There are many pitfalls on the road to writing a story and it can be very difficult to conceptualize and then deliver a believable character.

Whether writing about the same sex or the other sex, or someone in between, there are things that every author must think of on the road to a successful character. Even if all that character is going to do is have smexy time.

So the question is, what does the reader actually want? What do we as authors want for our characters? Too often we think only on the surface of the characters.

What is their height? Weight? How old are they? What colour is their hair and eyes? Are they happy or sad? What clothes are they wearing? Or not wearing?

While all these questions are valid in our quest as authors... Are they what's important? Do these questions build a strong character in the mind's eye for our readers?

Not always.

Some of the most powerful stories leave these details out entirely. They bring the reader into the story without the trappings of what we see and focus on how the characters feel.

I believe this is a good thing. It allows the reader to imagine. It can give the reader the power of putting themselves into the protagonist's place and harmonising with them.

This makes a bond between the reader and the characters that is very strong. You can feel close to them in a way that makes you want to laugh with them, cry with them, cheer them on or get angry.

Because you have felt what they have felt. Or you wonder how they would feel and the author gives you a glimpse into how someone might feel in that place. Emotions are our connection to each other and they can be very powerful.

So instead of opening your story with a blonde boy wearing a polo shirt, pullover with a layered leather jacket, skinny jeans and a pair of Vans...

Introduce a sullen figure, walking down the street of suburbia in the dark of night. He is tired, but he doesn't want to go home. His face lifts in the hope of seeing stars, but the lights drown them out with their harsh glare...

These are the same boy. The character is not thinking and feeling what he looks like, and it is not important yet. In fact, it can be well into the chapter before he runs a hand in irritation through thick, blonde locks or throws his leather jacket over his buddy's desk before collapsing into a chair.

I know it's exciting when you "see" your character and you desperately want us to see them and love them as much as you. But be patient. Take your time to weave the tale. Draw us in and make us connect.

It will be a better story, whether it is smut or adventure, when you give everyone this time to consider.

Besides that, it can be fun writing from their perspective. I personally do love to put myself in my character's shoes and become someone different as I spin a web for my readers to become stuck in.

When I write what I know, or very close to it, some of my readers have seen through my thinly veiled truths to spy myself in my words. It is a heady thing to reveal yourself to others in this way. Exhilarating really.

Like flashing without all the public nudity.

So, I understand too that it can be scary. To peel back the layers and masks we wear for society and write what makes us human, it is a terrifying prospect. One that can break an author in the infancy of their writing career as they try to look into the mirror and see themselves... Sometimes for the first time.

It is easier to fall into the habits of writing too thinly, and focusing on the masks that society tells us are important. It is easiest to take a quick selfie of our characters and call it "good enough" because we want to write what happens next.

I challenge you to capture a home video. Write a brief moment of their lives when the characters were feeling intensely. Be a fly on the wall or delve inside that person's head to see the world through their eyes. Make it real.

That stressful moment before you leave to catch a bus. Doing homework at a friend's house, or really just fxcking around. A moment at work when you made a mistake. Tossing a ball with some pals on the green. An intimate snuggle with a loved one.

***If you take up this challenge, tag me in the story and I will read it. For those who want to read my silly take on this check out: "Another Way To Do Homework" in my short story collection, where my character avoids anatomy homework and I break a few walls...

And any of you who thought this was going to be about something else... Shame on you.