WD Newsletter: Susan Orlean and Compelling Characters

Villains come in many different forms. [Web Version »]( &p1=%40AThtPU6kl4ceLJC5ZXAhn1puEE87fKEr6IQltd7t1%2Fw%3D) [header]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Writer's Dig]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Publishing Insights]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [WD University]( ) [2nd Draft Critiques]( ) Advertisement [kauai writers conference]( ) [Guy Gonzalez]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) Every good story, whether fiction or nonfiction, needs a strong character or three. Susan Orlean’s research for The Library Book revealed a couple of especially compelling ones, and we’ve gathered some great insights from a few other authors. Want to write stronger characters yourself? Check out Tobias Buckell’s full-day workshop, [Polishing Rough Diamonds: Writing Flawed Characters in Unique Worlds.]( ) —Guy LeCharles Gonzalez Follow [@glecharles]( ) THE LIBRARY BOOK [Susan Orlean | The WD Interview]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) Susan Orlean thought she was done writing books when she heard about the 1986 fire that devastated the Los Angeles Public Library. The story so intrigued her that she spent four years researching and writing about it. The Library Book tells the story of the fire, which destroyed or damaged more than a million books, but also delves into the role of libraries throughout history and around the world, as well as Orlean’s personal love affair with libraries, which started when she was a little girl visiting the library with her mother. A long-time staff writer with The New Yorker, Orlean has seemingly written about everyone and everything, from the weird subculture of orchid fanatics (The Orchid Thief) to Hollywood’s most famous dog (Rin Tin Tin) to profiles of unusual individuals, such as Spain’s first female bullfighter. Her dedication to story has made her one of the most admired figures in contemporary journalism. Orlean talked with Writer’s Digest about the challenges of researching and writing The Library Book, why the story intrigued her so, how libraries are meeting the needs of 21st century patrons and a few thoughts about craft. [Read More...]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Name]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 ADVERTISEMENT &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 CHECK THESE OUT [Nothing Is Fiction]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) Former journalist and award-winning author Fred Waitzkin made the leap from nonfiction to fiction by accepting that nothing is fiction—everything is inspired by his real-life experience. [Read More...]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Sometimes the Story Writes Itself]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) Writing fiction can be like dreaming, coming from our subconscious. Cheryl A. Ossola suggests writers need to get out of the story’s way. [Read More...]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Three Ways to Discover Who Your Characters Really Are]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) Don’t “create” characters; get to know them instead. John Jamison has used the power of story in various roles—from pastor to brand development consultant—and he has some unique methods for getting to know his characters [Read More...]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Creating Multi-Layered Villains You Love to Hate]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) The villains we remember most aren’t just bad, they have layers of goodness woven in. Jeanne Veillette Bowerman explains how very character can have their own antagonist within your story. [Read More...]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Writer's Digest Weekly Writing Prompt]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [What in The World?]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) Your character’s day has been every sort of strange that you can imagine. Write about this day from their perspective—in the voice of a children's book. [Start writing...]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) [Writer's Digest University]( ) [Publishing Your Children's Book: How to Write and Pitch Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Picture Book Manuscripts]( ) The growth of the children's book sector has been unprecedented this past decade—so how can you make your manuscript stand out in these crowded categories and genres? In this [WDU Online Boot Camp]( ) starting June 25, three agents from P.S. Literary Agency will show you how to make your submission stand out. [Reserve Your Virtual Seat...]( ) [Name]( ) &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=261386804 Please do not reply to this email. We are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please [click here to contact us]( ). This email was sent by: F+W, 10151 Carver Road, Suite 300, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 USA [Unsubscribe]( &cid=DM124266&bid=1210203326) | [Web Version »]( &p1=%40AThtPU6kl4ceLJC5ZXAhn1puEE87fKEr6IQltd7t1%2Fw%3D) We respect your right to privacy. [View our policy.]( )