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The Secrets of Character: Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love
An insightful and actionable guide to creating a hero that readers will fall in love with, from the author of The Secrets of StoryThe hardest yet most essential element of writing great fiction is character â€� specifically, creating a central hero who is relatable, compelling, and worth the reader’s precious time. In this entertaining and practical guide, popular blogger, writing coach and screenwriter Matt Bird breaks down what makes characters embraceable and unforgettable, and presents insider tips and tricks for writers of all levels and genres. Ìý Generously packed with examples from popular books and movies analyzed with engaging specificity, this expert guide reveals what makes audiences believe, care, and invest in great characters â€� and how to bring your own characters vividly to life. Ìý
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
83 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 6, 2022
Thank you, Penguin Random House and Writer's Digest Books, for the advance reading copy.
First of all, trust me when I say you will find this guidebook totally fun and engaging. Let's start from the titles of the chapters!
They are hilarious and will fill your head with curiosity when you glance at the contents.
I wanted to read this book slowly taking one chapter at a time. Don't blame me I didn't.
As much as I am reading this book from a reader's perspective but I do write a lot on other topics so I find this book rather insightful and informative. For a beginner like me who's just beginning to write trying to expand and explore my writing, this book caught my attention at the right time and I am so glad I got to read and get the best out of it. I am all set for the final copy when it comes out.
Coming to the writing and the tips it offers, you will read the entire book like you are actually listening to someone who makes everything look fun. Exactly.
There are times you will laugh out loud and there are times you face second hand embarrassment because we all know what we do.
The tips are actually very simple. The most important ones we need to focus are given as points with bullets and the rest that follow up are pretty short and fun to read.
Just go for this book. Even if you're a writer for years, there are so many practical tips given in this one which might be of great help.
If you are someone like me who gets bored easily reading chunks of information and advice, this one is perfect for you. The author knows how not to do that and that got me read this nonfiction guidebook in a sitting. Will this help? Of course, I will read it again. And again.
First of all, trust me when I say you will find this guidebook totally fun and engaging. Let's start from the titles of the chapters!
They are hilarious and will fill your head with curiosity when you glance at the contents.
I wanted to read this book slowly taking one chapter at a time. Don't blame me I didn't.
As much as I am reading this book from a reader's perspective but I do write a lot on other topics so I find this book rather insightful and informative. For a beginner like me who's just beginning to write trying to expand and explore my writing, this book caught my attention at the right time and I am so glad I got to read and get the best out of it. I am all set for the final copy when it comes out.
Coming to the writing and the tips it offers, you will read the entire book like you are actually listening to someone who makes everything look fun. Exactly.
There are times you will laugh out loud and there are times you face second hand embarrassment because we all know what we do.
The tips are actually very simple. The most important ones we need to focus are given as points with bullets and the rest that follow up are pretty short and fun to read.
Just go for this book. Even if you're a writer for years, there are so many practical tips given in this one which might be of great help.
If you are someone like me who gets bored easily reading chunks of information and advice, this one is perfect for you. The author knows how not to do that and that got me read this nonfiction guidebook in a sitting. Will this help? Of course, I will read it again. And again.
April 16, 2022
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book is a good guideline if you are feeling like you need some examples and topics to start building or developing your character further. It was a fun read and I quite enjoyed the character breakdowns from all the shows, movies and books. I believe it makes useful points and it made me start noticing things I didn't have a name for before, which I think does help the writing process since I am more likely to break them down and categorizing them better.
Overall I enjoyed this. There were times where I kind of wanted more from this and times where I maybe wanted less, but I would recommend this to people in need of direction because I think it gives you enough topics and variety to put your brain to work.
This book is a good guideline if you are feeling like you need some examples and topics to start building or developing your character further. It was a fun read and I quite enjoyed the character breakdowns from all the shows, movies and books. I believe it makes useful points and it made me start noticing things I didn't have a name for before, which I think does help the writing process since I am more likely to break them down and categorizing them better.
Overall I enjoyed this. There were times where I kind of wanted more from this and times where I maybe wanted less, but I would recommend this to people in need of direction because I think it gives you enough topics and variety to put your brain to work.
February 5, 2025
I liked this, it was chalk full of examples, inspiration, and ideas, worth the read.
September 10, 2024
This was explained to me as if I was a 5 year old, and even my kids find it entertaining because it discusses lots of movies to describe character craft.
Read
June 21, 2024I’d recommend reading the first book, The Secrets of Story, first, but this one is super helpful if you want to see the writing guidelines presented in examples from books, movies, shows, etc.
March 17, 2025
Such great examples!
August 9, 2022
For someone who loves annalizing movies and books, this book was amazing! It clearly breaks down what makes believable and lovable characters, and the little intricate details matter when creating authentic characters.
I also loved how this book flowed. One point led into the next, and before you know it, you've been reading for an hour and hadn't even noticed!
Really recommend it for anyone who loves to understand characters or for writers wanting to make their readers Believe, Invest and Care!
Thanks to NetGalley for proving this book to me!
I also loved how this book flowed. One point led into the next, and before you know it, you've been reading for an hour and hadn't even noticed!
Really recommend it for anyone who loves to understand characters or for writers wanting to make their readers Believe, Invest and Care!
Thanks to NetGalley for proving this book to me!
September 26, 2024
Really easy to listen to on audiobook! Matt Bird uses tons of modern book, TV, and movie examples for how to create flawed yet loveable characters.
June 18, 2022
This is mainly a reference guide, not a typical writing craft book. The author gives tons of examples of different ways to make characters memorable and engage readers' interest and sympathy, but it's information overload to go through them all unless you already know what you're looking for. I think this can spark ideas for new writers and help give experienced writers a fresh way of looking at things, but it can also make someone feel like they have to include as many of these characteristics or moments as possible.
I started skimming after a while, and I definitely skimmed through the final chapters, which involve detailed breakdowns of how particular books, movies, and TV shows align with the author's "Believe, Care, Invest" system for assessing character appeal. Some people might find this helpful, but it just seemed like fluff to me. Writers who are very plot-focused and struggle with character development will probably find that this is a handy reference tool, but I wasn't very impressed with it.
I started skimming after a while, and I definitely skimmed through the final chapters, which involve detailed breakdowns of how particular books, movies, and TV shows align with the author's "Believe, Care, Invest" system for assessing character appeal. Some people might find this helpful, but it just seemed like fluff to me. Writers who are very plot-focused and struggle with character development will probably find that this is a handy reference tool, but I wasn't very impressed with it.
September 29, 2022
A ton of examples from books, movies, and pop culture, but they read as more of a hurriedly cobbled list rather than strategies to stand out from the slush pile.
Specific is good. Examples help illustrate the point, to an extent. But after the 10th example of how to make your hero badass, I lost sight of the forest for the trees. The chapters draw on and on in an endless stream of examples.
Matt Bird needed to bring us back to the central point, with something more coherent, original, and direct -- a sample intro, or higher-level strategy that he used to court his agent.
Specific is good. Examples help illustrate the point, to an extent. But after the 10th example of how to make your hero badass, I lost sight of the forest for the trees. The chapters draw on and on in an endless stream of examples.
Matt Bird needed to bring us back to the central point, with something more coherent, original, and direct -- a sample intro, or higher-level strategy that he used to court his agent.
February 27, 2022
The Secrets of Character is a really useful book that provides a beginning writer with a lot of tools for crafting believable characters that audiences can connect with.
Bird's book draws examples from literature, cinema, and television and gives extremely concrete advice. Much of the early part of the book is focused on how to hook a reader or viewer within the first few pages or minutes of the story. Bird points out how a lot of what works to draw a reader in is somewhat counterintuitive, or the opposite of what beginning writers want to do when first starting out. In one notable example from the first few chapters Bird rightly points out that writers overestimate how much audiences value being surprised by a character's actions. In another he points out that written dialogue should not *feel* written, giving an example from a tv show in which a character says "I have one question" and then proceeds to ask three questions. Writers would be inclined to revise "one question" to "three questions" but most people do not actually speak that way, and to a reader "I have three questions" in that situation would feel stilted.
Throughout the book there are examples like these. Advice like "give them weird logic" or "give them unique syntax" is interspersed with concrete examples and if you think of your favorite characters, the ones that feel most real to you, it is absolutely true that these tools are applied. While writers who are drawn to character driven stories and for whom characterization is a strong point will likely do many of the things that Bird advises naturally, writers who find characterization tough, or who are often getting notes from critique partners about "voice" or being told that their characters sound the same, or that they lack believability, will find some good advice here. I would recommend this book for any writer who struggles with characterization in general, and even seasoned writers who do not struggle with character might find it interesting to see the way Bird breaks down the hows and whys of what makes characters work for audiences.
Bird's book draws examples from literature, cinema, and television and gives extremely concrete advice. Much of the early part of the book is focused on how to hook a reader or viewer within the first few pages or minutes of the story. Bird points out how a lot of what works to draw a reader in is somewhat counterintuitive, or the opposite of what beginning writers want to do when first starting out. In one notable example from the first few chapters Bird rightly points out that writers overestimate how much audiences value being surprised by a character's actions. In another he points out that written dialogue should not *feel* written, giving an example from a tv show in which a character says "I have one question" and then proceeds to ask three questions. Writers would be inclined to revise "one question" to "three questions" but most people do not actually speak that way, and to a reader "I have three questions" in that situation would feel stilted.
Throughout the book there are examples like these. Advice like "give them weird logic" or "give them unique syntax" is interspersed with concrete examples and if you think of your favorite characters, the ones that feel most real to you, it is absolutely true that these tools are applied. While writers who are drawn to character driven stories and for whom characterization is a strong point will likely do many of the things that Bird advises naturally, writers who find characterization tough, or who are often getting notes from critique partners about "voice" or being told that their characters sound the same, or that they lack believability, will find some good advice here. I would recommend this book for any writer who struggles with characterization in general, and even seasoned writers who do not struggle with character might find it interesting to see the way Bird breaks down the hows and whys of what makes characters work for audiences.
March 25, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Writer's Digest Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: April 19, 2022 / Rating: 3.5 stars)
“The Secrets of Character� by popular blogger, writing coach, and screenwriter Matt Bird is a more laid-back guide geared towards writers looking for the “secret recipe� to creating lovable and unforgettable heroes.
“Everyone just reads the first ten pages, which is enough to eliminate nine out of ten submissions.�
That sentence shocked me at first, but with countless manuscripts flooding in, I realized it wouldn’t logically make sense for publishers to read every submission cover to cover before making a decision to accept or decline it. Bird also shared that publishers are more interested in your hero than your story in those first ten pages, thus selling your hero should be your most critical focus.
Bird proceeds by offering an abundance of examples from popular movies, TV shows, and books to help writers recognize what he considers the three critical steps when creating a great hero: Believe in the reality of the hero, care about the hero’s circumstances, and invest their hopes in the hero to solve the problem.
One big highlight of the book for me was near the end when Bird tells a compelling story about when he first started dating his wife and helped her overcome a childhood fear. I would have loved more personal examples like that throughout the book to help me better connect with the author versus the plethora of outside examples.
My biggest hang-ups with this book were the multiple plugs advertising his previous book, numerous movie and book spoilers, and the unnecessary overuse of profanity. The first two qualms go without saying, and I was able to look past some of the expletives due to the author using direct quotes, but I didn’t understand why Bird himself was using profanity in a guidebook. That type of writing may be suitable for a blog, but I felt it should have been toned back in a guidebook for Bird to be taken more seriously by writers looking for expert advice.
Overall, I would recommend this book to adult writers looking for ways to spice up their characters and make them more exciting. If the profanity and spoilers were toned down, I would recommend this book to any writer looking for a fresh perspective on creating great heroes for their stories.
“The Secrets of Character� by popular blogger, writing coach, and screenwriter Matt Bird is a more laid-back guide geared towards writers looking for the “secret recipe� to creating lovable and unforgettable heroes.
“Everyone just reads the first ten pages, which is enough to eliminate nine out of ten submissions.�
That sentence shocked me at first, but with countless manuscripts flooding in, I realized it wouldn’t logically make sense for publishers to read every submission cover to cover before making a decision to accept or decline it. Bird also shared that publishers are more interested in your hero than your story in those first ten pages, thus selling your hero should be your most critical focus.
Bird proceeds by offering an abundance of examples from popular movies, TV shows, and books to help writers recognize what he considers the three critical steps when creating a great hero: Believe in the reality of the hero, care about the hero’s circumstances, and invest their hopes in the hero to solve the problem.
One big highlight of the book for me was near the end when Bird tells a compelling story about when he first started dating his wife and helped her overcome a childhood fear. I would have loved more personal examples like that throughout the book to help me better connect with the author versus the plethora of outside examples.
My biggest hang-ups with this book were the multiple plugs advertising his previous book, numerous movie and book spoilers, and the unnecessary overuse of profanity. The first two qualms go without saying, and I was able to look past some of the expletives due to the author using direct quotes, but I didn’t understand why Bird himself was using profanity in a guidebook. That type of writing may be suitable for a blog, but I felt it should have been toned back in a guidebook for Bird to be taken more seriously by writers looking for expert advice.
Overall, I would recommend this book to adult writers looking for ways to spice up their characters and make them more exciting. If the profanity and spoilers were toned down, I would recommend this book to any writer looking for a fresh perspective on creating great heroes for their stories.
June 24, 2022
Wonderful and brilliant, like everything Matt Bird writes. This book is a masterclass in character creation with simple tips that should help any author or screenwriter.
Like his previous book, Secrets of Story, while all the advice is simple and straightforward, it's not something you see all the time, and probably not something most authors apply. The feeling I get from reading his work is always that my own writing is crap. Maybe it's a fair assessment, and at least I know why.
I knew this book was coming but didn't know it was going to be about the first pages. I recently wrote a book about beginnings, called Hook Them or Lose Them (under D. Leitao), and thankfully, it's very different. Phew. That said, I mention emotional connection as one of the pillars for hooking readers. Secrets of Character is a masterclass that deep dives on how to create emotional connection, and for that reason it's a great read.
Finally, if anyone is not used to this author's work, I recommend reading a bit of his blog Secrets of Story or checking his book. Some of his ideas go against the grain, and his advice might seem odd for someone coming across it for the first time. I find that many authors approach craft books looking into expanding the toolbox they already have, or trying to see how this advice fits in it. I'd advise authors to keep an open mind, especially when his advice sounds strange or contradicts common wisdom. This is actually great, it means you could be learning something.
Like his previous book, Secrets of Story, while all the advice is simple and straightforward, it's not something you see all the time, and probably not something most authors apply. The feeling I get from reading his work is always that my own writing is crap. Maybe it's a fair assessment, and at least I know why.
I knew this book was coming but didn't know it was going to be about the first pages. I recently wrote a book about beginnings, called Hook Them or Lose Them (under D. Leitao), and thankfully, it's very different. Phew. That said, I mention emotional connection as one of the pillars for hooking readers. Secrets of Character is a masterclass that deep dives on how to create emotional connection, and for that reason it's a great read.
Finally, if anyone is not used to this author's work, I recommend reading a bit of his blog Secrets of Story or checking his book. Some of his ideas go against the grain, and his advice might seem odd for someone coming across it for the first time. I find that many authors approach craft books looking into expanding the toolbox they already have, or trying to see how this advice fits in it. I'd advise authors to keep an open mind, especially when his advice sounds strange or contradicts common wisdom. This is actually great, it means you could be learning something.
June 13, 2022
Many say that you should not judge a book by its cover, or someone by their first impression. However, for one reason or another, that is the way we work. Both for people, and the literary and audiovisual industry itself.
Making a good first impression is no easy task. Making a great first impression is even worse. And achieving it for your characters and literary creations is a daunting task.
However, here we have an excellent and rigorous manual to be able to draw the public's attention, build very well-structured characters, and increase our desire to write, write and continue writing.
The reading is very enjoyable and easy to follow. It offers diverse points of view, convenient recommendations, and a very clear vision of what a publisher or a reader could be looking for in your book, as well as very interesting ways to achieve it and exceed those expectations.
A great recommendation for all authors, genre-agnostic, and enjoyable by anyone who wants to polish their writing.
Making a good first impression is no easy task. Making a great first impression is even worse. And achieving it for your characters and literary creations is a daunting task.
However, here we have an excellent and rigorous manual to be able to draw the public's attention, build very well-structured characters, and increase our desire to write, write and continue writing.
The reading is very enjoyable and easy to follow. It offers diverse points of view, convenient recommendations, and a very clear vision of what a publisher or a reader could be looking for in your book, as well as very interesting ways to achieve it and exceed those expectations.
A great recommendation for all authors, genre-agnostic, and enjoyable by anyone who wants to polish their writing.
May 25, 2022
Wow! He did it again. I was fairly sure Matt Bird was NOT going to pull off as useful of a craft book as his awesome Secrets of Story. But I have to be honest—he did. Although I’m a novice writer, I’ve written enough to know that I’m struggling to get readers to connect with my character. I feel his BCI methods applied in a way that is resonant with my characters will help forge that connection. This book is more for the writer who at least has a decent grip on the basics but can’t seem to get the character to jump off the page. He uses solid examples and has fully studied his theories with extensive research of masterful works of fiction, memoirs, and film. I can’t wait to try these methods out with my works in progress. Now he needs to write the book Secrets of Voice and we’ll all be set. Thanks, Matt!
September 9, 2022
I love watching movies and reading novels and I always wonder how writers develop characters that are memorable. Matt Bird provided a lot of helpful information about what makes a character believable and unforgettable. I enjoyed his analysis of characters from many movies and novels -- some of which I already watched or read -- using his assessment techniques. As a movie viewer and novel reader, I will take more notes of how a character acts, thinks, and talks. Bird makes me interested in learning about characters, especially in the first part of the story. I am not so fond of the introduction of the characters, with all the descriptions and backstories. I know characterization is as essential as the plot. The Secrets of Characters definitely change how I watch movies and read books. This is a great resource for writers, too!
Thank you Matt Bird, Writer's Digest Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and to share my honest review.
Thank you Matt Bird, Writer's Digest Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and to share my honest review.
April 19, 2022
This was my first book by Matt Bird but be assured I am preparing to dive into The Secrets of Story, his previous book about writing. I believe that together those books have the potential to unlock creativity and give those who want to write keys to go beyond simple talent and will.
The Secrets of Character is a pedagogic and funny guide to build believable and appealing characters. All along, Matt Bird uses examples from well-known books, movies or tv series as it's certainly the best way for us, his readers, to grasp the concepts he's explaining.
The most amusing thing when reading this book is that every few lines, you stop and think "Oh but that's so true!"
I took notes but will for sure buy a paper version of this book so I can take a look from time to time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for providing an eARC in exchange of an honest review.
The Secrets of Character is a pedagogic and funny guide to build believable and appealing characters. All along, Matt Bird uses examples from well-known books, movies or tv series as it's certainly the best way for us, his readers, to grasp the concepts he's explaining.
The most amusing thing when reading this book is that every few lines, you stop and think "Oh but that's so true!"
I took notes but will for sure buy a paper version of this book so I can take a look from time to time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for providing an eARC in exchange of an honest review.
June 24, 2022
The One That Will Make You Slap your Forehead and Cry: 'It's so simple!'
This is not Matt Bird's first foray into fiction writing. However, he makes it very clear in his introduction that he has only grown since his 2016 publication 'The Secrets of Story'.
This time, he asks you to suspend any preconceived notions you may have from his first work (or other similar works about Cats, perse...) on fiction writing, and allow him to paint a broader picture. This time, he is offering readers a toolkit, rather than a checklist. A way to make your first 10 pages of story POP in a sea of publishing applications.
So how do I do that? You may find yourself wondering. Or: why would I want to?
The reason is simple: publishers typically only ask for a 10-page sample of your work before deciding if they're interested. It may seem cruel, daunting even, but in light of their job it makes perfect sense. A publisher needs to make quick decisions on what they want to keep and pass on. 10 pages (or one chapter), often times, that's all you get.
The way to accomplish this is quite simply through character. Intuitive, right?
In the first 10 pages publishers want to meet your character and figure out why they should care.
Well if that scares you, don't worry - Matt Bird is here to help!
As an aspiring author, I love having professional insight when I write. Things that can help me keep a leg-up while drafting (and editing) my manuscripts. I can happily say that Matt has given me the courage to start on the right foot!
For anyone struggling to get accepted, looking to get started, or simply overwhelmed by the fiction publishing process; this book is for you. "The Secrets of Character' presents a no-nonsense theory backed by staggering amounts of evidence and led by a kindly narrator who plainly wants to see you succeed.
After reading this, all you will have left to do is write.
Makes it sound easy, doesn't it?
[Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
This is not Matt Bird's first foray into fiction writing. However, he makes it very clear in his introduction that he has only grown since his 2016 publication 'The Secrets of Story'.
This time, he asks you to suspend any preconceived notions you may have from his first work (or other similar works about Cats, perse...) on fiction writing, and allow him to paint a broader picture. This time, he is offering readers a toolkit, rather than a checklist. A way to make your first 10 pages of story POP in a sea of publishing applications.
So how do I do that? You may find yourself wondering. Or: why would I want to?
The reason is simple: publishers typically only ask for a 10-page sample of your work before deciding if they're interested. It may seem cruel, daunting even, but in light of their job it makes perfect sense. A publisher needs to make quick decisions on what they want to keep and pass on. 10 pages (or one chapter), often times, that's all you get.
The way to accomplish this is quite simply through character. Intuitive, right?
In the first 10 pages publishers want to meet your character and figure out why they should care.
Well if that scares you, don't worry - Matt Bird is here to help!
As an aspiring author, I love having professional insight when I write. Things that can help me keep a leg-up while drafting (and editing) my manuscripts. I can happily say that Matt has given me the courage to start on the right foot!
For anyone struggling to get accepted, looking to get started, or simply overwhelmed by the fiction publishing process; this book is for you. "The Secrets of Character' presents a no-nonsense theory backed by staggering amounts of evidence and led by a kindly narrator who plainly wants to see you succeed.
After reading this, all you will have left to do is write.
Makes it sound easy, doesn't it?
[Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
November 20, 2023
I read his Secrets of Story first, which is a tough act to follow. In this one, he tries to repeat the same formula that worked so well in the Secrets of Story but falls short. I think the main reason is that while a story and plot development can be mangled into the procrustean bed of specific recommendations, character is a much more elusive subject. The author gives the basic idea that readers have to believe, identify and connect with the characters. That is all very clear. However, what's lacking is the specific checklist that he presented in the Secrets of Story. This isn't bad overall, however, it just wasn't as useful to me personally as the Secrets of Story. If you are unsure, get the Secrets of Story. This will give you all you need to know from the author's wisdom.
January 22, 2024
I wanted to like this book so badly; the previous book by the same author, The Secrets of Story, is absolutely fantastic and I was hoping this would follow the same groundwork. Unfortunately The Secrets of Character felt more like a book on how to identify well-written characters than how to write them. It rang true in its content, and Bird is an entertaining writer regardless, but much of the content came across more like a catalogue of blog posts than a structured guide.
Still worth reading, would be very helpful for anyone looking for frames of media analysis, but ultimately The Secrets of Story is a far better book for individuals looking to intentionally improve their work.
Still worth reading, would be very helpful for anyone looking for frames of media analysis, but ultimately The Secrets of Story is a far better book for individuals looking to intentionally improve their work.
May 13, 2022
In ‘The Secrets of Character�, there are detailed recommendations to develop realistic and believable characters, with plenty of examples and references. I am not a writer, and I was not really looking for an exhaustive guidance. Nevertheless, I have always been intrigued by the process and in this book, I have found valuable information as a reader to analyze the gathering of those required elements and better appreciate the creativity of their authors.
Thank you to Matt Bird, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Matt Bird, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
August 22, 2022I've read a lot of books on the craft of writing, and this is one of the best I've read on the topic of characterization. I plan to use this book as a guide when I am creating characters or when I have a character in a story that just isn't fleshed out enough. So many specific examples of what makes characters tick (and what makes readers believe in them and want to invest in them!). Highly recommend for authors.
December 4, 2023
This book was super duper helpful - maybe more so than any other writing book I have read when it comes to character, apart from K.M. Weiland's in-depth studies. There are concrete examples of what to do when building a character: things I can specifically brainstorm on to create compelling people who jump off the page. I'm looking forward to using this for my next book. I want people to see what I do when I'm creating!
January 26, 2025
I found this book very helpful. Bird talks at length about his BCI system for creating characters that your readers will love. BCI - Believe, Care, invest. I think this is the sort of book I might usually say is too long, or has too many examples, but having gone through it all I have a much better understanding of how to use this technique in my own stories.
Highly recommend!
*SIDE NOTE - I liked this one better than Secrets of Story by Matt Bird, but it was also helpful.
Highly recommend!
*SIDE NOTE - I liked this one better than Secrets of Story by Matt Bird, but it was also helpful.
March 28, 2025
How do you get readers to like your characters? Matt Bird suggests it's all about believe, care, and invest, and goes methodically through these ideas to show what makes a reader believe, care, and invest. There are myriad examples and links to further reading.
As someone whose job is to improve fiction, I read a lot of nonfiction about writing. This is the first book I've read in a long time that I would consider purchasing. It does exactly what it says it will do, and it does it well.
As someone whose job is to improve fiction, I read a lot of nonfiction about writing. This is the first book I've read in a long time that I would consider purchasing. It does exactly what it says it will do, and it does it well.
March 28, 2022
This is my first Bird book, and I liked it, unsurprisingly, since his previous books are so highly rated. I'm not really a writer, but got this "just in case" I decide to take the plunge. I didn't always like the writing style here, but the helpful content is what matters. Recommended. I suspect this will get lots of high ratings.
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
September 22, 2023
You wanna build some good and unique characters for your Story? Well then this book is the perfect book for you!!!!
I literally use it all the time in my daily workflow, because it just offers so many good Ideas and you can use it kinda like a grocery store. Just instead of food that you want to cook, you look okay how can I destroy, build, shape my characters.
I literally use it all the time in my daily workflow, because it just offers so many good Ideas and you can use it kinda like a grocery store. Just instead of food that you want to cook, you look okay how can I destroy, build, shape my characters.
October 4, 2023
I like this book more than his first one. It was a lot easier to follow, more concise, and actionable. It's a great read for those who want to write or for those who like to read and review books/movies. It gives you a great understanding of a writer's process and what makes us love some characters. It was fun hearing from examples of books or movies that you have already seen/read.
May 4, 2024
Great book with practical advice about how to hook a reader in the story and make them believe, care, and invest in your characters. It’s chocked full with examples from literature, TV, and film to really drive the point home, and has practical applications about how to add those elements into your own story.
August 1, 2024
A great follow-up to his first book, the secrets of story. This is an excellent reference guide for any writer of any kind. Matt bird has built a great foundation with these two books and his incredibly informative website. I think we all owe him a debt of gratitude for sharing his knowledge and for making it available to us so easily. The website is outstanding full of tools and guides
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