Need to give your story extra oomph? Give your main character a sidekick

This writing tip is from Ross Pennie.

"Sherlock Holmes has Dr. Watson, Lynley has Havers, Elvis Cole has Joe Pike. I'm talking about the sidekick, the guy or gal whose role is to serve and protect the mercurial detective. As a writer, you can have fun with your sidekick. Make him super calm and organized in the face of his freewheeling boss. Or make her the eccentric one, saving the day with a hunch that comes from a weird hobby or quirky obsession. Long after the story's puzzle is solved and the bad guys put away, readers will remember the tension and charm of your dynamic duo."

Ross Pennie was an infectious disease specialist and university professor for two decades before turning his hand to writing fiction. His books Tainted and Tampered both won the Arts Hamilton Literary Award. The latest release in the Dr. Zol Szabo mystery series is called Beneath the Wake.