Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Angela Ackerman

Adversarial Conflict: Who Is Making Trouble In Your Story?

May 4, 2023

Adversarial Conflict: Who Is Making Trouble In Your Story?

May 4, 2023

Is there anything better than well-written conflict? The vengeful enemy, sharks circling a sinking boat, a carefully guarded secret getting out in the open. Readers, fearful for the characters they…

The Ruler Archetype

April 29, 2023

The Ruler Archetype

April 29, 2023

In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—”universal images that have existed since the remotest times.” He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic…

We’ve Reached the One Million Books Milestone!

April 25, 2023

We’ve Reached the One Million Books Milestone!

April 25, 2023

Once upon a time… Two novice writers met in an online critique group called the Critique Circle and became fast friends. Angela (a Canadian) wrote about zombies and pirates and…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Caregiver

April 15, 2023

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Caregiver

April 15, 2023

In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—”universal images that have existed since the remotest times.” He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic…

What Are Your Protagonist’s Flaws?

April 13, 2023

What Are Your Protagonist’s Flaws?

April 13, 2023

The most relatable characters are ones who mirror real people, meaning they are complex individuals with a blend of strengths, failings, attributes, and flaws. Of these four, flaws are often…

Introducing…The Character Type & Trope Thesaurus!

April 1, 2023

Introducing…The Character Type & Trope Thesaurus!

April 1, 2023

Character building is hard work, and when we see certain types of characters appear again, and again in fiction and film, we wonder if there’s a way to start with…

Does Your Story Need a Hit of Organic Conflict? Look to Your Setting.

March 30, 2023

Does Your Story Need a Hit of Organic Conflict? Look to Your Setting.

March 30, 2023

Every writer’s mission is to pen a story that draws readers in, offering familiarity when it comes to certain genre expectations while also delivering something fresh so to be distinctive…

How to Uncover Your Character’s Deepest Fear

March 28, 2023

How to Uncover Your Character’s Deepest Fear

March 28, 2023

Fear is a disruptive force, even though its job is to keep us safe. When there’s a perceived physical or psychological threat, our brain blasts us with a shot of…

How Much Time Do You Waste as a Writer?

March 23, 2023

How Much Time Do You Waste as a Writer?

March 23, 2023

It’s a touchy topic, I know. On one hand, we may putter a bit as a way ‘into’ writing–getting supplies together, pouring a cup of coffee, and putting a few…

How Writers Can Be Their Own Valentine

February 7, 2023

How Writers Can Be Their Own Valentine

February 7, 2023

When February 14th rolls around, it’s a reminder to let certain people know that we love and cherish them. So, we buy chocolate, flowers, or go for a night out.…