Found Families, Character Archetypes, & Cohorts
Found families are where characters discover belonging, purpose, and love because they're on a shared journey together. Whether it’s a quirky small-town romance or a wolf pack with shifting power dynamics, the strength of a found family lies in its characters. I believe that this family of characters is shaped by universal archetypes.
The Power of Archetypes in Found Families
Character archetypes in stories represent familiar patterns that readers instinctively connect with. Archetypes like the Mentor, Rebel, and Caregiver guide and challenge the protagonist, helping them discover their place in this chosen family.
In small-town romances, a Mentor might be the wise old bookstore owner who offers life-changing advice. In a paranormal story, they could be an elder shifter who teaches the protagonist to harness their powers. The Rebel or Outsider shakes things up—maybe a drifter who initially doesn’t fit in or a lone wolf who resists joining the pack but ultimately finds belonging through shared struggles.
Each archetype adds a unique layer to the found family dynamic. The Protector safeguards the group, the Jester lightens the mood with humor, and the Sage offers profound wisdom. Together, they create a sense of connection and purpose, making the found family feel as real to readers as their own.
Your Writing Found Family Awaits
Found families don’t just exist on the page—they’re also a reality for authors. Writing can be isolating, but being part of a supportive group can transform your creative journey. That’s exactly what the live cohort of my Kickstarter campaign is about. When you back the Page Turner Pacing Kickstarter at the cohort level, you’re not just signing up to learn how to craft binge-worthy books; you’re joining a found family of authors who will support, challenge, and inspire you.
In this live cohort, you’ll connect with other writers who share your passion, swap ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate wins together. It’s a space to grow not just as a storyteller but as a member of a vibrant creative community.
Want to Learn More About Archetypes?
If you’re curious about diving deeper into character archetypes… well, it's not in the Page Turner Pacing course 😄 . It's just how I refer to characters when talking about them in terms of story. You'll see a few posts where I break down Character Archetypes here on Substack. I highly recommend The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. Campbell’s insights into archetypes and storytelling patterns are a treasure trove for writers crafting found families and beyond.
Back the Kickstarter and Find Your Found Family
Archetypes are the building blocks of emotionally resonant stories, and found families are the soul of unforgettable narratives. If you join the Page Turner Pacing Cohort, you’ll not only gain tools to craft these kinds of stories but also find your own found family of fellow authors.
Don’t miss your chance to join this live cohort of passionate storytellers. Let’s build unforgettable stories—and connections—together. Back the campaign today and be part of something extraordinary!