The next time you’re having trouble with your book try switching POVs. In fact, write a scene from a secondary character’s point of view. You might not use the scene in your finished draft, but I’ll bet you’ll be surprised at what you learn from writing that scene. You see, every character in your story is living his or her own life, they’re making decisions, they have a past, goals, dreams, demons, family, passions, ideals. In other words, those characters are and should be, fully fleshed out people. Now, you may not show everything about them. But know who they are, intimately.

Know why your villain acts the way he does. Know why Aunt Edna wrings her hands like a dishrag. Know why little Bobby is terrified of cats.

Even if you never use that information in your book; your writing, your book will be richer for it. You may even discover some things about your hero and heroine that you didn’t know. Or you may discover an awesome new twist that will really make your book soar.

So go ahead and interrogate Aunt Edna. Your readers will thank you.

You might also be interested in:

1. Quick Tip: Villains When you’re ready to write your villain, Terri Odell has a great tip that she picked up at various workshops. “The villain should feel as though he’s the hero of his own story. That should give him reasons to justify his behavior.” ...
2. Quick Tip: Know when you’re ready Sometimes, you’re just not ready. Not ready to write the book of your heart, not ready to feel the deep emotion your characters must feel, not ready to submit your book. It’s okay. Step back. Get organized. Make a plan of attack. Get yourself in a position where you will...
3. Quick Tip: Use Archetypes Establish your characters using one of the 16 master archetypes. Tami Cowden tells you to ask why your characters do what they do. And by the way, yes, I do recommend her book. ...