I've spent the past few days working on character arcs for Sylvarion's Challenge. I'm far enough into the writing now that I need to block out the entire trilogy in order to know where to go next in book one. And step one (at least step one for me this time through) on the way to the story arc is to block out the development of each separate character.

Outlining an entire novel--let alone an entire trilogy--is a long and tedious process and my least favorite part of writing, but it's absolutely necessary to a great story. At least it is for me. (If you happen to be one of those magically gifted people for whom an entire novel just flows from beginning to end without any planning whatsoever, then consider yourself truly blessed.)

So send me luck this week--probably this month. I'm going to need it.