Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Sue Coletta

Could a Raptor Play the Protagonist Role?

July 9, 2024

Could a Raptor Play the Protagonist Role?

July 9, 2024

Raptors are some of the most successful predators on the planet. From owls, eagles, and vultures to hawks, falcons, and other birds of prey, raptors are skilled hunters with incredible…

Top Story World and Story Bible Tips

April 9, 2024

Top Story World and Story Bible Tips

April 9, 2024

When we create a story world for readers, we are implanting images and sensory details. From which, the reader fills in the gaps. If we skew that world in any…

Failure in Fiction

January 9, 2024

Failure in Fiction

January 9, 2024

Writers need to have a sadistic streak to inflict pain—emotional or physical—on our beloved characters repeatedly, but failure is important in fiction. Without it, the story drags. Why to Include…

Why “But” is a Powerful Writing Tool

October 24, 2023

Why “But” is a Powerful Writing Tool

October 24, 2023

Boredom is a common reason why a reader DNFs a book. Genre is irrelevant. If the reader isn’t engaged with the storyline, they will set aside your book for another…

When is the Best Time to Release a New Book?

July 11, 2023

When is the Best Time to Release a New Book?

July 11, 2023

Strategic timing of a book’s publication date can give it a boost and have a major impact on its long-term success. Commercial publishers and booksellers have known this forever. Are…

Why Readers Love Anti-Heroes

April 11, 2023

Why Readers Love Anti-Heroes

April 11, 2023

To understand why readers love anti-heroes, we first need to define what they are. An anti-hero is a flawed, complicated character who thrives in shades of gray. They play the…

An Unbreakable Promise to Readers

January 10, 2023

An Unbreakable Promise to Readers

January 10, 2023

A novel’s opening chapter makes a promise, a secret vow that says, “This is what you can expect from me.” The chapters that follow better fulfill that promise, or the…

The Skeleton of Your Story

October 11, 2022

The Skeleton of Your Story

October 11, 2022

Think of Milestones (aka story beats) as a human skeleton. The skull, spine, sternum (breastbone), scapula, ribs, and pelvis are vital for life. Without these large bones in place, we’d…

Back Cover Copy Formula

July 12, 2022

Back Cover Copy Formula

July 12, 2022

Let’s be honest. Writing a book description isn’t fun. It’s grueling, mind-numbing work that I detest with every inch of my being. Mastering the art of back cover copywriting is…

What is Rhythmic Writing?

April 12, 2022

What is Rhythmic Writing?

April 12, 2022

Rhythm is one of the most underrated aspects of writing, but readers sense the rhythm in our words, whether they realize it or not. Rhythm attracts readers to certain authors.…