Why Your Characters Feel Flat

Good morning,

Let's explore how TV writer Eric Martin (Heels, Loki) approaches character-driven storytelling... and the unconventional methods that make his scripts come alive.

Here's his refreshing perspective on crafting authentic narratives:

"I try to get into a place where it's just the subconscious doing the writing. Everything comes from character and emotion."

Let's break down his core principles:

1. Psychology-First Approach

• Start with character needs, not plot structure

• Focus on emotional truth over story mechanics

• Let character psychology guide narrative development

2. Daily Writing Process

• Write every single day on your project

• Review and refine previous day's work first

• Stay deeply immersed in the story world

3. Physical Creativity Boosters

• Walk on treadmill at Zone 2 heart rate while reading scripts

• Change fonts to see work with fresh eyes

• Transfer scenes to index cards for new perspective

The game-changing insight: Success in writing compelling stories isn't about following structural formulas. It's about understanding your characters' deepest psychological needs and letting them drive the narrative.

His tactical advice for writers:

• Push readers for brutally honest feedback

• Write from the subconscious, analyze later

• Start specs with characters that fascinate you

Quick mindset shift: Stop thinking about "getting the structure right." Instead, focus on understanding what your characters think they need versus what they actually need.

Keep writing,

- Brock Swinson

P.S. Here’s my full audio interview with Eric Martin.

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