Character vs Story: What Should Come First?

Our Writing Q&A webinar sparked some fantastic discussions about the craft of storytelling, from character development through series to mastering the art of backstory. Our September session brought together writers at various stages – from those planning family histories to published authors working on detective series – creating a rich collaborative environment where everyone learned from each other’s questions and challenges.

Whether you missed the live session or want to revisit specific topics, you can watch the full replay below, followed by our comprehensive summary of the key insights and practical advice shared during the hour.

Watch the ‘Writing Questions? We have the answers’ webinar replay

The Character vs Story Debate

The age-old question of whether character or story should come first inspired an engaging discussion. Jo-Anne advocated for developing characters first, arguing that well-developed characters create more realistic and engaging stories that readers can truly connect with. Richard, meanwhile, emphasized the power of starting with a compelling image or idea that can inspire both characters and narrative structure.

The takeaway? Both approaches work beautifully – the key is understanding how to develop whichever element you choose as your starting point.

Making Family Stories Compelling

Joan’s question about preventing her family history from becoming boring sparked valuable insights for memoir and family story writers. The secret lies in treating even real-life stories like fiction: they need clear character arcs, compelling narrative structure, and a strong story spine.

Rather than chronologically listing events, focus on the human elements:

• What did people want?
• What obstacles did they face?
• How did they change?

Even when writing about real people and events, you’re crafting a narrative that needs to engage readers emotionally.

Mastering Backstory Without Losing Momentum

Jabulile’s question about incorporating backstory without losing track of the present moment highlighted a common challenge.

The golden rule: readers need far less backstory than writers think they do.

Instead of front-loading exposition, reveal character history gradually through:

• Subtle hints woven into dialogue
• Character reactions to present situations
• Small details that illuminate past experiences
• Moments where the past naturally intersects with current events

The goal is to give readers just enough information to understand character motivations while keeping them firmly grounded in the present action.

Developing Characters Through a Series

Karen’s question about character development in her children’s detective series revealed strategies that work for any ongoing story. The key is creating character growth opportunities through:

• New challenges: Each book should present fresh obstacles that test different aspects of your characters
• Evolving relationships: How do character dynamics shift as they face adventures together?
• Internal growth: What does each character learn about themselves through their experiences?
• Ongoing threads: Weave character development arcs that span multiple books while ensuring each individual story feels complete

The Art of Scene Writing

One of the most practical insights from our discussion centered on the power of scenes. Instead of summarizing events or telling readers what happened, create dynamic moments with:

• Dialogue that reveals character and advances plot
• Action that shows rather than tells
• Conflict that creates tension and engagement
• Sensory details that bring the scene to life

As we discussed, scenes are simply more engaging to write and infinitely more compelling to read.

Tackling Dialogue Fears

For writers terrified of dialogue, remember that good dialogue serves multiple purposes:

• Reveals character personality and background
• Advances the plot naturally
• Creates realistic interactions between characters
• Breaks up narrative description

Start by listening to how people actually speak, then craft dialogue that captures the essence of natural speech while serving your story’s needs.

Finding Your Genre

Felicity’s question about choosing a genre after decades of teaching highlighted an important truth: you don’t need to limit yourself immediately. Start with what you know and what excites you. Her background in education combined with her love of courtroom dramas and crime fiction could lead to fascinating stories set in academic environments.

The best genre choice is often found at the intersection of your interests, experiences, and reading preferences.

Building Community

Throughout the session, the collaborative spirit of our writing community shone through. From Andrea’s enthusiasm for the creative writing course to the warm reconnections between past retreat participants, it’s clear that writing doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit.

Whether through formal courses, writing retreats, or monthly webinars like these, connecting with fellow writers provides accountability, inspiration, and the kind of practical advice that can transform your writing practice.

Moving Forward

The questions raised in this session reflect the real challenges writers face at every level. Whether you’re planning your first family story or developing characters for a series, remember that every successful story starts with some of the same fundamental issues we discussed.

The key is to start where you are, use what you know, and keep writing. Your unique voice and perspective are exactly what the world needs to hear.

Need some additional support on your writing journey?

• Consider joining our Writers’ Circle for personalised feedback at the monthly Zoom meetings. You can read our a piece of your writing of around 300 to 500 words. Perfect for getting feedback on your observation skills.
• Sign up for our flagship Creative Writing Course and in just ten modules, master the secrets of creative writing, boost your confidence and gain the skills to write the story you’ve always wanted to.
• ​Email Trish to find out more about our Mentoring Programme and Literary Assessments.
• Not sure exactly what’s right for you? Please ​email Trish to discuss your writing project and how we can best help you achieve your goals.