Character First Writing: Practical Mini Lessons from Deborah Goodrich Royce

Character First Writing: Practical Mini Lessons from Deborah Goodrich Royce

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman March 2, 2026 Duration: 26:05

Deborah Goodrich Royce, author of literary psychological thrillers and a former actor, unpacks how she builds tension without forcing the outline. You will hear how sensory observation from her New York Botanical Garden work feeds scene-level detail, why she prefers a "reveal" that feels earned over a twist that feels gimmicky, and how an actor's training translates into characters with layered motives and believable self-deception.

What you will learn

  • How to pace a psychological thriller so the reader feels pulled forward, not pushed.

  • Character-first plotting: letting voice, backstory, and contradictions shape the turns.

  • Designing "good reveals" and planting signals that pay off cleanly later.

Key topics

  • Botanical observation as a storytelling skill (attention, pattern, detail).

  • Character development through lived experience and emotional memory.

  • Organic plot development: earning twists through setup, not shock value.

Chapters 
00:00 Introduction and Deborah's background
01:00 Why the New York Botanical Garden matters to her creative life
01:57 Creative growth through lived experience
03:09 The Lincoln quote and what it signals in the book
03:37 Identity, deception, and what thrillers let us examine
04:55 Using "signals" from real life to build believable turns
05:46 The actor's lens on role, emotion, and subtext
07:10 Writing thrillers in a fast-paced media environment
07:48 "Organic" plotting: how reveals get earned
09:18 Creative community and collaboration
12:31 Openings, pacing, and keeping readers in the scene
14:59 Starting a new project: practical tools and habits
17:30 Visualizing the story with notes and systems
18:09 Readers, book clubs, and what she learns from conversations

 

Want to learn with Tricia this April?

Learn more:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empathy-as-interface-rethinking-ai-in-education-tickets-1630138009669?aff=oddtdtcreator

 


Ever feel like the conversation around education moves faster than a school day? Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators is here to slow things down just enough for a meaningful dialogue. Hosted by practicing educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, this podcast creates a necessary space for teachers and administrators to dig into the real work of modern teaching. Instead of just theory, you’ll hear from fellow practitioners and thought leaders who are navigating the same challenges you face daily. The discussions move beyond surface-level trends to unpack practical strategies and tools that can be adapted for your own classroom or school. Whether it’s rethinking assessment, integrating technology with purpose, or fostering a more inclusive learning environment, each episode is grounded in the shared goal of improving outcomes for every student. Tuning in feels less like another professional development requirement and more like a candid staff room conversation with colleagues who get it. This is where the abstract ideas about educational change meet the concrete reality of the K-12 world, offering actionable insights for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Find Shifting Schools wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts for a regular dose of perspective and practical ideas.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
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