Episode 30: Strengthening Character Arcs: Editing for Depth, Voice, and Scene Purpose

In this podcast for fantasy authors, we cover story consistency editing, building character-driven scenes, and crafting the perfect scene core event. Learn practical tips for self-editing characters, improving fantasy novel editing, and aligning story structure and character roles. If you're focused on writing strong story beats, how to write strong scenes, or how to edit your book yourself, this podcast for fantasy writers is for you.

Want to improve your character development in fantasy writing? In this episode, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] joins fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] to explore how to build compelling, consistent characters that don’t fall flat.

They share how to spot inconsistencies in character behavior, what makes a character feel two-dimensional, and ways to make your cast more distinct—without resorting to extreme traits or stereotypes. Whether you’re editing your first draft or refining your final manuscript, this episode will help you bring your characters to life in a meaningful, grounded way.

In this episode, we learned:
-How to define your characters through character statements
-Ways to check for and fix character flatness
-Tips for writing believable dialogue and distinct voices
-Techniques for avoiding trope fatigue while still honoring genre
-How to use role, reaction, and motivation to create differentiation