Writing intense scenes can be one of the most exciting parts of storytelling. Whether it’s a gripping fight, a romantic encounter that leaves hearts racing, or an emotional moment that hits readers hard, these scenes pull readers in and keep them hooked. But creating truly intense moments takes more … [Read more...] about How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
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Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Knowing About a Cover-Up
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Knowing About a Cover-Up
How to Find Your Writing Niche and Connect with the Right Readers
It’s not easy finding new readers these days. The secret to drawing just the right readers your way might be finding your niche. A niche isn't just your genre—it's the unique angle, theme, or audience focus that makes your writing distinct. It sets you apart and makes marketing feel natural … [Read more...] about How to Find Your Writing Niche and Connect with the Right Readers
How to Deepen a Story with Thematic Echoes
While shallow stories can be enjoyable, we often strive to add depth to our storytelling. Deeper stories can “say” more to readers, evoking more emotions and leaving a bigger impression. We have many options for how we can deepen our stories, from creating layered characters or heartrending … [Read more...] about How to Deepen a Story with Thematic Echoes
Meet Our New Bookstore (& Save 50% off a Thesaurus!)
Welcome to 2025...and say hello to a brand new Writers Helping Writers® bookstore! Like many other authors, Becca and I have switched to a Shopify storefront so we can provide a better experience for everyone wanting to buy direct. We're excited about this upgraded storefront, both for the … [Read more...] about Meet Our New Bookstore (& Save 50% off a Thesaurus!)
Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You
Angela, Becca and I hope you’re having an amazing holiday season full of family, friends, good food and special memories. We are so grateful for your visits, kind words of support, and trust in us. We love serving the writing community through this blog, One Stop for Writers, books, and … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You
Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today's the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We've had past winners tell us they've found their dream editors through … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Three Ways a Talent or Skill Can Set Your Character Apart From the Rest
Your Characters' Skills Memorable characters often have skills or talents that set them apart ... but these abilities need to serve a purpose in the story. So, how do we know whether we are writing a character with a completely random skill, or one that will make them three-dimensional and … [Read more...] about Three Ways a Talent or Skill Can Set Your Character Apart From the Rest
Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Being Pregnant
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What's at stake if it's discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character's secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Being Pregnant
The Ripple Effect: How to Weave Plot with Character
Actions have consequences—that’s what makes a story tick. A story begins when events around a character push them into action. Those actions create new situations, and those situations push the character into even tougher choices. Watching this chain reaction unfold is what keeps readers glued to … [Read more...] about The Ripple Effect: How to Weave Plot with Character
Stocking Stuffers for Writers Gift #2 Is Here!
Good news! Your Secret Santa (Godzilla) has dropped another writerly gift into your stocking. (And, if you missed the first gift he left for you, no problem. Just click through to this link to find Gift #1.) We hope you enjoy it! Ready to see what he's left in your stocking? Click the image … [Read more...] about Stocking Stuffers for Writers Gift #2 Is Here!
Pursuing Your Passion and Paying It Forward
I feel so fortunate to be working in this industry. Running my own business, despite the headaches it brings—say, around tax time *twitch*—gives me so much freedom. I also get personal satisfaction from knowing I'm doing something really hard and am stretching myself to learn new things all the … [Read more...] about Pursuing Your Passion and Paying It Forward