Between plot, characters, setting, conflict, and resolution, not to mention grammar, formatting, and editing, writing a novel requires a lot of working pieces. If you're unorganized like me, this class will provide you with the tools to develop and organize your characters to ensure you are using your cast of characters to their full potential, having peace of mind that by the end of the story there will be a full-circle arc for each main player. Additionally, before taking this class, I had no idea the power a minor character could play and how I could manipulate them to enhance my mains. Great course!

This course is a treasure chest of tools for character development. I’m about half way through the rough draft of the third book in a series (Story Safari is also excellent) I was able to get a really clear picture of the series cast of my books, figure out layers of conflict and relationships, layer the romance beats over the top of the suspense plot line. The uber villian emerged and I have a much richer understanding of my characters, Best of all working with Lisa helped me get lots of words on the page as I had aha moments and helpful feedback. Lisa presents material in a very clear way and is happy for you to take what you need from the course, so have fun with the invention/ play opportunities. I finished the course with so much extra energy for my work in progress.

‘Creating a Constellation of Characters’ by Lisa Miller guides you through an exploration of your characters to flush out their characteristics; the good and the bad. How do they interrelate with each other? What are their functions? Where are the conflicts?

My WIP storyline was complete and I had all the characters in place but they were as exciting as cardboard cut-outs. Through the exercises, I spotted a shadow character with the potential of a mega villain. I discovered new and powerful conflicts on different levels and how my too-perfect Heroine could get downright dirty under pressure.

By the end of the course, I had a method for creating a mosaic of characters that I can use repeatedly for different novels.

I highly recommend ‘Creating a Constellation of Characters’ by Lisa Miller for all fiction writers and her sister course ‘Story Structure Safari’.

Please excuse me now, my characters are calling me to write their world alive.

This class helped me to develop my characters by digging deep into my closed mind and unearthing ideas and possibilities that would not have entered my head without the material and Lisa's gentle prodding and guidance. The material and lessons are rich with possibilities for developing characters for books any genre.

Some of the lesson material seemed close in content and could possibly be combined. I found the Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values section to be a little difficult to understand. It was hard to differentiate the terms and apply them to my characters.

I couldn't keep up with the class work. I found it to be too much for me, but it could have worked well for others. I did only the lessons for the Forums. I didn't have time to do the personal journal or the Masterwork. I have two more Forums to go, and I will have completed the class!

Lisa was helpful and encouraging. I enjoyed working with her.

First, I gave this class four stars instead of five. The reason is, this was the debut of the course and sometimes instructions for the assignments were unclear, especially at the beginning. A couple of questions posted to the Lesson Q&A board worked out the confusing parts. After that, I was able to navigate quite smoothly. I know Lisa will be tweaking the instructions from our suggestions, so future students can put that worry behind them.

This is the second class I've taken from Lisa. As with the first class I took (Story Structure Safari), my creative muscle got a full press workout. The lessons are material-dense and lengthy. There are plenty of tools and many exercises. It can seem overwhelming but stick with it, focus on the task at hand and the rewards will come. There is something for learners of every type in this class.

As a review from the other class stated, you get out of the class what you put into it. I find this to be true with Lisa's classes. I was not able to finish because of my limited time and such a wealth of material, but my expectations were met. I was able to jump start a stalled outline for Book 1 of a trilogy.

My hero became more complex, his world expanded and as a result my heroine also became more developed. I was able to put more meat onto the trilogy concept, as well. Out of the character exercises came numerous ideas for scenes and plot points to move the story forward. This course did just what I hoped. I took just the bare bones of a concept and created a strong foundation for a story through some pretty extensive character development.

Thanks, Lisa, you inspire confidence and your suggestions made my brain go in directions I otherwise would not have thought of.