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 a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: People Pleasing
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6 Ways to Create Amazing Character Chemistry
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about character chemistry—that spark, bond, or shared connection we often associate with strong and compelling romantic relationships. But chemistry shouldn’t be limited to love interests. Frodo and Sam, Thelma and Louise, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader…some of … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Create Amazing Character Chemistry
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Altruism
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 a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Altruism
Save 25% on Writers Helping Writers Thesaurus Books
Earlier this year, we launched the Writers Helping Writers® bookstore so writers could find our books in the formats they need, all in one place. We started by adding eBook and PDF formats to the store, with plans for the paperbacks to follow. Well, friends--that day is finally here, and we … [Read more...] about Save 25% on Writers Helping Writers Thesaurus Books
What Really Keeps An ADHD Writer Coming Back to the Desk? Hint- It’s Not Routine
Discover productivity tips from editor and coach Kirsten Donaghey who specializes in helping writers, creatives and ADHDers with projects and daily life. Check out two amazing prizes you can win at the bottom of this post. As an ADHD Coach who works with a lot of writers, one of the most common … [Read more...] about What Really Keeps An ADHD Writer Coming Back to the Desk? Hint- It’s Not Routine
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Denial
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 a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Denial
Writing 101: Popular Structure Models that Work
Every successful story, no matter the genre or format, has some structure at its core. It’s the backbone that provides shape and purpose. Without it, even the most compelling ideas can lose focus and wander off track, making it harder for readers to engage. Whether you're a dedicated plotter or a … [Read more...] about Writing 101: Popular Structure Models that Work
How To Use Dialogue for Backstory and Worldbuilding—Infodump-Free!
It’s an ongoing struggle for many of us: How do I share backstory and build my world without infodumping (and boring my readers)? One of my favorite—and sometimes overlooked—tools is dialogue! Using dialogue—and the beats that go along with it—is an excellent way to develop character … [Read more...] about How To Use Dialogue for Backstory and Worldbuilding—Infodump-Free!
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Asking for Help
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 a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Asking for Help
Win Editorial Feedback on Your First 10 Pages
Want to win editorial feedback and take your story opening from good to great? Well, my writerly friend, you're in luck! It's time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest. In this draw, you can win... Editorial feedback on your first 10 pages This contest is closed. Please try … [Read more...] about Win Editorial Feedback on Your First 10 Pages
How to Tell the Difference Between a Hook and Inciting Incident
Opening pages are notoriously hard to get right, especially in early drafts of your manuscript. I’ve read hundreds of opening chapters of novels in my work as a writing instructor and book coach and one of the most common issues I see comes down to a misunderstanding of the difference between two … [Read more...] about How to Tell the Difference Between a Hook and Inciting Incident
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Embracing Responsibility
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 a learned go-to strategy, a mechanism helps them cope with the stress of the moment or escape the hurt of it. … [Read more...] about Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Embracing Responsibility