Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development in The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club

Jan 31, 2019 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: reference

I have to admit, I've cheated with this book. There are three major sections, Positive Arc, Negative Arc, and Flat Arc. I only read the first section as that seems to me to be the arc I use. If and when I want to do a flat or negative arc, I'll read those sections. I also read it without applying it to any character. I'm thinking that I need to take the books I have on plot and character and see if I can put together a chart that will help me see how they work together. I'd love to feel like I h ...more

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May 17, 2020 Toi Thomas rated it really liked it

Shelves: rated, reviewed, nonfiction, writing

Actual rating 4.25.

This book was really good. From a writer's point of view, the information within these pages is invaluable. From the reader's perspective, I have a few small issues that kept me from loving it. Despite that, I will definitely read this book again and use it as a reference moving forward.

So, as a reader and writer, I try to take both perspectives into consideration even when reading nonfiction. As a reader, I expect to be entertained and educated at the same time, but perhaps Actual rating 4.25.

This book was really good. From a writer's point of view, the information within these pages is invaluable. From the reader's perspective, I have a few small issues that kept me from loving it. Despite that, I will definitely read this book again and use it as a reference moving forward.

So, as a reader and writer, I try to take both perspectives into consideration even when reading nonfiction. As a reader, I expect to be entertained and educated at the same time, but perhaps I expect too much. Still, don't let me paint the wrong picture for you. This book was not boring in any way. For me, it lacked entertainment value in that the author never really gets personal with her delivery. It would have been nice to see some of the author's tips and tricks put into practice, using her own work as an example. I've read a few writing books, now, where the author has done this, and it's made all the difference for me.

I really appreciated the depth and variety of examples provided to clearly explain the various steps to creating certain types of character ARCs, but I felt like a few more examples of "what not to do" could have been helpful too.

Being an extreme planner, myself, I have no idea how pantsers get through their first pages, let alone whole novels. Still, I think a few mentions and or tips specifically for pantsers would have been nice too; but, of course, now I just feel like I'm whining.

My next issue may sound a bit strange, and that's because it is. I know this author is female, but for some reason, I kept feeling a male voice while I was reading it. Again, this may sound stereotypical and just bad on my part, but I think not making the book more personal, took away from the author's own feminine voice. With that said, her voice isn't critical to appreciate the knowledge and experience conveyed in this book.

If I was simply a reader who wanted to know about how writer's create their stories and characters, I think I would enjoy the knowledge to be gained from this book, but it might feel like reading a textbook, which isn't a bad thing.

I will definitely recommend this book to other writers. ...more

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May 09, 2020 Ronel Janse van Vuuren rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, writing-craft

I've always enjoyed K.M. Weiland's blog and this book is no different.

The way she looks at structure, character growth, and the Lie, the Wound and the Truth was insightful.

Positive arc, flat arc and negative arc were new concepts, yet I've encountered them in books and even wrote them without knowing these terms. The examples she used were illuminating (especially Thor and Scrooge as these are characters and stories I know well).

Great list of resources at the back of the book.

A good addition to ...more

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Nov 01, 2016 Juneta Key rated it it was amazing

Shelves: writing-craft

My favorite part of writing is creating a character profile and building the character arc. I'm already a long-time fan and supporter of K. M. Weiland's work, nonfiction, and fiction. I think this may be my favorite yet of her nonfiction books. I learned new tricks and connections I had not thought about or given a lot of thought. Asking "the right question" is so much more important than just asking questions about the story and character. Asking is a way to begin, but "the right question" will ...more

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