newsletter | Elizabeth Penn

As we begin this new year, I wanted to share the exciting upcoming writing projects I have going on behind the scenes.

First of all, thank you to my wonderful readers who have been here for the journey thus far.

My writing goals have always revolved around the diversity of love, and the complexity of relationships.

This year, I plan to complete A Haunted Heart which is currently available in part on my Wattpad account. And for those who love paranormal romance, get excited! I have a dozen more Cozy Cryptid Novellas in the work.

I’m also hoping to spend some time with cozy contemporary romance, shining a light onto the magic of love in the mundane.

And finally, I am hoping to post more blog entries here for fellow writers and readers like you.

Happy New Year!

-Elizabeth Penn

When making characters for your work, whether it is genre or literary fiction, it is important to give your characters flaws.

This isn’t talked about as much as the concept of “conflict” in the story, but it is just as important.

Yes, there can be external conflict that happens to a practically perfect character. But without flaws their struggle will seem strange and inhuman.

It also doesn’t leave ant room for personal growth, making the character flat and uninteresting.

The flaw can be something simple like not wanting to open up about themselves, or a minor drinking problem. But whatever it is, it needs to hamper them in some way.

It makes your characters relatable and interesting. It makes them feel real.