On Writing

Inner wants shape your character's lives

David Gane

May 21, 2023

We probably have 5–7 significant movements throughout our lives, shaped by the deep abstract internal that move us forward. For example:

as a baby, we might want security and love.
as a child, we might want independence.
as a teen, we might want social connections.
as an adult, we might want security.
as a senior, we might want a legacy.

These inner wants extend past the edges of our stories. They drive the character before the story begins and will continue afterward. Your character's desire for them can never be quenched—only shifted or replaced.

And always remember that your characters hold deep inner desires no matter what, so figuring it out and controlling it is your best strategy.

Ripples in the pond

This past week, my writing partner and I were at the Cathedral Arts Festival, a week-long event in our city. Every year, at the end of the celebration, several blocks of a street are closed for a fair filled with music, food, arts, and crafts. It's a fun

Mistakes happen

Yesterday's newsletter didn't go to the right group, so I had to resend it tonight. It may even come out after I'm finished with this blog post. I finished it early yesterday, did several edits, then had my wife read it before I sent

Pebbles

Write a blog post every day. Write your book every day. Show love to those close to you. Take walks. Exercise. Read. Each of these is a small pebble in the pond that ripples forward and backward through your life. Throw enough, and eventually, they'll ripple back. (h/

My first posts

I first started posting on Tumblr in May 2007. I shared family stuff and links until I eventually started writing about writing. Usually, it was about trying to convince people to write. A lot of it is uncomfortable to read now—a little too cocky and unsympathetic to people'

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Ripples in the pond

Mistakes happen

Pebbles

My first posts