<DIV><P>Create characters that leap off the page--and into readers' hearts!</P><P>Populating your fiction with authentic, vivid characters is a surefire way to captivate your readers from the first sentence to the last. Whether you're writing a series, novel, short story, or flash fiction, <I>Creating Characters</I> is an invaluable guide to bringing your fictional cast to life.</P><P>This book is a comprehensive reference to every stage of character development. You'll find timely advice and helpful instruction from best-selling authors like Nancy Kress, Elizabeth Sims, Orson Scott Card, Chuck Wendig, Hallie Ephron, Donald Maass, and James Scott Bell. They'll show you how to:<UL><LI>Effectively introduce your characters</LI><LI>Build a believable protagonist</LI><LI>Develop strong anti-heroes and compelling villains</LI><LI>Juggle multiple points of view without missing a beat</LI><LI>Craft authentic dialogue that propels the story forward</LI><LI>Motivate your characters with powerful objectives and a believable conflict</LI><LI>Show dynamic character development over the course of a story</LI></UL> No matter what your genre, <I>Creating Characters</I> gives you the tools necessary to create realistic, fascinating characters that your readers will root for and remember long after they've finished the story.</P></DIV>