Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Angela Ackerman

How to Write Authentic Character Behavior

March 5, 2026

How to Write Authentic Character Behavior

March 5, 2026

Some stories stick with us more than others, and why? The characters. They feel so real. How they view life, the way they interact with others, the beliefs that steer…

What Does a Character’s Fear of Change Look Like?

February 23, 2026

What Does a Character’s Fear of Change Look Like?

February 23, 2026

As we move closer to releasing The Fear Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to What Holds Characters Back, I wanted to share one of the entries that covers a fear that…

Finish the Book: Save 25% at One Stop for Writers

February 21, 2026

Finish the Book: Save 25% at One Stop for Writers

February 21, 2026

Writing can be frustrating. You see the story in your mind, but getting all those ideas onto the page? Sometimes, it’s harder than you expect. The plot tangles.Character feels flat.Tension…

Why Writers Fear and Resist Change (and Characters Do, Too)

February 19, 2026

Why Writers Fear and Resist Change (and Characters Do, Too)

February 19, 2026

We’re often told to remember that the antagonist is the protagonist in their own story, and while this seems like a character-building tip, it’s actually a psychological one. Characters who…

The Fear Thesaurus Is Coming: A New Writing Guide for What Holds Characters Back

January 29, 2026

The Fear Thesaurus Is Coming: A New Writing Guide for What Holds Characters Back

January 29, 2026

Fear is more than an emotion; it is an underlying force that runs through every story element, including character development, plot, arc, conflict, and theme. It’s what draws readers in,…

How to Take a Story from “Good” to Great

January 13, 2026

How to Take a Story from “Good” to Great

January 13, 2026

Self-publishing costs can add up, so one of the best ways to save money on editing is to take your story from good to great before bringing in an editor.…

Writers Helping Writers® Thesaurus Guides Sale: Buy One, Get One Free

December 9, 2025

Writers Helping Writers® Thesaurus Guides Sale: Buy One, Get One Free

December 9, 2025

Becca and I have a case of Christmas Mania right now because having our own bookstore means we can wrap up terrific deals for you in ways we can’t with…

Best Gifts for Writers

December 4, 2025

Best Gifts for Writers

December 4, 2025

Thoughtful gifts never go out of style, and for writers, they act as a neon sign of love and support. Being a writer is challenging. We shut ourselves away to…

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Intellectualization

November 29, 2025

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Intellectualization

November 29, 2025

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…

Unmissable Black Friday Deals for Writers

November 24, 2025

Unmissable Black Friday Deals for Writers

November 24, 2025

It’s time for our favorite round-up of the year: Black Friday Deals for Writers! We all know it’s been a rough year, and protecting our wallets has become more important…