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July 12, 2023 23 mins

Welcome to this awesome chat with Latter-Day Saint Horror author, C. David Belt! 

Check out these 5 key takeaways from our conversation:

  1. Detailed Character Sketches: Discover how David finds joy in writing by creating detailed character sketches before diving into a story. Learn how to explore the motivations, fears, and joys of your characters, including the villains.
  2. Unveiling the Why: Dive into the mind of a villain. David shares why he strives to understand why villains behave the way they do, rather than painting them as simply evil. So, say goodbye to one-dimensional antagonists!
  3. Characters Taking Control: Explore the magic of writing where characters take control and make unexpected choices. David emphasizes the importance of letting the story evolve organically, even if it surprises the author.
  4. Writing Beyond Trends: Discover why David advises writers not to be constrained by what's currently popular or what the market demands. As he shows us with his own work, the market can change by the time your book is published, so true joy comes from being authentic to yourself.
  5. Uplifting Endings: Find joy in uplifting people through storytelling. David's aim is to make readers feel better by the end of his stories. Learn how he crafts passionate romances that go beyond the altar and tackle the challenges that threaten these relationships.

Fun Fact! Did you know that C. David Belt served in the US Air Force, flew B 52s, and even sang in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square? Now, that's an impressive background!

Let's find joy in writing and inspire each other to create meaningful stories that resonate with readers. Remember, you have the power to make a difference!

Wishing you endless inspiration and joy in your writing journey, Ali :)

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

C. David Belt was born in the wilds of Evanston, WY. As a child, he lived and traveled extensively around the Far East. In Thailand, he once fed so many bananas to a monkey, the poor monkey swore off bananas for life.

He served as a Latter-day Saint missionary in South Korea and southern California (Korean-speaking), and yes, he loves kimchi. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Aerospace Studies, but he managed to bypass all English or writing classes. He served as a B-52 pilot in the US Air Force and as an Air Weapons Controller in the Washington Air National Guard and was deployed to locations so secret, his family still does not know where he risked life and limb (other than in an 192′ wingspan aircraft flying 200′ off the ground in mountainous terrain).

He sang as a baritone in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for fifteen years.

When he is not writing, he works as a software engineer and collects and (obsessively) researches swords, spears, and axes (oh, my!), and other medieval weapons and armor. He and his wife have six children and live in Utah.

Learn more about David at his website: https://www.unwillingchild.com

Buy David's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rkiCkF

Get free stuff, including the Christmas story we talked about, here: https://unwillingchild.com/extras.html

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Your Host

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram:...

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