Character Motto:
A Writer's Tool for Creating 3-D Characters & Enhancing Plot, Setting & Conflict
Create deeper characters, richer plots, and unforgettable stories—starting with a motto.
Flat characters? Weak plots? Bland settings?
Not on your watch.
Character Motto is your new favorite tool in the writing toolbox—a quick, powerful technique that helps you shape more vibrant characters, develop stronger conflict, enrich your setting, and drive your plot forward. All through one deceptively simple idea: your character’s personal motto.
In this fun, no-fluff guide, USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Susan Gable breaks down how a character’s core belief—the motto they live by—can influence every aspect of your story. Whether you’re a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this workshop-in-a-book will help you:
Create complex, memorable characters
Find natural sources of conflict
Strengthen your theme
Make setting more relevant
And keep your plot moving with purpose
And yes, there’s a hilarious, thought-provoking, and helpful motto list in the back. You’re welcome.
Using AI? (No judgement here! I love tech toys!) You can add character mottos directly into your prompts to shape stronger, more authentic characters—fast.
Example prompt: Give each character a motto as per Susan Gable's Character Motto concept. Make sure that the mottos will generate conflict between our two main characters.
Available in ebook format.
Link below takes you to multiple buying sources.
"...a solid tool to help writers focus either while they're writing or once their manuscript is done. The list in the back of the book is both funny and priceless." — Amazon Reviewer
"I don't buy many writing craft books because I often find them too general or off-point from my issues. But from the get-go I could see this one was going to speak to me. The concepts were easy to grasp, and the exercises helped me relate them to my characters and storyline. It definitely strengthened my work-in-progress, and I'm sure I'll be referring back to it for future projects." — Author Tina Ferraro
