Make your protagonist the type of person who jumps into the fray – Things I learned while writing Dead Ringer

In life, I’m a risk-averse person. I always weigh up my options and try to act prudently.

In novels, I’ve found that prudent characters make for boring protagonists.

Dead Ringer got immeasurably better when I added in a second narrator, Jem. She’s reckless and rebellious and will always throw herself into the fray. For this reason, there’s rarely a dull moment with Jem.

If you’re finding your novel is too static, if plot machinations seem to happen TO the protagonist, rather than happening BECAUSE OF the protagonist, it may be time for a rethink. Make your main character a little more reckless.

Read more of the things I learned while writing Dead Ringer