Tip #451: It doesn't have to be major, but

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY... Even if you’re writing a Die Hard rip-off, have something to say about Die Hard rip-offs.

http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/13/joss-whedons-top-10-writing-tips/

Tip #450: Finding sparks of life

When a particular character isn't coming to life, I... write out what s/he would say for themselves in an interview.

'Why I did this...'
'why I'm ging to do that...'
'Why I'm right...'

...The reasons and excuses aren't so important, but the perspective is... an assertion of {the character's} own perspective...

self-justifications... don't get into my novels. They do influence... the scene where a character is confronted by the truth about themselves.

http://writingtips.com.au/WRITING%20TIPS%20BRITISH%20version/downloads/wtipscontinuousUK.pdf p 63-64

Tip #449: Stories that sell

The audience has always wanted to absorb stories, always wanted to braid them into their social, intellectual and emotional tapestries.

...It’s about asking, “What do I want to write? What do I love? What do I want to read?” It’s about creating stories and art that are products of wonder and madness

http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/07/09/hell-with-what-sells/