Whenever I get writer’s block, it is because I have not taken care of the basics. For example, it is really hard to continue your plot if you don’t know your characters well. The fix? The same thing that companies do with job candidates: an interview! You can ask story-specific questions (i.e. “Why are you mad at Huck?” or “Why do you want to go into that room?”) or you can use some of the questions below. The questions range from deep questions that cover character motivation to some lighter ones that will provide details that will round out the character. Grab a pen and paper and answer whichever questions speak to you from your character’s perspective. You will be surprised by what you find out!

1. What was your childhood like? Would you consider it happy?

2. What is your family like?

3. What do you want most out of life?

4. Where is your favorite place to vacation?

5. What do you like to do on Saturday mornings?

6. What are you afraid of? What keeps you up at night?

7. Have you ever been in love?

8. What do you do for a living? Do you like it?

9. Who is your best friend? Why?

10. What is your favorite thing on earth? Your least favorite thing?

11. What does your bedroom look like?

12. Do you play any sports or do any other activities?

13. How would your loved ones describe you? How do you describe yourself?

14. What are your religious beliefs?

15. Do you have strong political opinions?

16. What are your pet peeves?

17. What is your favorite music? Books? TV shows? Movies?

18. Do you know any foreign languages?

19. What do you daydream about?

20. H0w much time do you spend in front of screens?

I hope these questions help you get to know your characters and bust through your writer’s block!

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