protagonist whose descent into corruption is both repulsive and mesmerising.

Modern literature continues this tradition. Characters like Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Circe from Circe by Madeline Miller, and Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson resonate because they aren’t squeaky-clean heroes, they’re complex, morally layered, and constantly navigating internal turmoil.

Readers want characters who struggle, fail, and grow organically rather than simply responding to plot demands.

Storytelling Through Emotion vs Action

Some books rely on deep emotional introspection, exploring relationships, psychology, and inner turmoil, while others build character through movement, tension, and external events.

Books like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern create an immersive, atmospheric experience where feelings, sensory details, and relationships shape the narrative rather than fast-paced action. Similarly, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller relies on raw emotional tension between Achilles and Patroclus to drive the story.

Conversely, action-heavy books like The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum or Red Rising by Pierce Brown use kinetic energy to define their protagonists. The characters are shaped through confrontation, survival, and reactive decision-making rather than prolonged introspection.

Balancing emotion with action is key. Some authors merge both seamlessly. Books like The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang deliver emotionally devastating arcs alongside gripping battlefield sequences, giving readers the best of both worlds.

The Ideal Blend: How Much Plot vs Character is Best?

Some stories lean heavily into intricate plots, while others focus on personal transformation. But the most captivating narratives strike a balance between both.

A novel that relies too much on plot risks making characters feel like mere pawns in a structured sequence of events. Conversely, a book centred solely on introspection can stagnate, losing narrative momentum.

Great examples of balanced storytelling include A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, where political intrigue and war shape rich character development. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss combines poetic introspection with adventure, ensuring readers stay emotionally invested while being pulled into unfolding events.

Ultimately, every reader has a preference. Some crave fast-paced, plot-heavy books, while others seek character-driven, immersive experiences. But the best stories, those that linger in memory, merge both elements seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Understanding storytelling preferences can deepen appreciation for books. Whether a novel prioritises emotional depth, action, internal conflict, or external stakes, the magic lies in how a story makes readers feel.

Judge a Book by its Cover: Why Aesthetics Matter in Choosing What to Read

The Beauty of Book Covers

We’re often told, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be honest, everyone does. And why shouldn’t we? The cover is the book’s first impression, its identity, its invitation.

With millions of books in existence and more published every day, no reader has time to sift through them all. Instead, we rely on instinct, what catches our eye, what intrigues us, what feels like the kind of book we want to spend time with. This is where cover design comes in.

For those of us who only buy books that look aesthetically pleasing, cover design isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a deciding factor. This blog explores why judging a book by its cover is not only acceptable, but necessary in today’s literary landscape.

Covers Are an Extension of Storytelling

Book covers aren’t just pretty pictures slapped onto a novel, they’re an integral part of storytelling, branding, and reader engagement.

1. Covers Set the Mood

Before you even read a single word, a book cover can evoke emotion. A dark, brooding design suggests mystery or psychological depth. A minimalist, pastel, toned cover might hint at contemporary slice, of, life themes. A bold, illustrated fantasy cover screams adventure.

Would a horror book with a bright, cheerful cover feel right? Not at all. Covers help prime our expectations before we even turn the first page.

2. They Tell a Visual Story

A well, designed cover is a narrative in itself. It hints at the book’s themes, characters, or conflicts. Think about how fantasy books often feature sweeping landscapes or intricate, mystical symbols, while thrillers lean toward stark typography and dramatic imagery.

A book’s cover is its silent synopsis, if done well, it communicates just enough to intrigue without spoiling.

We Live in a Visual Culture

Book browsing isn’t just about words, it’s an experience. And in our hyper, visual world, aesthetics matter.

1. The Rise of Bookstagram and BookTok

Social media is packed with beautiful bookshelves, curated reading lists, and flat, lay photos of aesthetically pleasing books. Readers connect with books not just through content, but through visual appeal.

People want books that fit their aesthetic. Whether it’s cottagecore classics, dark academia hardcovers, or vibrantly illustrated fantasy novels, readers crave books that blend seamlessly into their lives and personal style.

2. Bookstores and Shelf Appeal

Books aren’t just meant to be read, they’re meant to be seen. Whether browsing a physical bookstore or an online shop, covers determine which books catch our attention.

Think about how you wander into a bookstore, your gaze naturally falls on beautifully designed books, compelling typography, and stunning color palettes. If a book’s cover looks uninspired, it risks getting overlooked entirely.

Aesthetic Books Make Reading More Enjoyable

Surrounding yourself with books that visually appeal to you enhances the reading experience.

1. Owning Books That Feel Like Art

Books aren’t just consumable objects, they’re collectibles. A well, designed book is like a work of art you can hold in your hands.

When you buy books based on their covers, you’re not just purchasing stories, you’re curating a collection that brings you visual and intellectual joy.

2. Motivation to Read

Let’s be real, if a book’s design is gorgeous, you want to pick it up. There’s something satisfying about turning the pages of a beautifully printed, well, crafted edition.

Reading should be an immersive experience, and aesthetics enhance immersion. Holding a beautifully bound book makes the act of reading feel even more special.

Covers Help Readers Filter Through Millions of Choices

With millions of books in existence, judging a book by its cover is a necessary survival tool for readers.

1. The Overwhelming Book Market

Even if you dedicated your life to reading, you’d never finish all the books in existence. So how do you narrow the selection? Instinct. Visual appeal. Immediate connection.

Covers help streamline decisions. If a book cover doesn’t resonate with you, it’s an instant signal that it may not be right for you.

2. The Genre Cue

Book covers signal genre. A romance novel cover will look vastly different from a sci, fi epic or historical nonfiction. If you’re drawn to a certain type of design, chances are it aligns with your preferred genre.

Browsing books by their covers isn’t superficial, it’s efficient.

Publishers Know That Covers Matter

Publishers know we judge books by their covers, and they design accordingly.

1. The Psychology of Book Covers

Publishing houses invest in cover psychology, they study trends, reader preferences, and market data to ensure books appeal to the right audience. If publishers didn’t believe covers mattered, they wouldn’t spend thousands crafting the perfect design.

2. Cover Redesigns for New Audiences

Ever noticed how books get multiple cover versions? That’s because publishers redesign covers to attract new demographics. A book originally marketed as young adult may get a sophisticated redesign for adult audiences years later.

If publishers respect the power of aesthetics, why shouldn’t readers?

The Joy of Aesthetic Curation

Buying books based on their covers is an extension of personal taste.

1. Your Bookshelf Is a Reflection of You

Just as people decorate their homes with artwork that resonates with them, book lovers curate shelves that reflect who they are, what they love, and how they see the world.

Your book collection is uniquely yours. If only aesthetically pleasing books make the cut, so be it!

2. The Value of Owning “Beautiful Objects”

Books are not disposable. They are treasures, objects of meaning, beauty, and thought. Loving books for their visual appeal and content is no different from appreciating good design in architecture, fashion, or art.

Your reading experience should be beautiful in every sense, inside and out.

Aesthetics Matter, and That’s Okay

Judging a book by its cover is not shallow, it’s practical, instinctive, and deeply fulfilling. Covers guide our choices, spark curiosity, and enhance the joy of reading.

If a book’s cover doesn’t appeal to you, chances are its contents won’t either. A cover is an invitation, a promise of what’s inside. And in a world overflowing with books, choosing the ones that visually resonate with you makes perfect sense.

So go ahead, keep judging books by their covers. Your bookshelf will be all the better for it.

The Art of Buying More Books Than You Can Read, And Why That’s Okay

The Reader’s Dilemma

There’s a particular joy in acquiring books. One that rivals, and sometimes surpasses, the act of reading itself. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of browsing a bookstore, adding titles to your online cart, or rearranging your shelves to accommodate new additions, you’re not alone.

For many readers, the rate of book-buying far exceeds the rate of reading. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “Tsundoku” (a Japanese term for acquiring books and letting them pile up unread), is common among book lovers worldwide. Some may see it as excessive, but there’s a compelling argument that owning unread books is not only acceptable, it’s something to be embraced.

This blog explores the joys, benefits, and philosophical perspectives behind accumulating books faster than you can read them, and why it’s absolutely okay to have books on your shelves that you may never get around to reading.

Why We Buy More Books Than We Can Read

Book lovers know the feeling of the irresistible pull of a promising title, the excitement of a new release, or the quiet satisfaction of adding a classic to the collection. But why do we buy books so eagerly, even when our unread pile looms over us?

1. The Joy of Possibility

Each book represents a doorway into a new world, a fresh perspective, or an untapped adventure. Owning books means having a reservoir of potential, ready to be explored at any time. The unread books on your shelf are like invitations waiting to be accepted, whenever the moment is right.

2. Aspirational Buying

Many readers buy books with the intention of reading them someday, whether it’s next week, next month, or even years later. Some purchases stem from aspirational reading, where we envision a future version of ourselves finally diving into complex philosophy, foreign literature, or a dense classic.

3. The Comfort of Owning Books

For bibliophiles, books aren’t just for reading; they’re for living among. There’s comfort in being surrounded by stories, knowledge, and ideas. A personal library serves as a reflection of curiosity, a testament to learning, and sometimes, a form of self-expression.

4. The Thrill of Collecting

Just as some people collect vinyl records, stamps, or art, book lovers often collect books as meaningful artifacts. Certain editions, rare finds, beautifully designed covers. These are all part of the excitement. The act of collecting becomes an experience in itself.

Unread Books Are Not a Waste

Some might argue that buying books without reading them is wasteful, but that’s not necessarily true. Unread books serve multiple purposes beyond immediate consumption.

1. Books as a Tapestry of Knowledge

Even if you don’t read every book on your shelf, you still benefit from the presence of their ideas. Having a variety of books in your personal collection broadens your intellectual horizons, even if you only engage with them sporadically.

2. The Reference Library Mindset

Not all books are meant to be read cover to cover. Some serve as reference material, dipped into when needed. A home library can be a source of ongoing inspiration, where certain books are revisited over time instead of consumed in a single sitting.

3. Serendipitous Reading Moments

Books have a way of finding us when we need them most. An unread book might sit on a shelf for years before suddenly becoming relevant due to new interests, life changes, or shifting perspectives. Having books readily available allows for these moments of spontaneous discovery.

4. The Joy of Future Reading

Unread books provide a future to look forward to. Even if you never read them all, just knowing that you could read them someday brings a quiet satisfaction. Books hold the promise of learning, adventure, and discovery, waiting for the perfect moment.

The Philosophy of Owning Unread Books

Several thinkers and scholars have explored the idea that unread books have intrinsic value.

1. Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s “Antilibrary” Concept

Taleb, author of The Black Swan, coined the term “Antilibrary” to describe the idea that our unread books are more valuable than the ones we’ve already read. He argues that owning a large number of unread books keeps us aware of how much we don’t know, fostering intellectual humility and a drive for learning.

2. The Shelf as a Reflection of a Reader’s Mind

Your book collection isn’t just a pile of unread texts, it’s a mirror reflecting your interests, aspirations, and intellectual curiosity. Whether or not you read every book, their presence signifies what you care about and want to explore.

3. Permission to Be a Book Lover Without Guilt

The pressure to finish every book you buy can turn reading into a chore rather than a joy. Instead, embracing unread books means accepting that reading is a lifelong journey, not a race. There’s no shame in owning books you may never finish. What matters is the love for stories and ideas.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Ever-Growing Library

While accumulating books is a joy, some readers may feel overwhelmed by their ever-expanding collections. Here are some ways to balance book-buying with mindful reading:

1. Embrace the Unread Stack

Rather than viewing unread books as a burden, see them as a treasure trove of possibilities. Give yourself permission to appreciate the collection without stress.

2. Rotate Your Library

Consider periodically reorganizing your shelves. Moving books around helps rediscover forgotten titles and sparks interest in ones you haven’t picked up yet.

3. Sample Books Instead of Finishing Them

Some books don’t need to be read cover to cover. Reading a few chapters or exploring sections that intrigue you can be just as rewarding.

4. Develop a Reading Mood System

Instead of forcing yourself through a rigid list, pick up books based on mood and curiosity rather than obligation. This way, reading stays enjoyable and spontaneous.

5. Accept That Some Books Are Meant for Later or Never

Some books serve their purpose simply by existing in your library. Even if you never read them, they contribute to your intellectual landscape and serve as a reminder of interests that once excited you.

The Beauty of Unread Books

In a world that often demands productivity and efficiency, there’s something wonderfully rebellious about collecting books for the sheer joy of owning them, without the pressure to read them all immediately.

Books are more than words on pages. They are symbols of curiosity, exploration, and knowledge. Your bookshelf isn’t a checklist, it’s a living, evolving collection of ideas, waiting for you whenever the time feels right.

So go ahead, buy that next book. You don’t need to justify it. Your shelves are a sanctuary, and every unread book holds a story, even if it’s just the story of why you picked it up.

10 tips creating interesting protagonists

If you are a writer who wants to craft engaging stories with memorable characters, you might be wondering how to create interesting protagonists that readers will care about. Protagonists are the main characters of your novel, the ones who drive the plot and face the main conflict. They are the ones who readers will root for, empathise with, and relate to. But how do you make them interesting and realistic? Here are 10 tips to help you create compelling protagonists for your novel.

1. Give them a clear goal and motivation. Your protagonist should have a clear and specific goal that they want to achieve by the end of the novel, and a strong reason why they want it. This will help you create a clear arc for your character and make them proactive and driven. For example, Harry Potter wants to defeat Voldemort because he killed his parents and threatens the wizarding world. Katniss Everdeen wants to survive the Hunger Games because she loves her sister and wants to protect her district.

2. Give them flaws and weaknesses. No one is perfect, and neither should your protagonist be. Giving your protagonist flaws and weaknesses will make them more human and relatable, and also create more challenges and conflicts for them to overcome. Flaws can be personality traits, habits, beliefs, or fears that hinder your protagonist from achieving their goal or make them act in ways that are not ideal. For example, Frodo Baggins is brave and loyal, but he is also naive and susceptible to the corrupting power of the Ring.

3. Give them strengths and skills. While your protagonist should have flaws and weaknesses, they should also have strengths and skills that help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goal. Strengths can be personality traits, talents, abilities, or values that make your protagonist admirable and likable, and also give them an edge in certain situations. For example, Hermione Granger is intelligent and knowledgeable, but she is also courageous and loyal.

4. Give them a backstory and a character arc. Your protagonist should have a history that shapes who they are and why they act the way they do. A backstory can include their family, friends, culture, education, experiences, traumas, or secrets that influence their personality, motivation, goal, and worldview. A character arc is the change that your protagonist undergoes throughout the novel as they face challenges, learn lessons, grow as a person, or achieve their goal. For example, Elizabeth Bennet starts out as a proud and prejudiced young woman who dislikes Mr. Darcy, but gradually learns to see beyond his outward appearance and manners and falls in love with him.

5. Give them a voice and a point of view. Your protagonist should have a distinctive voice and a point of view that reflects their personality, background, education, age, gender, culture, etc. A voice is the way your protagonist speaks or narrates the story, which can include their word choice, tone, style, humour, etc. A point of view is the perspective from which your protagonist sees and experiences the story, which can include their thoughts, feelings, opinions, biases, etc. For example, Holden Caulfield has a cynical and sarcastic voice and a rebellious and disillusioned point of view.

6. Give them relationships and interactions with other characters. Your protagonist should not exist in a vacuum; they should have relationships and interactions with other characters that affect their story and development. These can include allies, enemies, friends, family members, love interests, mentors, rivals, etc. These relationships and interactions can reveal more about your protagonist’s personality, motivation, goal, conflict, growth, etc. For example, Bilbo Baggins has relationships and interactions with Gandalf, the dwarves, Gollum, Smaug, that challenge and change him as a character.

7. Give them challenges and conflicts to overcome. Your protagonist should face challenges and conflicts that test their abilities, values, beliefs, and emotions. These can be external or internal, physical or psychological, personal or societal, etc. These challenges and conflicts should create tension, suspense, and stakes for your protagonist and your story. They should also force your protagonist to make choices and take actions that have consequences and implications for themselves and others. For example, Luke Skywalker faces challenges and conflicts with Darth Vader, the Empire, the Force, his family, his destiny.

8. Give them emotions and reactions to events. Your protagonist should have emotions and reactions to the events that happen in your story. These can be positive or negative, intense or subtle, expected or unexpected, etc. These emotions and reactions should show how your protagonist feels about themselves, others, and their situation. They should also affect their choices and actions. For example, Anne Shirley has emotions and reactions to her adoption, her new home, her schoolmates, her adventures.

9. Give them quirks and hobbies that make them unique. Your protagonist should have quirks and hobbies that make them stand out from other characters and add some flavour to your story. These can be physical traits, mannerisms, speech patterns, interests, passions, or hobbies that show your protagonist’s individuality and personality. They can also provide some comic relief, contrast, or insight into your protagonist’s character. For example, Sherlock Holmes has quirks such as his violin playing, his pipe smoking, his deductive reasoning, his eccentric behaviour.

10. Give them a name that suits them. Your protagonist should have a name that suits their personality, background, culture, age, gender, etc. A name can convey a lot of information about your character and create a first impression for your readers. You can choose a name that is common or uncommon, simple or complex, short or long, meaningful or random, etc. You can also use nicknames, aliases, titles, or initials to add some variety or mystery to your character’s name. For example, Jane Eyre has a name that is plain, simple, short, and common, which reflects her modest, practical, humble, and ordinary character.

10 writing tips

Writing a novel is not an easy task, but it can be rewarding and fulfilling if you follow some tips and techniques. Here are 10 tips that can help you in creating interesting stories for novel writers.

1. Start with a strong premise. A premise is the core idea or concept of your story, the main question or problem that drives the plot. A strong premise will intrigue your readers and make them want to know more. For example, what if a boy discovers he is a wizard and has to go to a school of magic? What if a girl falls in love with a vampire who wants to kill her? What if a detective has to solve a murder that he committed?

2. Develop your characters. Characters are the heart and soul of your story, the ones who make your readers care and empathize. To create interesting characters, you need to give them personality, motivation, goals, flaws, strengths, and conflicts. You also need to make them dynamic, meaning they change and grow throughout the story as a result of their experiences.

3. Create a plot outline. A plot outline is a roadmap of your story, the sequence of events that happen from the beginning to the end. A plot outline will help you organize your ideas, avoid plot holes, and maintain consistency and coherence. You can use different methods to create a plot outline, such as the three-act structure, the hero’s journey, or the snowflake method.

4. Write scenes that move the story forward. Scenes are the building blocks of your story, the units of action and dialogue that show what happens to your characters and how they react. To write effective scenes, you need to have a clear purpose for each scene, such as introducing a character, advancing the plot, revealing information, creating tension, or resolving a conflict. You also need to use sensory details, vivid descriptions, and realistic dialogue to immerse your readers in your story world.

5. Show, don’t tell. Showing means using specific details and examples to illustrate your point, while telling means using general statements and summaries to explain your point. Showing is more engaging and convincing than telling because it allows your readers to experience your story through their own senses and emotions. For example, instead of telling your readers that a character is angry, show them how they act, speak, and look when they are angry.

6. Use different types of conflict. Conflict is the engine of your story, the source of drama and suspense that keeps your readers interested and invested. Conflict can be external or internal, meaning it can come from outside forces or from within your characters. External conflict can be physical, such as fighting an enemy or escaping a danger; social, such as competing with a rival or opposing a group; or situational, such as facing a natural disaster or a moral dilemma. Internal conflict can be emotional, such as dealing with fear or guilt; psychological, such as struggling with an addiction or a mental illness; or moral, such as choosing between right and wrong.

7. Vary your sentence structure and word choice. Sentence structure and word choice are important elements of your writing style, the way you express yourself and convey your voice. To create interesting stories for novel writers, you need to vary your sentence structure and word choice to avoid monotony and repetition. You can use different types of sentences, such as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex; different lengths of sentences, such as short, medium, or long; and different types of words, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, synonyms, antonyms, or figurative language.

8. Use dialogue to reveal character and advance plot. Dialogue is the spoken words between your characters, the way they communicate and interact with each other. Dialogue can reveal character by showing their personality traits, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and motivations. Dialogue can also advance plot by moving the action forward, providing information, creating tension, or resolving conflict. To write effective dialogue, you need to make it realistic, consistent, distinctive, and concise.

9. Revise and edit your draft. Revising and editing are essential steps in creating interesting stories for novel writers. Revising means improving the content, structure, and style of your draft, while editing means correcting the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting of your draft. To revise and edit your draft, you need to read it multiple times, get feedback from others, and use tools such as dictionaries, thesauruses, or grammar checkers.

10. Publish or share your story. Publishing or sharing your story is the final step in creating interesting stories for novel writers. Publishing means making your story available to the public, while sharing means giving your story to specific people or groups. You can publish or share your story in different ways, such as submitting it to a publisher, agent, or magazine; self-publishing it online or in print; or posting it on a blog, website, or social media platform. Publishing or sharing your story will help you reach an audience, get feedback, and improve your skills as a writer.

10 tips to help turn your 50,000 word story into a 100,000 word novel

If you have written a story that is around 50,000 words long, you might be wondering if you can turn it into a novel. A novel is usually defined as a work of fiction that is at least 60000 words long, but many novels are much longer than that. In fact, some genres, such as fantasy and science fiction, often require novels to be at least 80000 or 10,0000 words long to be considered marketable.

So how can you turn your 50,000 word story into a 10,0000 word novel? Here are some tips that might help you expand your story without losing its essence or quality.

1. Add subplots. One of the easiest ways to add more words to your story is to introduce subplots that are related to the main plot, but explore different aspects of your characters, themes, or setting. Subplots can also create more tension, suspense, or interest for your readers, as they wonder how the different threads will come together in the end. For example, if your main plot is about a detective solving a murder case, you could add subplots about their personal life, their relationship with their partner, or their backstory.

2. Add more scenes that show rather than tell what is happening. Instead of summarizing or skipping over important events, you could write them out in detail, using dialogue, action, and description. Ttheir will not only make your story longer, but also more immersive and engaging for your readers. For example, if your story is about a girl who falls in love with a vampire, you could add more scenes that show how they met, how they interacted, how they faced challenges, etc.

3. Add more characters that have a role or an impact on the main plot or the subplots. You could introduce new allies, enemies, friends, family members, or other people that your protagonist encounters along their journey. Adding more characters can also create more opportunities for dialogue, conflict, and development for your main character and others. For example, if your story is about a boy who goes on a quest to find a magical artifact, you could add more characters that join him, help him, hinder him, or betray him.

4. Add more description of your setting, characters, and actions. You could use more sensory details, metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to make your writing more vivid and colourful. You could also use more backstory, flashbacks, foreshadowing, and other techniques to add more depth and complexity to your story. For example, if your story is about a woman who travels to a foreign country for work, you could add more description of the culture, the landscape, the people, and her experiences.

5. Add more conflict between your characters and their goals. You could make their obstacles harder, their enemies stronger, their choices tougher, and their consequences worse. You could also add more internal conflict for your characters, such as doubts, fears, guilt, or regrets. Adding more conflict can also make your story more dramatic, exciting, and emotional for your readers. For example, if your story is about a man who wants to become a famous singer, you could add more conflict with their rivals, their family, their fans, or himself.

6. Add more themes that explore the meaning or message of your story. You could use symbols, motifs, allusions, or other devices to convey your themes throughout your story. You could also use different perspectives, voices, or styles to express your themes in different ways. Adding more themes can also make your story more meaningful, thought-provoking, and memorable for your readers. For example, if your story is about a group of rebels fighting against a tyrannical regime, you could add more themes about freedom, justice, power, or loyalty.

7. Add more twists that surprise or shock your readers. You could change the direction of your plot, reveal new information, introduce new complications, or expose hidden secrets. Adding more twists can also make your story more unpredictable, intriguing, and satisfying for your readers. For example, if your story is about a woman who inherits a haunted house from her grandmother, you could add more twists about the origin of the haunting, the identity of the ghost, or the fate of the woman.

8. Add more humour that makes your readers laugh or smile. You could use jokes, puns, irony, sarcasm, or other forms of humour to lighten up the mood of your story. You could also use humour to contrast with the seriousness or darkness of your story, to create relief or balance for your readers. Adding more humour can also make your story more enjoyable, funny, and relatable for your readers. For example, if your story is about a zombie apocalypse survivor who tries to find other survivors, you could add more humour about their encounters with zombies, their survival skills, or their personality.

9. Add an epilogue that shows what happens after the main plot ends. You could use an epilogue to wrap up any loose ends, to show the consequences of the main plot, to give closure or satisfaction to your readers. You could also use an epilogue to hint at a sequel or a spin-off of your story, to create curiosity or anticipation for your readers. Adding an epilogue can also make your story longer without affecting its pace or structure too much. For example, if your story is about a spy who saves the world from a nuclear threat, you could add an epilogue that shows their retirement, their new life, or their next mission.

10. Add a prologue that shows what happens before the main plot begins. You could use a prologue to set up the context, the background, or the inciting incident of your story. You could also use a prologue to hook, intrigue, or puzzle your readers. Adding a prologue can also make your story longer without affecting its pace or structure too much. For example, if your story is about a wizard who discovers a hidden world of magic, you could add a prologue that shows their childhood, their first encounter with magic, or their invitation to join the wizarding world.

The best ways of creating interesting character arcs when writing a novel

A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story. It is how a character changes as a result of the events and conflicts they face. A character arc can make a story more engaging and satisfying for the readers, as they witness the growth and development of the protagonist and other characters.

There are different types of character arcs, such as positive, negative, flat, or dynamic. A positive character arc is when a character overcomes a flaw or weakness and becomes a better person. A negative character arc is when a character succumbs to a flaw or weakness and becomes a worse person. A flat character arc is when a character does not change significantly, but rather maintains their beliefs and values in the face of challenges. A dynamic character arc is when a character changes in multiple ways, sometimes unpredictably or inconsistently.

Regardless of the type of character arc, there are some general steps that can help you create interesting and believable character arcs for your novel. Here are some of them:

1. Identify your character’s goal and motivation. What does your character want and why? How does this relate to the main plot and theme of your novel? Your character’s goal and motivation should drive their actions and decisions throughout the story.

2. Identify your character’s flaw or weakness. What is holding your character back from achieving their goal or fulfilling their potential? How does this affect their relationships and self-esteem? Your character’s flaw or weakness should create conflict and tension in the story, both internally and externally.

3. Identify your character’s change or growth. How does your character overcome or succumb to their flaw or weakness? How do they learn from their experiences and mistakes? How do they become a different person by the end of the story? Your character’s change or growth should be gradual and realistic, not sudden or forced.

4. Show your character’s arc through actions and reactions. How does your character behave and respond to different situations and challenges? How do they interact with other characters and influence them? How do they express their emotions and thoughts? Your character’s arc should be shown through what they do and say, not just what they think or feel.

5. Balance your character’s arc with other elements of your novel. How does your character’s arc fit with the overall structure and pace of your novel? How does it complement or contrast with other characters’ arcs? How does it support or challenge the main theme and message of your novel? Your character’s arc should not overshadow or undermine other aspects of your novel, but rather enhance and enrich them.

Creating interesting character arcs can be challenging, but also rewarding. By following these steps, you can craft compelling characters that will captivate your readers and make them care about their journeys.

5 book recommendations for Children

If you are looking for some novels to get your children into books and reading, here are five recommendations. These novels are suitable for ages 10 and under, and they cover a range of genres, themes and styles.

– **Little House on the Prairie** by Laura Ingalls Wilder: This classic frontier novel is inspired by the author’s own childhood in the 19th century. It tells the story of a pioneer family that travels through the Midwest by covered wagon and settles in a little grey house made of logs. The novel depicts the daily life, challenges and adventures of living in the wilderness with vivid detail and authenticity.

– **A Wrinkle in Time** by Madeleine L’Engle: This science fiction fantasy novel follows the journey of Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they search for Meg’s father, a time traveling physicist who has disappeared. They are aided by three mysterious beings who guide them through a fifth dimension called a tesseract, where they encounter strange worlds and evil forces.

– **The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe** by C.S. Lewis: This is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, which introduces the magical land of Narnia, where animals can talk and winter lasts forever. Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, discover Narnia through a wardrobe in an old house and join forces with Aslan, the great lion king, to defeat the evil White Witch who has cursed the land.

– **Charlotte’s Web** by E.B. White: This beloved children’s classic tells the story of a friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is destined to be slaughtered, but Charlotte decides to save him by spinning words into her web that praise him and make him famous. Along the way, they also befriend other animals on the farm and learn about life, death and loyalty.

– **Matilda** by Roald Dahl: This humorous and fantastical novel features Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant and neglected girl who loves reading books and playing pranks on her mean parents and school headmistress. She also discovers that she has telekinetic powers, which she uses to help her friends and teachers and to get revenge on her enemies.