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
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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
Stocking Stuffers for Writers Is Back (and so Is Godzilla)
December is here, and that means Godzilla's Stocking Stuffers for Writers is back! Now, you might be thinking, isn't it early to give holiday gifts? And WHY is Godzilla my Secret Santa? Great questions! You might not know this, but Godzilla guards Angela's Christmas tree. He takes his job … [Read more...] about Stocking Stuffers for Writers Is Back (and so Is Godzilla)
Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Is Safeguarding Someone’s Secret
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: Is Safeguarding Someone’s Secret
Get a Killer Writing Toolkit This Black Friday
Hi friends, just a quick post to share our Black Friday Deal at One Stop for Writers. Every week we hear from writers using our tools, and we know they are helping writers craft incredible fiction and keep writer's block at bay. We'd love to see you have One Stop in your creative toolkit, … [Read more...] about Get a Killer Writing Toolkit This Black Friday
Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Hiding a Sexual Relationship
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: Hiding a Sexual Relationship
Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Synopsis Edition
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. This is a special synopsis edition! So, if you need a bit of help with your synopsis, today's the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We've had past winners tell us they've … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Synopsis Edition
Five Fears of Writers (and How to Defeat Them)
When I first started working on this post, I thought, only five? But as I compiled my worst writer nightmares, I realized they do fall under five general headings. Fear of Wasted Time Anyone who has either written a novel or been in the querying trenches understands this one all too well. … [Read more...] about Five Fears of Writers (and How to Defeat Them)
2024 Black Friday Deals for Writers
It's time for our favorite round-up: Black Friday Deals for Writers! We love finding ways to save you money because we all need to know how to stretch a dollar in this industry. Investing in the right tools can help with success, so hopefully you can take advantage of some of these current and … [Read more...] about 2024 Black Friday Deals for Writers