The Novel Analyst Podcast by Jed Herne
A podcast that analyses stories to help you become a better writer
Use this technique to generate compelling, flawed, three-dimensional characters.
Or click here to listen online.
Show Notes:
Fires of the Dead – available in audiobook, ebook, & paperback.
Link to all formats here: jedherne.com/firesofthedead
Link to the audiobook deal: bit.ly/FOTDchirp
Episode 2 – The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie – Characterisation through Contradiction: bit.ly/bladeitselfNA
7 – The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie – Exploring Theme: bit.ly/theheroesNA
In this episode, I look at how Derek uses names to craft compelling, fleshed-out, interesting characters. Enjoy!
Or click here to listen online
Shownotes:
Derek’s tactics for creating awesome characters (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB5o1uAqodA
Superhero nation article on names: http://www.superheronation.com/2007/10/15/character-naming-superheroes-and-otherwise/
Random name generators:
Sometimes the key to compelling characters is to make them NOT fit neatly into your plot. That’s what Sanderson does in Warbreaker – a stand-alone fantasy book (that he also gives away for free on his website!).
Or click here to listen online
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Shownotes:
Get Warbreaker for free from Brandon’s website: https://brandonsanderson.com/books/warbreaker/warbreaker/
Get my free short story! A Clockwork Prison
Want awesome short stories, bite-sized writing advice, and lists of the best books to improve your craft? Join my VIP email list!
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and what made it strong was Abercrombie’s masterful control of theme. In this episode, I examine how The Heroes doesn’t cram a moral down readers throats, but instead uses characters, structure, and symbolism to explore how in a war it’s impossible to be a hero in every way and at every time …
Or click here to listen online
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Twitter: @JedHerne
Want awesome short stories, bite-sized writing advice, and lists of the best books to improve your craft? Join my VIP email list!
Shownotes:
Joe’s article on theme in The Heroes
Story by Robert McKee
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
(note: this post may have affiliate links – using them will give me a tiny bit of money, at no extra cost to you!)
Joe Abercrombie writes some of the most realistic, fleshed-out, and interesting characters in modern fantasy. Today, I’ll analyse what makes his characters so complex.
Links:
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Story by Robert McKee
The Novel Analyst Podcast by Jed Herne 