Using Character Tropes the Right Way
Using Character Tropes the Right Way
Character tropes get a bad rap. These familiar character types show up in stories everywhere, making them very recognizable. This makes some writers worry that using them will create clichés…
Read more…Why Flexibility Matters for Pantsers AND Plotters
Why Flexibility Matters for Pantsers AND Plotters
Most writers who consider themselves as either pantsers or plotters tend to believe they can only be one thing: This is just how I’m wired. Once a pantser, always a…
Read more…Win Feedback on Your First Five Pages!
Win Feedback on Your First Five Pages!
Want to win editorial feedback and take your storyfrom good to great? Well, my writerly friend, you’re in luck! It’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest. In this draw,…
Read more…Celebrating 11 Years at One Stop for Writers!
Celebrating 11 Years at One Stop for Writers!
Happy Birthday, One Stop for Writers! Eleven years ago, Becca and I launched One Stop for Writers® on a mission: to make the process of writing a book easier. We…
Read more…How to Return to a Manuscript After Taking a Break
How to Return to a Manuscript After Taking a Break
Every writer hits a point where they have to take a break from their manuscript. Whether your day job ramped up, the kids needed more attention, or someone’s health went…
Read more…Meet Our 2026-2027 Resident Writing Coaches!
Meet Our 2026-2027 Resident Writing Coaches!
It’s time for another season of our Resident Writing Coach Program, where we invite wicked-smart writing experts to share their wisdom and experience, helping you to grow your story skills,…
Read more…Writing a Health Challenge When It’s Not What Your Story’s About
Writing a Health Challenge When It’s Not What Your Story’s About
Many stories that feature a character with a physical or mental health challenge are about that challenge. It plays a pivotal role, coming up often, and growth and failure opportunities…
Read more…Maximize Character Growth By Building Fear into Your Turning Points
Maximize Character Growth By Building Fear into Your Turning Points
When it comes to storytelling, fear is more than a feeling; it’s an underlying force that runs through multiple story elements, influencing plot, character arc, internal growth, and conflict. Fear…
Read more…Use Amplifiers to Force Your Character to Face Inner Conflict
Use Amplifiers to Force Your Character to Face Inner Conflict
Inner conflict is one of the most powerful sources of character tension because it forces a protagonist to wrestle with competing wants, fears, beliefs, duties, and values. But what happens…
Read more…Antihero vs. Antagonist vs. Villain: What’s The Difference?
Antihero vs. Antagonist vs. Villain: What’s The Difference?
Readers LOVE morally gray characters. Go on Instagram or TikTok and it’s all everyone is talking about. Antiheroes who screw with our perception of the ‘greater good’ … Villains with…
Read more…Win Feedback on 10 Pages Plus a 20 Minute Zoom
Win Feedback on 10 Pages Plus a 20 Minute Zoom
Want to win editorial feedback and take your storyfrom good to great? Well, my writerly friend, you’re in luck! It’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest. In this draw,…
Read more…Procrastinating? Identify Your Cognitive Mode
Procrastinating? Identify Your Cognitive Mode
At some point in our writing journey (or life in general), we’ll all struggle with procrastination and distractions. At the same time, we all probably have way too much on…
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