#aspiringauthor

HOW TO WRITE SMART CHARACTERS (or: how to write witty characters as a non-witty author)

Make them think before they speak

Give them time to plan off-screen

Let them notice small details others ignore

Have them ask the right questions, not just give answers

Let them predict consequences before others do

Give them expertise in one specific area

Have them connect two unrelated ideas

Let other characters seek their advice

Show them changing their strategy when something fails

Have them explain complex ideas simply

Let them win arguments by reframing the problem

Give them moments where they say very little but it matters

EXTRA TIP:

You have a secret weapon. And it's called editing! Real people must respond instantly. But writers get unlimited time to craft the perfect line. So your character doesn't need to be fast. They just need to say the smartest thing eventually.

I hope this helps!

If you’re looking for honest, thoughtful feedback on your manuscript—whether it’s pacing, character development, clarity, or overall flow—I’d love to help. I aim to give constructive, detailed insights while respecting your voice and vision as a writer.

I can also assist with basic editing and formatting to help get your work polished and ready for submission or publishing.

At the moment, I’m open to unpaid projects, so if you’re working within a tight budget, feel free to reach out anyway. Just send me a message with a bit about your project, and we can see if we’re a good fit.

Have you ever returned to a draft and felt like the intention is clear, but the impact isn’t quite there?

It reads well but doesn’t fully connect.

• the idea comes through, but feels distant • the scene moves, but lacks tension • the moment passes without much weight

As the pat gets larger and the future gets shorter You'll realize that we're all running out of time Making resolutions to change like coocoons I got my wings just so you could cut them off Transubstantiation Eat of my body, drink of my blood

The clocks ticks are far from infinite That second hand will just keep driving Gears and perpetual motion machines keep the baton twirlers in step left left, right, left left left left, right, lift

Stop staring at the clock You'll only manage to slow everything down And I'm sick of molasses on waffles Buy some fucking syrup and I'll gladly cook again That was the deal Keep things rustic and ugly

Each step we take is one step closer to the grave And that's why those who can't walk may live forever Wired and on fire Roll me down that hill I can't run up it