Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 6: Introducing a Big Cast of Characters

Introducing a lot of characters can lead to a muddle in readers’ minds. Erin and Anne-Marie explore why you may want to use a big cast, identify pitfalls to avoid, and break down how Kayvion Lewis introduces the nine teen thieves in Thieves’ Gambit in a way that draws readers in rather than confuses them. 

Books we mention in this episode (affiliate links):

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (also see Erin’s craft article on pacing and plot in Inheritance Games)

First Rule of Climate Club by Carrie Firestone

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall  (also see Anne-Marie’s craft article on POV in The Penderwicks)

The Lovely War by Julie Berry


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Anne-Marie Strohman

Anne-Marie Strohman (co-editor) writes picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult short stories and novels. She is a teacher, an editor, and a scholar. She is an active member of SCBWI and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Find her at amstrohman.com and on Twitter @amstrwriter

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Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 7: Relationship Arcs

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Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 5: Complicated Family Relationships