This is Kamm Island and you're listening to the 54th episode of the Word Play Podcast.

After putting it off for about a year, I finally given into the hassle of buying a new computer.

Fortunately, it's a hassle that ends with a shiny new toy to play with.

It had been my intention to buy a Mac for the first time, but I finally

decided for a handful of reasons to stick with the Windows programs I've always known and liked.

I'll officially join the Mac Revolution one of these days, but not this day.

So this week I'm researching computers and prices in my hunt for a sturdy reasonably priced

laptop with about a zillion gigs of memory.

If any of you have purchased computers you've been particularly pleased with, I'd love to hear your suggestions.

You can email me at K.m.

dot Wyland, that's W-E-I-L-A-N-D at y-M-E-M-D-D at Y-M-D.

Who said what?

what? Identifying dialogue speakers. The latest post in the video series on my blog

points out the pitfalls of failing to properly tag your dialogue and offers a few pointers for making sure your readers always know which character is speaking.

You can watch the video on my blog at wordplay-KM Wyland.

blogspot.com. New videos are posted every Wednesday.

Meanwhile, enjoy this week's podcast. Change is the key to powerful character arcs.

The key to memorable characters isn't so much creating a strong character as it is creating a strong character arc.

You can come up with the most entertaining marvelous character imaginable, but unless you also give him a strong and convincing character arc,

his story will lack depth and power.

Character arcs are bound up in the catalyst of change.

You can chart a character's arc through the progression of the story by comparing his personality, his behavior, personal values, and his beliefs at the beginning and end of the book.

...