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
See Why Three Types of Character Motivation Matter
All About Character Motivation Character motivation is key in any good story. A great character wants or needs something for a reason ... and they must struggle to get it. Your characters should drive the plot through their own choices, behavior, worldview, backstory and … [Read more...] about See Why Three Types of Character Motivation Matter
What’s More Important: Storytelling or Writing Craft?
When first learning how to write, we often focus on the skills of writing craft—grammar rules, point of view, etc.—but storytelling skills are just as important. Some might even say they’re more important. After all, we can probably think of popular books that suffer from poor craft, such as … [Read more...] about What’s More Important: Storytelling or Writing Craft?
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Anticipation
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it's an automatic response or a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Anticipation
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Spending Time in Nature
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it's an automatic response or a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Spending Time in Nature
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: People Pleasing
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it's an automatic response or a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: People Pleasing
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Altruism
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it's an automatic response or a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Altruism
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Denial
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it's an automatic response or a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Denial
Writing 101: Popular Structure Models that Work
Every successful story, no matter the genre or format, has some structure at its core. It’s the backbone that provides shape and purpose. Without it, even the most compelling ideas can lose focus and wander off track, making it harder for readers to engage. Whether you're a dedicated plotter or a … [Read more...] about Writing 101: Popular Structure Models that Work
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Asking for Help
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it's an automatic response or a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Asking for Help
How to Tell the Difference Between a Hook and Inciting Incident
Opening pages are notoriously hard to get right, especially in early drafts of your manuscript. I’ve read hundreds of opening chapters of novels in my work as a writing instructor and book coach and one of the most common issues I see comes down to a misunderstanding of the difference between two … [Read more...] about How to Tell the Difference Between a Hook and Inciting Incident