Guest Post and Giveaway

Today we are lucky enough to have Chelsie Shakespeare dropping by. Chelsie's first book, The Pull, came out this past June. Read to the end to find out how you can win a copy of the eBook! Go to the next post to read Becky's review of the book.

In my first novel, The Pull, my characters are really good people. I did this because when I watch a movie or read a book full of selfish horrible characters, I don't care what happens to them at the end, I'm just glad to be rid of them. It's so important convince your reader to root for the protagonist.

But it's a fine line. You can't make your characters too good or you end up with Edward from twilight. Now don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoyed that series and I'm not trying to criticize Stephanie Myer. I think she has a brilliant creative mind and a sensational story, however, Edward is too damn perfect.

He doesn't get jealous or angry when Bella kisses Jacob at the top of that mountain?! Really?! Instead of Edward coming to life in my imagination as a flawed and complicated person, he remains flat on the page as the author's idea of a perfect man.

In my second novel, Split, (which is not quite finished, but close) I tackle this issue in more depth by giving my protagonist an alter ego, who is truly evil. But again, she can't be too evil. She can't be evil without cause like some lifeless soap opera villain. She must have motive in order to be believable.

Character development is key to any good story. If I had one tip for aspiring writers it would be to start there and work your way out.

I live in Boise, Idaho with my husband and our two little dogs. The Pull is a paranormal novel about reincarnation and love.

Read an excerpt and learn more about me at
www.ChelsieShakespeare.com

Chelsie has generously offered a copy (eBook) of The Pull to one of our readers. What do you have to do to enter?

*Leave a comment   +1
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*Blog about the giveaway (please include link)   +1

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! You have until Sunday, Dec. 11, 11:59 p.m. to enter.