I used to write my characters from the plot backwards until a writing buddy called me out

My friend Jen read my first three chapters and said 'your people feel like puppets, not people.' She was right. I was so focused on hitting story beats I forgot to let my MC just react naturally to stuff. Has anyone else had a moment where a beta reader made you rethink your whole process?

2 comments

2 Comments

linda62620d ago

Oh man, nothing like a friend telling you your characters are basically cardboard cutouts with dialogue bubbles... hits different when someone just says it straight. I had a beta reader tell me my villain was "evil for no reason" and I spent a whole week just staring at my outline wondering if I even knew my own story. It stings but honestly it's the best thing that can happen to your writing.

the_rowan20d ago

Wait, did you actually cry a little? Cause I definitely did when my friend told me my main character had zero personality.