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The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs: A Fiction Writer's Guide to Masterful Character Creation
Transform your story with a character your readers will remember long after they’ve turned the last page When you think of unforgettable characters from books you’ve read, who comes to mind? James Bond, Harry Potter, Scarlett O’Hara, Elizabeth Bennett, Atticus Finch, Sherlock Holmes? These are just some of the most iconic characters in fiction. They are so memorable that even decades or centuries later, they still captivate our imagination. But what exactly is it about them that keeps readers through generations so invested in them? Despite their vast differences in age, gender, nationality, occupation, and personality, each of them has a special quality that makes us want to know them more. Whether it’s James Bond’s suave demeanor, Scarlett O’Hara’s haughty vulnerability, or Atticus Finch’s righteousness, we’re hooked. Do you want to know how you too can create your own unforgettable characters that your readers will be dying to read about? Yes, it’s rare to write such timeless characters – even some bestselling authors don’t have widely recognizable protagonists. However, it’s entirely possible to write characters that resonate strongly with your readers – and get them hooked on your story – no matter how new you are to the game. Writers apply certain rules and tricks with their characters to make their stories shine and keep their audience engrossed. And with this guide, you’ll find out exactly what they are. In The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs , here is just a fraction of what you will And much more. Writing your first story (or your latest one) can be intimidating. The stakes seem to be higher when writing down words rather than just saying them out loud. But remember that you’re allowed to make mistakes, change things up, delete, and add to your story however many times you need to. Plus, with the techniques from this guide at your disposal, you can approach your writing with more confidence. Sometimes, all you need to do is get started… and the ideas will just keep flowing from there. If you want to take your stories to the next level, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.
194 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2022
477 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 24, 2024
Absolutely dreadful. This is a classic example of an awful book being sold by an eye-catching cover and title. The first give away that Warner isn’t qualified should have been the fact that he mentions that he’s been studying creative writing for 35 years, not that he’s actually achieved any success as a writer or an educator. Some people are great educators without ever obtaining success themselves. Warner is not one of those people.
The content of the book is extremely barebones and isn’t even worth the paper it’s printed on. All of Warner’s tips and “secrets” are things that you could learn for free online or by flipping through a high school English textbook. In fact, you would likely get significantly better information from a free 30 minute video on YouTube. Nothing in this book provides any value, and I am disappointed I wasted my team reading it.
Warner covers the absolute basics of writing a story, introducing novel concepts like: having a compelling plot, and giving your characters depth. All truly groundbreaking advice!! He breaks down these secrets to writing in bullet point formatting where half of the bullets tell you to “think of the plot line of Back to the Future.”
Beyond the lack of any substance, Warner pads the book full of useless fluff. Nearly every chapter, heading, and subheading starts and ends with a full paragraph of him reiterating what he’s about to do. This would be helpful, save for the fact that he just introduced the topic so there’s no need for him to say “Therefore, in the next section, I will try to explain X.” This would be acceptable if it only happened once or twice, but it happens constantly. Anyone who went through middle school writing classes remembers that you’re supposed to show, not tell. Yet Warner is trying to instruct us on proper writing but repeatedly telling us what he’s going to do.
If all of Warner’s unnecessary fluff and poor writing were removed, this book would be about 15 pages long. Those 15 pages should be presented as a concise pdf, as a lecture, or in a free online video. Instead, Warner bloats them into a 185 page book, passes off common writing knowledge as new information, and sells it to the unsuspecting consumer.
Do not buy this book. Do not read this book. If you want to learn how to write, there are tens of thousands of free resources online that are significantly better. If you want a book on writing, pick up one that actual authors recommend. Whatever you do, do not pick up this book. Shame on you John S. Warner. Shame on you for thinking you could write a book on writing when you are clearly unqualified to do so.
The content of the book is extremely barebones and isn’t even worth the paper it’s printed on. All of Warner’s tips and “secrets” are things that you could learn for free online or by flipping through a high school English textbook. In fact, you would likely get significantly better information from a free 30 minute video on YouTube. Nothing in this book provides any value, and I am disappointed I wasted my team reading it.
Warner covers the absolute basics of writing a story, introducing novel concepts like: having a compelling plot, and giving your characters depth. All truly groundbreaking advice!! He breaks down these secrets to writing in bullet point formatting where half of the bullets tell you to “think of the plot line of Back to the Future.”
Beyond the lack of any substance, Warner pads the book full of useless fluff. Nearly every chapter, heading, and subheading starts and ends with a full paragraph of him reiterating what he’s about to do. This would be helpful, save for the fact that he just introduced the topic so there’s no need for him to say “Therefore, in the next section, I will try to explain X.” This would be acceptable if it only happened once or twice, but it happens constantly. Anyone who went through middle school writing classes remembers that you’re supposed to show, not tell. Yet Warner is trying to instruct us on proper writing but repeatedly telling us what he’s going to do.
If all of Warner’s unnecessary fluff and poor writing were removed, this book would be about 15 pages long. Those 15 pages should be presented as a concise pdf, as a lecture, or in a free online video. Instead, Warner bloats them into a 185 page book, passes off common writing knowledge as new information, and sells it to the unsuspecting consumer.
Do not buy this book. Do not read this book. If you want to learn how to write, there are tens of thousands of free resources online that are significantly better. If you want a book on writing, pick up one that actual authors recommend. Whatever you do, do not pick up this book. Shame on you John S. Warner. Shame on you for thinking you could write a book on writing when you are clearly unqualified to do so.
April 29, 2022
I encountered this book on social media, where the author was offering free advance copies in exchange for an honest review. Seemed like a good deal to me, so I went for it.
I came to this book just after reading Will Storr’s excellent “The Science of Storytelling”. I was sceptical that it would be as good as Storr’s book, which I loved. But in fact, this book is also very good indeed, if very different.
Storr’s book begins with a lengthy introduction to storytelling’s central place in human psychology. He follows this with a potted history of how critics have broken down the art of storytelling to try to understand what makes a good story.
This book takes a different approach. It more or less takes theory as given and says, “Right, this is how you tell a good story.” Its main focus is on the “holy trinity” of plot, structure and character. I thought the section on structure was particularly good, and I liked the way the author distinguished between plot and structure and showed how to use both to tell a story.
The book’s main focus is on character, how to build three-dimensional characters that readers will respond to. There is a very good discussion of character arcs. In this and all the other sections, there are exercises to get you to practise what the author is talking about.
For me, the book has two great strengths. The first is clarity. Everything is very clear and there are brilliant graphics which explain its most important concepts. The second is that is offers the writer options. It gives several different approaches to almost every question, leaving it to the writer to choose which one (or which combination) suits their story.
I am very happy to recommend this book. It’s an excellent guide for new writers, and I will be using it for the planning stage of the book I have been about to start for the last few months. I think it would also be a great book for someone with writer’s block.
I came to this book just after reading Will Storr’s excellent “The Science of Storytelling”. I was sceptical that it would be as good as Storr’s book, which I loved. But in fact, this book is also very good indeed, if very different.
Storr’s book begins with a lengthy introduction to storytelling’s central place in human psychology. He follows this with a potted history of how critics have broken down the art of storytelling to try to understand what makes a good story.
This book takes a different approach. It more or less takes theory as given and says, “Right, this is how you tell a good story.” Its main focus is on the “holy trinity” of plot, structure and character. I thought the section on structure was particularly good, and I liked the way the author distinguished between plot and structure and showed how to use both to tell a story.
The book’s main focus is on character, how to build three-dimensional characters that readers will respond to. There is a very good discussion of character arcs. In this and all the other sections, there are exercises to get you to practise what the author is talking about.
For me, the book has two great strengths. The first is clarity. Everything is very clear and there are brilliant graphics which explain its most important concepts. The second is that is offers the writer options. It gives several different approaches to almost every question, leaving it to the writer to choose which one (or which combination) suits their story.
I am very happy to recommend this book. It’s an excellent guide for new writers, and I will be using it for the planning stage of the book I have been about to start for the last few months. I think it would also be a great book for someone with writer’s block.
June 7, 2022
As an aspiring author I have been always looking for reference works to assist in the fiction writing process. I have read quite a few but very few have had the impact that this work has had. I found it engaging and the exercises worthwhile. I have annotated by copy so that I can reuse is advise and guidance.
In addition the reference list is a wealth of further information for any who want to expand their writing craft. Well worth the cost.
In addition the reference list is a wealth of further information for any who want to expand their writing craft. Well worth the cost.
May 13, 2022
False Representation
This book implies that it is about character arcs in depth with great detail. Only two chapters somewhat address character arc with no game-changing revelations.
You can get the same information for free on the internet. This is a shallow explanation of how to write a novel in general, NOT an in-depth immersion into character arcing.
This book implies that it is about character arcs in depth with great detail. Only two chapters somewhat address character arc with no game-changing revelations.
You can get the same information for free on the internet. This is a shallow explanation of how to write a novel in general, NOT an in-depth immersion into character arcing.
August 14, 2025
This book is incredibly helpful for those who don’t know much about what they’re doing with their character creations. I had to learn from trial and error throughout the years, so this book would’ve been good for me back then. Nowadays, I think I’ve figured it out on my own how to make characters that aren’t Mary Sue types. Or at least less so.
May 27, 2022
I was given the opportunity to read John S. Warner's book The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs: A Fiction Writer's Guide to Masterful Character Creation (Growing Authors Out of Writers). I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to listen to and review this book. However, the follow review is not influenced by their generosity.
As a published author, I've listed to a lot of craft books. As a general whole, this book really doesn't provide anything new to the actual conversation of writing craft. I also found this book less about creating character acrs than it was a general book about writing. If you're looking for a book that's a deep dive into character and character arcs, this is not going to enhance your skills set. If you are an advanced novelist who has read a ton of craft books, this book is probably not for you either.
So, you may be wondering why I rated it high based on my previous paragraph. Here's why. I think the book is a short, sweet book that gets to the basics of narrative form and how to craft a story. I wish I had read this book years ago when I was first starting out as a novelist because it would have saved me a lot of time. So, is this book for advanced writers? Not at all. Would I recommend this book for someone just starting out as a writer? Most definitely.
As a published author, I've listed to a lot of craft books. As a general whole, this book really doesn't provide anything new to the actual conversation of writing craft. I also found this book less about creating character acrs than it was a general book about writing. If you're looking for a book that's a deep dive into character and character arcs, this is not going to enhance your skills set. If you are an advanced novelist who has read a ton of craft books, this book is probably not for you either.
So, you may be wondering why I rated it high based on my previous paragraph. Here's why. I think the book is a short, sweet book that gets to the basics of narrative form and how to craft a story. I wish I had read this book years ago when I was first starting out as a novelist because it would have saved me a lot of time. So, is this book for advanced writers? Not at all. Would I recommend this book for someone just starting out as a writer? Most definitely.
June 27, 2022
This book deals not just with creating character arcs but how to do so alongside plot and structure. Whilst there is little new, what this book does is collate a ton of useful ideas in one place, as well as a few checklists. I particularly liked the writing exercises as a way to put the theory into practice.
if you are new to writing then you'll find this book invaluable. If you are a seasoned writer then you'll want to keep this book handy as a reminder.
All in all, a useful book at a good price.
if you are new to writing then you'll find this book invaluable. If you are a seasoned writer then you'll want to keep this book handy as a reminder.
All in all, a useful book at a good price.
May 2, 2022
I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who writes character driven stories, I can say that the Secret to Creating Character Arcs is not only the beginner's guide to writing, but a refreshing wealth of knowledge for the more advanced writer. What sets Warner's book apart from others like On Writing by Steven King, is that it wastes none of your time and reads like a textbook packed with tips to take your story to the next level.
As someone who writes character driven stories, I can say that the Secret to Creating Character Arcs is not only the beginner's guide to writing, but a refreshing wealth of knowledge for the more advanced writer. What sets Warner's book apart from others like On Writing by Steven King, is that it wastes none of your time and reads like a textbook packed with tips to take your story to the next level.
February 1, 2024
Too many things to highlight!
I had to quit highlighting a sentence or two in every third paragraph. So much good advice - some I remembered, some was new. But I realized why I stopped writing after the first 300 pages, what had me blocked. I highly recommend this book. Borrowed on Unlimited, going to purchase in paperback and start over again from the beginning with notebook in hand.
I had to quit highlighting a sentence or two in every third paragraph. So much good advice - some I remembered, some was new. But I realized why I stopped writing after the first 300 pages, what had me blocked. I highly recommend this book. Borrowed on Unlimited, going to purchase in paperback and start over again from the beginning with notebook in hand.
February 20, 2024
Easy-to-read and inspiring!
This book was one of the most helpful craft books I've read so far! If guidance on character building in your stories is what you need, then you need this! It really helped me understand the nuances of character arcs and helped me learn more about the craft of writing in general! I will be reading and referencing this again as I continue to plow through writing my novel.
This book was one of the most helpful craft books I've read so far! If guidance on character building in your stories is what you need, then you need this! It really helped me understand the nuances of character arcs and helped me learn more about the craft of writing in general! I will be reading and referencing this again as I continue to plow through writing my novel.
January 24, 2023
Details your characters need
John Warner's "The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs" is a book I wish I had back when I started writing fiction. He has a lot of good reminders in adding dimension to pritagonist, antagonist, or minor characters. Flow his advice and you'll never write another Mary Sue or Marty Stu - type character again!
John Warner's "The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs" is a book I wish I had back when I started writing fiction. He has a lot of good reminders in adding dimension to pritagonist, antagonist, or minor characters. Flow his advice and you'll never write another Mary Sue or Marty Stu - type character again!
April 1, 2025
Helpful approach
I am a newer writer still searching for a process I can sustain and found this book helpful. The topics are detailed enough and few enough to not feel overwhelming. The exercises enabled me to read, review and then experiment with what I just learned. If you're in a similar spot in your writing adventure as me I'd have no reservations recommending this book.
I am a newer writer still searching for a process I can sustain and found this book helpful. The topics are detailed enough and few enough to not feel overwhelming. The exercises enabled me to read, review and then experiment with what I just learned. If you're in a similar spot in your writing adventure as me I'd have no reservations recommending this book.
August 4, 2025
This was very useless. It went over the most basic things you learn in 4th grade. In fact I was writing miles ahead what I read in this book. If you are an absolute beginner in writing. sure. maybe this will help you. My brother bought this for me thinking it would help me and thats the only reason I read it. If not it would not be something I would ever pick.
May 9, 2022
Perfect aid for aspiring authors!
This book is enlightening and helpful. It opened my eyes to a lot of mistakes I’ve been making in my manuscript and gave me a lot of tips to make my characters shine. I recommend 100%
This book is enlightening and helpful. It opened my eyes to a lot of mistakes I’ve been making in my manuscript and gave me a lot of tips to make my characters shine. I recommend 100%
October 17, 2022
Encouraging, helpful read
Great for a beginning writer! His tone is encouraging and he isn't haughty about what you should be doing °or you won't get published ° like some books I have recently read
Great for a beginning writer! His tone is encouraging and he isn't haughty about what you should be doing °or you won't get published ° like some books I have recently read
May 8, 2023
Good stuff
This book has a lot of good information packed into a quick read. I think this is going to be a big help for me designing more interesting rpg adventures, both short and long campaigns. Check it out.
This book has a lot of good information packed into a quick read. I think this is going to be a big help for me designing more interesting rpg adventures, both short and long campaigns. Check it out.
February 20, 2024
There is helpful information inside this book but the the presentation is a turnoff for me. Beginning writers will find more for them, but there's also some good advice for advanced writers too. I almost gave it three stars, but I did learn from it so it's a three and a half star book, rounded up.
June 14, 2025
There are plenty of tips in the book to make it worth your while. I would give it 4-1/2 or five stars based on the tips. The loss of a star is due to the wordiness of this book, something that surprised me.
Read
July 26, 2022Excellent
I love the book. For me it had all the information I needed to write a story. Definitely, a complete reference book.
I love the book. For me it had all the information I needed to write a story. Definitely, a complete reference book.
December 12, 2022
This book is so easy to read and follow that it’s amazing resource for any writer to have. I have learned so much that will help me in my future writing.
October 15, 2023
Great tool book
Loved this book, it provides everything you need to help you get on your way to writing your novel. I will definitely be referencing when working on my next novel.
Loved this book, it provides everything you need to help you get on your way to writing your novel. I will definitely be referencing when working on my next novel.
January 17, 2024
Learned a ton! Highly recommend, breaks things into easy bite sized steps and helps keep your organized
April 21, 2024
Clear presentation of the process.
March 18, 2025
Good advice although the short book didn't allow more elaboration.
December 11, 2023
I genuinely can't get enough of this book! So much knowledge, so many tips, just...so much information! John S. Warner takes would-be and experienced authors through the process of creating solid characters: from plot and structure to protagonists and antagonists to the supporting characters, with easily digestible advice and relevant examples to guide readers along their path to becoming published authors. I'll be reading this book *repeatedly*.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews