Five Things I’d Go Back and Tell “New Writer Me”
Five Things I’d Go Back and Tell “New Writer Me”
Do you ever wish you could go back and have a chat with “New Writer You?” I think about that sometimes, about the things I’d tell that shiny, awkward, clueless…
Read more…Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Negative Self-Talk
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Negative Self-Talk
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…
Read more…The Fear Thesaurus Is Coming: A New Writing Guide for What Holds Characters Back
The Fear Thesaurus Is Coming: A New Writing Guide for What Holds Characters Back
Fear is more than an emotion; it is an underlying force that runs through every story element, including character development, plot, arc, conflict, and theme. It’s what draws readers in,…
Read more…48-Hour Mega-Contest on Now (21 Writing Prizes to Be Won!)
48-Hour Mega-Contest on Now (21 Writing Prizes to Be Won!)
Want to kickstart 2026 in the best possible way? It’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest, but with an amazing twist: SIX guest editors are offering 21 amazing prizes!…
Read more…Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Managing Time
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Managing Time
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…
Read more…The Real Story: Character Journey as Structure
The Real Story: Character Journey as Structure
Most writers think of story structure as a dry, architectural plot blueprint. Inciting incidents and pinch points and turning points map out the road as the characters stumble through their…
Read more…Betrayal And Plot Twist: 5 Ways to Hide Your Villain
Betrayal And Plot Twist: 5 Ways to Hide Your Villain
Every story needs a great villain! Sometimes, that villain is obvious–someone who’s not a part of your protagonist’s gang of supporters against whom everyone is fighting. Think Sauron in LORD…
Read more…Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Creative Expression
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Creative Expression
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…
Read more…People-Pleasing Writers: The Surprising Connection that Slows You Down
People-Pleasing Writers: The Surprising Connection that Slows You Down
If you’re a writer, you’ve probably heard that writers and people-pleasing don’t usually go together. One is about self-expression. The other is about self-abandonment. But here’s something I found out…
Read more…How to Take a Story from “Good” to Great
How to Take a Story from “Good” to Great
Self-publishing costs can add up, so one of the best ways to save money on editing is to take your story from good to great before bringing in an editor.…
Read more…Helpful Picture Book Tips and Tricks (Plus a Giveaway!)
Helpful Picture Book Tips and Tricks (Plus a Giveaway!)
Whether you’ve always wanted to create a picture book, are in the process of revising one, or your manuscript is out on submission, your 2026 picture book goals are within…
Read more…Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Keeping Relationships Superficial
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Keeping Relationships Superficial
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…
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