character creation Archives - Sacha Black https://sachablack.co.uk/tag/character-creation/ Books, Business and Bad Words Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:49:31 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://sachablack.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-logo-solo-colour-copy-scaled-1-32x32.jpg character creation Archives - Sacha Black https://sachablack.co.uk/tag/character-creation/ 32 32 285 Writing an Identity Not Your Own with Alex Temblador https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/03/12/285-writing-an-identity-not-your-own-with-alex-temblador/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=285-writing-an-identity-not-your-own-with-alex-temblador https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/03/12/285-writing-an-identity-not-your-own-with-alex-temblador/#respond Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:41 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12636 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 285 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Alex Temblador all about writing an identity not your own. In this episode we cover:  Digging into identity when crafting characters Recognising our own unconscious biases What intersectionality is – and its importance in writing Considerations when writing dialogue and […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 285 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Alex Temblador all about writing an identity not your own.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Digging into identity when crafting characters
  • Recognising our own unconscious biases
  • What intersectionality is – and its importance in writing
  • Considerations when writing dialogue and accents
  • Receiving feedback from sensitivity readers

Links I mentioned:

Girl Games: NSFW Special Edition Kickstarter

Find out more about Alex:

@Alex_Temblador (IG, Threads, Twitter)

Writing an Identity Not Your Own

AlexTemblador.com

Rebel of the Week is: Morgan
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Rachel Beaney and Gerry Fitzgerald. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/03/12/285-writing-an-identity-not-your-own-with-alex-temblador/feed/ 0 283 The Art of Audiobook Narration with Charlie Albers https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/02/26/283-the-art-of-audiobook-narration-with-charlie-albers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=283-the-art-of-audiobook-narration-with-charlie-albers https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/02/26/283-the-art-of-audiobook-narration-with-charlie-albers/#respond Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:42 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12616 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 283 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Charlie Albers all about the art of audiobook narration. In this episode we cover:  Working with a co-narrator What makes a book more fun/easy/hard to narrate Tips for narrating spicy scenes Tips to tailor your book more for audio Creating […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 283 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Charlie Albers all about the art of audiobook narration.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Working with a co-narrator
  • What makes a book more fun/easy/hard to narrate
  • Tips for narrating spicy scenes
  • Tips to tailor your book more for audio
  • Creating the voice of a character
  • The process of narrators and authors working together

Links I mentioned:

Girl Games: NSFW Special Edition Kickstarter

Find out more about Charlie:

@albersactor on all socials

AppleTreeAudio.com

Rebel of the Week is: Melissa
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/02/26/283-the-art-of-audiobook-narration-with-charlie-albers/feed/ 0 282 Crafting Conflict & Tension with A.Y. Chao https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/02/19/282-crafting-conflict-tension-with-a-y-chao/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=282-crafting-conflict-tension-with-a-y-chao https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/02/19/282-crafting-conflict-tension-with-a-y-chao/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:39 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12602 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 282 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Alice Yu all about crafting conflict and tension in our stories. In this episode we cover:  Exploring themes of identity and belonging The difference between conflict and tension Building sustainable tension across a novel and a series How to create […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 282 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Alice Yu all about crafting conflict and tension in our stories.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Exploring themes of identity and belonging
  • The difference between conflict and tension
  • Building sustainable tension across a novel and a series
  • How to create subtle conflict between characters
  • Using cliffhangers vs softer hooks

Links I mentioned:

Girl Games: NSFW Special Edition Kickstarter

Find out more about A.Y.:

Instagram @ay_chao

Shanghai Immortal

Rebel of the Week is: Jenn Storey
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Chris. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2025/02/19/282-crafting-conflict-tension-with-a-y-chao/feed/ 0 260 Crafting Multidimensional Villains with Dana Pittman https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/09/18/260-crafting-multidimensional-villains-with-dana-pittman/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=260-crafting-multidimensional-villains-with-dana-pittman https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/09/18/260-crafting-multidimensional-villains-with-dana-pittman/#comments Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:24 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12441 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 260 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dana Pittman all about crafting multidimensional villains. In this episode we cover:  Elements of a multidimensional villain Villain’s relationship with the protagonist Common mistakes when creating villains Developing back stories that add depth Building anticipation in your story Links I […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 260 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dana Pittman all about crafting multidimensional villains.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Elements of a multidimensional villain
  • Villain’s relationship with the protagonist
  • Common mistakes when creating villains
  • Developing back stories that add depth
  • Building anticipation in your story

Links I mentioned: 

Support my Kickstarter

Find out more about Dana:

Danja Tales

Rebel of the Week is: Matthew

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Kylie Haddix. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This episode is sponsored by Fictionary

fictionary_1_avcup.png

Find out more about Fictionary StoryCoach Certification here.

As a rebel listener you can get 25% off StoryTeller, StoryTeller Premium and certification with code REBEL25.

The post 260 Crafting Multidimensional Villains with Dana Pittman appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/09/18/260-crafting-multidimensional-villains-with-dana-pittman/feed/ 1 242 How to Use Tropes with Cindy Dees https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/05/15/242-how-to-use-tropes-with-cindy-dees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=242-how-to-use-tropes-with-cindy-dees https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/05/15/242-how-to-use-tropes-with-cindy-dees/#respond Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:24 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12321 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 242 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Cindy Dees all about using tropes more effectively. In this episode we cover:  Why tropes hook readers Differences between internal and external tropes Craft tips to make our tropes resonate with readers How to market tropes better Integrating tropes in […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 242 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Cindy Dees all about using tropes more effectively.

In this episode we cover: 

  • Why tropes hook readers
  • Differences between internal and external tropes
  • Craft tips to make our tropes resonate with readers
  • How to market tropes better
  • Integrating tropes in a character’s back story

Find out more about Cindy:

CindyDees.com

CynthiaDees.com

Rebel of the Week is: Rosie

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Gigi Rivers. A big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack 

This episode is sponsored by Fictionary

fictionary_1_avcup.png

Find out more about Fictionary StoryCoach Certification here.

As a rebel listener you can get 25% off StoryTeller, StoryTeller Premium and certification with code REBEL25.

The post 242 How to Use Tropes with Cindy Dees appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/05/15/242-how-to-use-tropes-with-cindy-dees/feed/ 0 238 How to Write Trans Characters with Dharma Kelleher https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/04/17/238-how-to-write-trans-characters-with-dharma-kelleher/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=238-how-to-write-trans-characters-with-dharma-kelleher https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/04/17/238-how-to-write-trans-characters-with-dharma-kelleher/#respond Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:00:41 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12292 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 238 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dharma Kelleher all about how to write trans characters. In this episode we cover:  The importance of representation in our books Writing trans and queer characters when cisgendered Harmful tropes and stereotypes to avoid Working with a sensitivity reader Balancing […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 238 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dharma Kelleher all about how to write trans characters.

In this episode we cover: 

  • The importance of representation in our books
  • Writing trans and queer characters when cisgendered
  • Harmful tropes and stereotypes to avoid
  • Working with a sensitivity reader
  • Balancing educating readers and creating an engaging story

Find out more about Dharma:

Author Website

Facebook

Threads

Instagram

TikTok

plague_of_grackles98l9e.jpg

Rebel of the Week is: Mélanie 

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This episode is sponsored by Fictionary

fictionary_1_avcup.png

Find out more about Fictionary Software + Fictionary Live! here.

As a rebel listener you can get 25% off StoryTeller, StoryTeller Premium and certification with code REBEL25.

The post 238 How to Write Trans Characters with Dharma Kelleher appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/04/17/238-how-to-write-trans-characters-with-dharma-kelleher/feed/ 0 237 How to Write Using Tarot with Mariëlle S Smith https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/04/10/237-how-to-write-using-tarot-with-marielle-s-smith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=237-how-to-write-using-tarot-with-marielle-s-smith https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/04/10/237-how-to-write-using-tarot-with-marielle-s-smith/#respond Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:00:47 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12287 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 237 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Mariëlle S Smith all about writing using tarot. In this episode we cover:  What are tarot cards and how do they work How tarot cards can help authors start creating Common blockers writers struggle with Learning to interpret tarot cards […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 237 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Mariëlle S Smith all about writing using tarot.

In this episode we cover: 

  • What are tarot cards and how do they work
  • How tarot cards can help authors start creating
  • Common blockers writers struggle with
  • Learning to interpret tarot cards
  • Using tarot to create characters and plot

Sacha’s Tarot Cards:

cards_for_sacha9lzxr.jpg

Find out more about Mariëlle:

Website

Podcast

Facebook

Instagram

So You Want to Sling Cards, Too? Three-week mini-course for beginning cardslingers

3week_courseb0k35.jpg

Tarot for Creatives upcoming Kickstarter campaign

Untitled_design_3_bne5m.jpg

Rebel of the Week is: Kiersten

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

The post 237 How to Write Using Tarot with Mariëlle S Smith appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/04/10/237-how-to-write-using-tarot-with-marielle-s-smith/feed/ 0 230 Writing Queer Romance with Dana Hawkins https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/02/21/230-writing-queer-romance-with-dana-hawkins/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=230-writing-queer-romance-with-dana-hawkins https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/02/21/230-writing-queer-romance-with-dana-hawkins/#respond Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:17 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12224 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 230 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dana Hawkins all about writing queer romance. In this episode we cover:  What is queer joy Elements of the opposites attract trope Worldbuilding for contemporary romance Writing relatable characters The importance of author community Links I mentioned: Kickstarter: Special Edition […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 230 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dana Hawkins all about writing queer romance.

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is queer joy
  • Elements of the opposites attract trope
  • Worldbuilding for contemporary romance
  • Writing relatable characters
  • The importance of author community

Links I mentioned:

Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Hardcover – House of Crimson Hearts

Preorder House of Crimson Hearts

Preorder House of Crimson Hearts direct from me

Find out more about Dana:

Instagram @d.hawkinsauthor

Author Website

Not in the Plan

Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to J and Kristina Adams, and thank you to Cassi Emerson for upping their pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid

Rebel Discount link

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/02/21/230-writing-queer-romance-with-dana-hawkins/feed/ 0 225 How to Write Reverse Harem Romance with Cara Clare https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/01/17/225-how-to-write-reverse-harem-romance-with-cara-clare/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=225-how-to-write-reverse-harem-romance-with-cara-clare https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/01/17/225-how-to-write-reverse-harem-romance-with-cara-clare/#respond Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:10 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12181 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 225 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Cara Clare all about writing why-choose romance. In this episode we cover:  What is the “why choose” genre Keeping characters unique in a large cast Writing interconnected romantic relationships Crafting hooks and marketing for reverse harem Tools and tricks for […]

The post 225 How to Write Reverse Harem Romance with Cara Clare appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 225 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Cara Clare all about writing why-choose romance.

In this episode we cover: 

  • What is the “why choose” genre
  • Keeping characters unique in a large cast
  • Writing interconnected romantic relationships
  • Crafting hooks and marketing for reverse harem
  • Tools and tricks for writing quickly

Prose in the Market Webinar Information:

I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this below).

“Writing to market” isn’t new. But when teachers talk about it they focus on understanding the market, advertising, brand and pitch. But what about the writing and craft of writing to market? If you’re tired of trying to work out how to deliver what readers want, then this is the workshop for you.

In this session, I’ll explain:

  • How to deconstruct bestselling books and implement the tools you find
  • An easy three step methodology for deconstruction
  • Practical examples of deconstruction and implementation in your own work
  • Why you’re not using copywriting enough
  • How to intentionally slip TikTok-able/Marketable scenes into your novels that will hook readers
  • The craft of tropes
  • Live deconstruction using examples from those in the session.

You’ll also receive a workbook containing exercises for you to implement all the things you learn during the session.

Session Times and Dates

FAQ

Will this session be recorded? Will the recording be available for sale?

The session will be recorded. The recording will only be available to ticket-holders. I will not sell the recording. I am only doing these as live sessions. When I teach, I love to see everyone’s reactions and get audience participation. But depending on demand, I may run more of them in the future.

Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine Arch

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Amber Mathias and TeeniJ. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

The post 225 How to Write Reverse Harem Romance with Cara Clare appeared first on Sacha Black.

]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2024/01/17/225-how-to-write-reverse-harem-romance-with-cara-clare/feed/ 0 211 Writing the Shadow Self with Joanna Penn https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/10/11/211-writing-the-shadow-self-with-joanna-penn/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=211-writing-the-shadow-self-with-joanna-penn https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/10/11/211-writing-the-shadow-self-with-joanna-penn/#comments Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:31 +0000 https://sachablack.co.uk/?p=12066 Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 211 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Joanna Penn all about writing the shadow self. In this episode we cover:  What the shadow is and its importance for writers Identifying shadow elements How to know if you’re tapping into the shadows Capitalizing on your shadow in the […]

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]]> Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 211 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Joanna Penn all about writing the shadow self.

In this episode we cover: 

  • What the shadow is and its importance for writers
  • Identifying shadow elements
  • How to know if you’re tapping into the shadows
  • Capitalizing on your shadow in the age of AI
  • Shadow in a character’s back story and relationships

This week’s question is: what are you going to complete in the final quarter of the year?

Recommendation of the week is: Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Apple

Kobo

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

***this show uses affiliate links

Find out more about Joanna:

Website

Buy Books Direct

Kickstarter for Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words

Twitter/X

Facebook

Instagram

Rebel of the Week is: Moose

If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com

1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Mandy Oman. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack

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]]> https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/10/11/211-writing-the-shadow-self-with-joanna-penn/feed/ 1