Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Angela Ackerman

Definition: believing in or pursuing what is morally right or good Characters in Literature & Pop Culture: Robin Hood, Dumbledore, Reverend Mr. John Williams (The Scarlet Letter) Clichés to Avoid: the…

After The First Draft: Attitude Is Everything

September 14, 2012

After The First Draft: Attitude Is Everything

September 14, 2012

By Peter Salomon Congratulations, you’ve finished the first draft of your novel! I’m serious, this is something that calls for a minor celebration. There are untold numbers of people who…

How to Build Suspense By Meeting Readers in the Middle

September 12, 2012

How to Build Suspense By Meeting Readers in the Middle

September 12, 2012

Thriller author Donna Galanti has 7 great tips on how to build suspense and keep the reader’s attention, so read on. I’ve learned so much about suspense since writing my…

Character Trait: Serious

July 28, 2012

Character Trait: Serious

July 28, 2012

Definition: having a thoughtful or subdued manner Causes: being more inclined to internal thought than external expression; an underdeveloped sense of humor; a strong sense of duty to others; being forced…

Character Trait Entry: Determined

July 21, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Determined

July 21, 2012

Definition: a firm resolve; unwavering; focused Characters in Literature: Doug (Okay For Now); Katniss (The Hunger Games); Perrin (The Wheel of Time) Common Portrayals: Athletes, Competitors, Law Enforcers & Military,…

Character Trait: Creative

July 14, 2012

Character Trait: Creative

July 14, 2012

Definition: marked with the desire or skill to create Characters in Literature: Olivia (the pig), Amy March (Little Women), Skeeter Phelan (The Help), Joe (The Sky is Everywhere) Common Portrayals: artists, authors and…

Character Trait: Glamorous

July 7, 2012

Character Trait: Glamorous

July 7, 2012

Definition: having an aura of allure and fascination; a showy attractiveness Characters in Literature and Pop Culture: Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), Audrey Hepburn,…

Character Trait Entry: Mature

June 30, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Mature

June 30, 2012

Definition: a strong level of mental development or wisdom, often beyond one’s years Characters in Literature: Hermione (Harry Potter); Katniss (Hunger Games); Hazel & Augustus (The Fault In Our Stars…

Character Entry Trait: Calm

June 23, 2012

Character Entry Trait: Calm

June 23, 2012

Definition: free from agitation or disturbance; composed; level-headed Characters in Literature: Legolas, Spock, Nick Andros (The Stand), Yoda Common Portrayals: parents and grandparents, religious figures, mentors, immortals Clichés to Avoid: the wise mentor who shows…

Character Trait Entry: Cautious

March 17, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Cautious

March 17, 2012

Definition: watchful or careful; alert to risk Characters in Literature: Elrond (Lord of the Rings); Hermione Granger (Harry Potter); Stanley Yelnats (Holes) Common Portrayals: Parents, politicians worried about voters; health…