on Live Write Thrive:

Stories live and breathe through relationships (just as our own lives do). Every memorable tale—whether it’s a sweeping epic, a small-town romance, or a heart-pounding thriller—hinges on how people interact with one another.

It isn’t just the protagonist’s journey that matters but how that journey is shaped, tested, and illuminated by others along the way. Every character in a story, from the central hero to the bit player who appears only once, should feel like a real person with needs, fears, and desires of their own. And every interaction between them should serve a purpose—revealing character, advancing plot, or deepening emotional resonance.

When relationships feel authentic, readers invest in your story. When they feel contrived or thin, even the best premise can fall flat. That’s why developing relationships—how your characters clash, connect, misunderstand, or support one another—is one of the most strategic and rewarding parts of storytelling.