A few weeks ago, a friend and I were talking about writing.

“I love writing character sketches,” I said. “I’m not really sure why. Character-driven stories aren’t really my thing.”

My friend’s eyes widened. “They’re not? Um, you totally write character-driven stories.”

Until then, I had no idea. Truly. I mean, I knew I didn’t write full-throttle, action-packed plots, but character-driven stories? Nah. My writing didn’t fall there.

Apparently it does. And when I asked a few other writers about my writing, they agreed with my friend.

So maybe that’s why I jumped at the chance when Wright Memorial Library asked me to present a workshop on characters and how to write them.

The official description? When we think about books, movies, or plays that stick with us long after the story has finished, it’s often the characters who come to mind. In fact, memorable characters can truly feel as though they leap from the page. Every writer strives to create meaningful, fully fleshed personalities, but doing so can be challenging. In this workshop, we’ll discuss what characterization means, what characteristics writers can focus on in crafting their characters, and how fiction and non-fiction writers can craft those characters that resonate with readers. Please have something available to write with as we’ll take time for some writing exercises that will help your characters come to life. All genres welcome!

That presentation is set to take place on Friday, September 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET, and it will be virtual! Which means you and all your writing friends can attend. Even better, the event is free; just be sure to register here.

Feel free to spread the word. Hope to see you all there!