Today's #WednesdayWritingTips are, rather specifically, all about supporting characters in #picturebooks. If you're thinking of entering the #PictureBookPrize, please take a look. Main characters are often discussed in Picture Book Land, but what about the supporting ones?

1) Give characters character
Have you remembered to actually create your supporting #picturebook characters? Do they have their own, clear personalities? Quirks? Mannerisms? Are they different from each other? (Unless the point is that they aren't!) #WednesdayWritingTips

2) Distinct voices
#Picturebooks are often read aloud. Giving supporting characters distinct voices will make reading the story more fun. Have you created different voices for each supporting character - easily recognisable and readable by tired parents?
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3) Characters arcs
Have you thought about giving your supporting character/s a character arc of their own? Could you develop a subplot? Perhaps told in illustrations so it doesn't distract too much from the main storyline?
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4) Give characters purpose
Why do you have your supporting characters. What role function do they each fulfil? Do they each add something purposeful to the story, or are they just bulking the story out? Try removing the character. Does it make a difference?
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5) Keep supporting characters under control
Sometimes supporting characters can be more fun than the main character. If this is not your intention, make sure your main character keeps the spotlight.
Supporting characters think they are the main character!
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Well-written, dynamic, strongly-voiced, supporting characters can add so much to a picture book text, both in written word and illustrations. Help make them as polished as they can be to help create a brilliant #picturebook.

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