Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by September Fawkes

Story Structure as a Fractal

August 8, 2024

Structure is critical to every story. And it’s highly likely that if you are reading this article, you are familiar with the most basic shape of story structure. This one:…

Structuring an Ensemble Cast with Plotlines

May 30, 2024

Structuring an Ensemble Cast with Plotlines

May 30, 2024

Writing an ensemble cast can feel daunting, especially when most writing advice is for stories that feature one, or maybe two, lead characters. How is an author supposed to structure…

Mastering Turning Points in Relationship Plots

February 6, 2024

Mastering Turning Points in Relationship Plots

February 6, 2024

A turning point (also known as a “plot turn” or “plot point”) changes the direction of the story, through an action or a revelation. The protagonist was going one direction,…

Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines

November 28, 2023

Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines

November 28, 2023

Whether you are writing romance, adventure, fantasy, or mystery, nearly every well-told story has a relationship plotline. Unfortunately, though, entertaining banter or fiery arguments alone aren’t enough to sustain that…

Why a Strong Plot Requires a Significant Goal

August 11, 2022

Why a Strong Plot Requires a Significant Goal

August 11, 2022

Many say plot begins with conflict. But you can’t have conflict if you don’t have an antagonistic force. And you can’t have an antagonistic force, unless your protagonist has a…

Using Crisis to Reveal Character

May 3, 2022

Using Crisis to Reveal Character

May 3, 2022

In the writing community, a crisis (also known as a “dilemma”) happens when a character has to choose between two opposing things. And he can’t have both. Shawn Coyne, author…

6 Cheats to “Tell” Well (When It’s Warranted)

February 1, 2022

6 Cheats to “Tell” Well (When It’s Warranted)

February 1, 2022

Most of us are familiar with the “Show, don’t Tell” rule. In short, it’s more effective to dramatize the story than to simply tell what happened. Nonetheless, almost every story…

How to Showcase Your Character’s Unique Voice

November 4, 2021

How to Showcase Your Character’s Unique Voice

November 4, 2021

Almost every character should have their own voice—their distinctive way of communicating their worldview. To illustrate, here are three lines from Harry Potter that reveal Hermione’s, Ron’s, and Harry’s individual…

Testing Fate: A Closer Look at Person vs. Fate Conflict

August 31, 2021

Testing Fate: A Closer Look at Person vs. Fate Conflict

August 31, 2021

Conflict is key to writing great stories. And while writers may categorize conflict differently, I categorize conflict into eight types: Person vs. SelfPerson vs. PersonPerson vs. NaturePerson vs. SocietyPerson vs.…

Balancing Your Cast of Characters

May 4, 2021

Balancing Your Cast of Characters

May 4, 2021

It’s no secret that side characters can be amazing in their own right. Great side characters feel like real people–even if the focus isn’t on them. They have lives that…