Profiles, Purpose, & Progression

In this workshop, we'll explore the art of character creation from the writer's perspective, discussing not only how to develop rich, believable characters, but also how to decide what information belongs behind the scenes and what should be revealed to readers. We'll examine the difference between the character knowledge that helps you write authentically and the information that serves the story. You'll learn how to reveal backstory with intention, build intrigue through carefully timed revelations, and determine how character development differs between standalone novels and long-running series. During this interactive workshop, we will: • Build well-rounded, believable characters from the inside out • Explore how personality, motivation, flaws, and goals shape a character's choices • Discuss how much an author should know about a character versus how much a reader needs to know • Learn when and how to reveal backstory naturally • Compare character development strategies for standalone novels and multi-book series • Practice techniques for weaving characterization into dialogue, action, and internal thoughts rather than relying on exposition Strong characters aren't defined by how much information you create—they're defined by how intentionally you reveal it. By the end of this workshop, you'll have practical tools for creating memorable characters whose stories unfold naturally, keeping readers invested from the first page to the last.