At Canadian Word Warriors, August has been all about characters that matter—and this week we’ve been exploring just how important they are. From unforgettable fictional teens navigating high school struggles to real-life pioneers who broke barriers, characters are the heartbeat of every story.
But here’s the truth: some of the most meaningful characters are the ones YOU create. Writing your own stories isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about giving life to voices, perspectives, and experiences that deserve to be heard.
4 Tips to Start Writing Characters That Matter
Not sure where to begin? Here are four simple ways to spark your creativity:
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Start with a “what if” – Ask yourself: What if this happened to me? or What if my character made a different choice?
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Borrow from real life – Base characters on people you know, then give them new challenges or settings.
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Give them flaws – Perfect characters are forgettable; messy ones stick with us.
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Write every day (even a little) – Ten minutes of writing is better than waiting for inspiration to strike.
Remember: the more real your characters feel to you, the more they’ll matter to your readers.
Spotlight on R. Jetleb: F-I-N-E is a Four-Letter Word
This week, we’re celebrating relatable teen characters with R. Jetleb’s F-I-N-E is a Four-Letter Word, the second book in the Mall Girl series. Tackling teen social issues with honesty and heart, Jetleb’s story reminds us that being “fine” isn’t always what it seems.
📖 F-I-N-E is a Four-Letter Word is available now on Amazon for readers who love stories that reflect real life with compassion and courage.
Join the Fan Fiction Contest – Ends August 31
Don’t forget! Our Fan Fiction Contest is open until August 31. Mash up your favorite Canadian Word Warriors characters, send us your short story via DM, and let your creativity shine. The most creative entry will win a paperback of their choice.
This is your chance to not only engage with the characters you love but to create your own twist in their world.
Mystery or Romance – What’s Your Go-To Genre?
We want to know: when you curl up with a good book, do you reach for a mystery that keeps you guessing or a romance that tugs at your heart? Tell us in the comments—we love seeing what our community is reading!
Throwback Thursday: A Character Who Changed History
Yesterday, we revisited a true Canadian trailblazer: Thelma Bernice Kerr-Thompson, the first female lawyer in Lindsay, Ontario. Her story, captured in A 20th Century Portia by Mary M. Cushnie-Mansour, is a reminder that characters don’t just live in novels—they shape the world we live in.
Final Thoughts
Whether they’re fictional teens in a mall, real-life pioneers in law, or the heroes you dream up yourself, characters matter because they reflect, challenge, and inspire us.
📚 Ready to create your own? Start writing today.
✍️ Want a challenge? Enter our Fan Fiction Contest before August 31.
❤️ And don’t forget to grab your copy of R. Jetleb’s F-I-N-E is a Four-Letter Word on Amazon.
