In a word, editors are looking for heart when it comes to fiction. Making a reader care about your character is the most important driving force that will keep them turning the page. They have to find out what happens to this character they have grown to care about so much. Even if they don't like the character, they are still compelled to know what happens to them. The emotional connectivity is what matters the most in creating a character. 

Harry Potter was a character that most boys and girls could relate to in regards to being the underdog who is bullied and yet envied all at the same time. What made the reader feel emotionally connected? Perhaps, the fact that Harry was an orphan and having to live in a dysfunctional household where he felt less important. That brought an immediate compassion to his plight as a child. 

When Harry finally does come into his own kind, he still faces much opposition and must overcome his own fears. The reader learns and grows with Harry as he makes his way through changing and sometimes perilous times at Hogwarts. He has to overcome bullying and the misunderstanding of those in authority over him. Ultimately, he has to overcome the inner beast inside himself. The ugly image everyone has to face in the mirror of life. As he changes, the reader changes with him. Though the witchcraft and the magic are not acceptable in Christian circles, the story itself and the characters are compelling and noteworthy. The writing is excellent and helped raise the reading IQ of many an elementary to middle grader, my own included. Please remember this is fiction we are talking about, which is no different than paranormal romances such as "Twilight" with vampires and werewolves, which is incidentally written by a Morman and offers many underlying Christian values. 

In creating flawed characters with the heart to overcome whatever obstacle is put in their way, you will attract your reader to respond with emotion and relate to them. This will compel your reader to turn the page and stay with this character to the very end. 

The Writer's Anointing
Ebook Price: $2.99 USD. 3060 words. Nonfiction by Londa Hayden on January 16, 2012 
Do you ever wonder if your writing will ever go anywhere? Does God really have a purpose for your passion? This book will help the writer within you realize your true anointing in Christ Jesus and how to walk in it. Don't give up on your writing endeavors until you read this book. Get equipped with practical tips and steps to take for a greater confidence in yourself, your God, and your dreams. 

Copy & paste this coupon code in order form. 
Promotional price: $2.69
Coupon Code: TN39W
Expires: February 17, 2012 
Click on the link below to order: 
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123839

A portion of all proceeds is donated to the Writer Development Funds for Bartlett Christian Writers. 

Writing with passion doesn't necessarily have to involve romance. Passion is something that stirs one deep within to move forward with an idea. Passion will intensify your writing and make it more interesting for the reader to explore. To get passion in writing, it is important to write on a topic that moves you personally in some way. Even if you write fiction, the characters can still pulsate with feeling and adventure. Most writers develop characters drawing upon personal experiences around people they have known. People who made a significant impression on their lives, either good or bad.

Tyler Perry developed his "Madea" character based upon various family members. Madea is definitely a bigger-than-life kind of character who won't take no for answer. Perry has made a series of movies based upon this one very passionate character and viewers have grown to love her. Madea coined the phrase "Oh, hell to the no," which is commonly used today. Although some may find it offensive, her character was also very Christian. Even though Madea was actually played by a man, Tyler Perry, her character carried strength and gave women a much-needed ego boost to not put up with abusive men who took advantage of them.  

Writing exercise: Think about the people in your life, those you grew up with, kids you once played with, bosses or coworkers you either loved or hated. Make a list of the various character traits that stick out to you and try to come up with a unique character that you will be excited to write about and share with others. 

Why should writers help other writers? Think about it. If we each gave $10.00 to help fund each other's book projects, eventually we'd have enough to publish our own. Building up that network and comradeship with other writers is what it's all about when it comes to promoting your work.
 
If you will look to the left upper corner of my blog, you will see a brand new video I just produced. This is a special campaign I've started on Indiogogo.com to help raise funds for three children's book projects I've been trying to get published for several years now. 

Each book has it's own unique flair that carries the potential to benefit certain organizations, but I need to have the product to share with them first. You can help in this campaign in many ways besides just contributing funds. You can pass the link to my campaign http://igg.me/p/59358?a=357341  with friends,  family, organizations, and anyone else who may be interested in helping. You can also post about it in your blog, tweet or retweet for me, and share it on facebook. I really appreciate whatever you do to help promote this campaign.