If you’re writing a story in which your character will need to evolve internally to achieve his goal, a cohesive and well-planned character arc will be vital to its success. This type of arc (a change arc) requires internal conflict, which will provide opportunities for your character to adapt and … [Read more...] about How Does Internal Conflict Fit into the Character’s Arc?
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How to Reveal a Character’s Internal Conflict
If you've been on the writing trail long enough, you've heard plenty of talk surrounding conflict and the role it plays in storytelling. Whatever form it takes—annoying neighbors, quarrels with loved ones, car accidents, fistfights, ticking clocks—conflict keeps the story moving. It creates tension … [Read more...] about How to Reveal a Character’s Internal Conflict
Use This Method to Identify Your Story’s Stakes
Stakes are a crucial part of your story because they define what will happen if the protagonist fails. To build reader empathy, you need this piece in place because when the reader sees what’s at stake, and they recognize why it matters to the character, the story becomes important. It … [Read more...] about Use This Method to Identify Your Story’s Stakes
Book Structure for Disorganized Writers
A while back, I shared a post at WHW about Scene Writing, and why it’s such a valuable tool for writers (especially those like me, whose brains get easily overwhelmed by details). This post also shares my tricks for keeping a story organized even if you have a disorganized brain or process. A … [Read more...] about Book Structure for Disorganized Writers
How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI-Generated Books
AI is reshaping the book industry, and writers are polarized; some have integrated AI into their writing process while others refuse to. No matter which camp you align with I'm sure you share a growing concern: creatives are not the only ones publishing books. Thanks to AI tools, anyone with a … [Read more...] about How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI-Generated Books
How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
Writing intense scenes can be one of the most exciting parts of storytelling. Whether it’s a gripping fight, a romantic encounter that leaves hearts racing, or an emotional moment that hits readers hard, these scenes pull readers in and keep them hooked. But creating truly intense moments takes more … [Read more...] about How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
The Ripple Effect: How to Weave Plot with Character
Actions have consequences—that’s what makes a story tick. A story begins when events around a character push them into action. Those actions create new situations, and those situations push the character into even tougher choices. Watching this chain reaction unfold is what keeps readers glued to … [Read more...] about The Ripple Effect: How to Weave Plot with Character
The Building Blocks of a Synopsis
By Julie Artz A writer once told me they’d created their query list specifically to avoid agents who asked writers for a synopsis because writing one was harder than getting a whole novel reader-ready. I laughed at the time, but since then I’ve encountered a lot of fear and trepidation about … [Read more...] about The Building Blocks of a Synopsis
Why Every Writer Should Try Their Hand at a Horror Story
By Savannah Cordova Affiliate links below It’s that time of year again: the leaves are changing color, the wind is getting chillier, and pumpkins are decorating doorsteps. And given that today is Halloween, there’s no better time to pen a spooky story of your own — even (perhaps especially!) … [Read more...] about Why Every Writer Should Try Their Hand at a Horror Story
Creating Suspense in any Genre
When we think about suspense in writing, we naturally leap to thrillers and mysteries, genres that are known for suspense and rely on it. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us are off the hook. Suspense is an essential element in any story. Whenever we create a feeling of anticipation (or dread) that … [Read more...] about Creating Suspense in any Genre
7 Tips to Make Your Antihero Stand Out
When it comes to story heroes, there are many kinds, from reluctant to tortured to tragic. But the one that’s getting a lot of airtime these days is the antihero. Heroes get the moniker because of the qualities they embody: they’re honorable, courageous, selfless, and good. They’re people of high … [Read more...] about 7 Tips to Make Your Antihero Stand Out
Five Vehicles for Adding Subtext to Dialogue
Realistic, evocative dialogue is an important part of any successful story. We need our characters’ interactions to be authentic, consistent, and engaging to draw readers in to what’s happening. So when we’re learning to write, we spend a lot of time on mechanics—learning all the grammar and … [Read more...] about Five Vehicles for Adding Subtext to Dialogue