It’s a craft special! We kick off with Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest (yes, the hairdresser, the church, the drugs—what is even happening), then dive into the good stuff: how to build believable, unforgettable characters using the Enneagram. Rachel walks us through types, wings, stress/safety arrows, and why intention > vibes, while Kayla talks “thisness,” denial as a human engine, and how appearance can serve plot (hi, Lani). We compare detailed character bibles vs. trusting your brain, debate how much “looks” to include, touch representation + writing to market, and share a wicked prompt: take a free Enneagram test as your character—especially your protag and your monster-in-the-house.

• A spicy, spoiler-lite chat about Liz Gilbert’s new memoir and why readers love messy truth
• Enneagram 101 for writers: the 9 types, wings, stress/safety moves—fast and practical
• Using type arcs (unhealthy → healthy) as a built-in character transformation
• Backstory, “funny hat” details, and the “thisness” that makes scenes feel real
• Character dossiers vs. discovery writing (and how not to contradict yourself)
• Trends, MSWLs, and the trap of writing to market
• A short-story spark from Kayla you won’t forget (turquoise glitter… say no more)

Take an Enneagram quiz as your protagonist and antagonist, then outline three moments where their type drives a surprising choice.

We’re bi-weekly now—see you in two weeks.
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