by Sherrie Wilkolaski
Oftentimes authors underestimate the importance of researching their next project. Why spend your time researching when you could be writing, especially when you’re on a deadline? What we forget, however, is how important research can be in creating and establishing memorable characters. Consider these tips the next time you start writing. 
1. Create believable characters. When it comes to character development, the author knows them best. Their background, physical traits and personality, even their body language. The sky is truly the limit when the goal is creating characters that your audience will find intriguing or relatable. By the end, you will be the one that knows exactly what makes your characters tick.
2. Refer to your blog. If you’ve designed blog articles around your characters, look back at them to spark new ideas. You might just stumble upon a new story, divergent plotline or entertaining antagonist. Referring back to your older work can help in the development of your characters, both old and new.
3. Practice makes perfect. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were your characters. They might evolve and change throughout a single novel or across an entire series. You might not initially like how you wrote them or they might end up surprising you. No one character is exactly the same, which is why practicing writing different types of characters, even ones that may be out of your comfort zone, can be so exciting.
4. Test out new ideas. If you’re working on a new character or not sure which way to take an established character, ask your readers. Post a sample book excerpt on your website or social media. You’ll create excitement; your readers will enjoy being a part of the process.
How do you develop your characters? Share with us in the comments below.
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Image courtesy of forwardcom.
