Characters
Relationships and Dynamics
This certificate program explores how to craft compelling dynamics between characters, including friendships, rivalries, romances, partnerships, and family bonds. Learn how relational tension, loyalty, betrayal, and collaboration shape both character growth and plot progression.
Courses
Generations in Conflict: Writing Family Stories That Endure
Alana White, Charlie Pearson, Debra H. Goldstein, John Hegenberger, Mary Beth Magee, and Tess Collins explore the role of family across genres and time periods. They discuss how to portray realistic family dynamics, generational conflict, and emotional legacy in both historical and contemporary fiction.
Love on the Page: Crafting Romance That Feels Real
Ashley-Ruth Bernier, Diane Sismour, Gay Yellen, John Carenen, Mary Adams Belk, and Melissa Collings explore how to weave romance naturally into a story. They discuss how authentic emotional connection can deepen character development, raise the stakes, and strengthen a story’s emotional impact.
Suspense and Seduction: Balancing Mystery and Romance
Claire Applewhite, Lacey Blevins, and Randy Ralls discuss how to balance romance and mystery within a single story. They explore how emotional connection and suspense can work together to heighten tension, deepen character relationships, and keep readers engaged.
The Emotional Web: Building Relationships That Drive Story
Allan E. Ansorge, Chester D. Campbell, Jennie Bentley, and Stacy Allen discuss how meaningful relationships add emotional depth and realism to a story. They explore how romantic, familial, and conflicted dynamics influence motivation, tension, and character growth throughout a novel.
When Characters Collide: Using Conflict to Reveal Truth
Kimberly Collins, Marcy McCreary, and Robert Mangeot explore how opposing characters shape story dynamics. They discuss how conflict, chemistry, and contrast reveal deeper truths about theme, motivation, and human nature, helping writers create richer and more compelling narratives.