A Goodreads user
A Goodreads user asked Christopher Paolini:

I am writing a book series of my own but i keep on getting frustrated because of not enough background and character building.I keep on thinking i got a good plot but than i erase all that i wrote because i think it is not good.i need help with the character building and a good solid background. any suggestions?

Christopher Paolini Writing can be a challenging process, but persistence is key. I'd highly recommend that you read Orson Scott Card's Characters and Viewpoints as well as his book How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy.

As for ways to fill in the details, imagine that your characters inhabit a real world. Daydream what it would be like to be there. What would your characters eat, what would they talk about, where would they get their supplies, etc. Keep asking the question, “What happens next?” Show your characters actions and write down their thoughts.

When I began writing, I didn’t know if I would be able to write a book-length work. By continually asking what happens next I was able to fill in many details that I hadn’t thought of originally.

Here’s an exercise that might help you: Write two or three pages about five minutes in a character’s world. Base it on a choice that your character has to make. Write about the process of finding the problem, thinking through the options, making the decision, and the result. Include your character’s thoughts and feelings. Describe his or her surroundings, actions, and dialogue.

Here are a few more links that might also be helpful:

https://www.paolini.net/writers-corne...

https://www.paolini.net/writers-corne...

https://www.paolini.net/writers-corne...

https://www.paolini.net/writers-corner/

Best of luck!
Christopher Paolini
42,183 followers

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