Every writer’s journey is unique, but we all experience one iconic moment: the decision to stop thinking about writing a book and actually do it. And then? Euphoria. Finally, our ideas will live on the page! We imagine characters, plot twists, and future readers clutching our book, unable to put … [Read more...] about Write a Novel in 13 Steps
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How to Create a Protagonist with True Depth
Some characters are so dynamic, we feel immediately close to them. Everything they say, do, and think is consistent with who they are, they have a past and present, and as we share their experiences, we never have to guess at what they feel, want, or need. This authenticity happens when the … [Read more...] about How to Create a Protagonist with True Depth
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Bad Boy
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Bad Boy
Tips for Writing a Successful Story Climax
Escalation is an important element of story structure. The opening pages are often quiet as key players are introduced, the setting is established, and readers are given a glimpse of what's wrong in the protagonist's world. The catalyst then provides a choice, where the hero leaves their ordinary … [Read more...] about Tips for Writing a Successful Story Climax
Halloween for Adults: $2.99 Thesaurus Writing Guides
Halloween is here! We're sure you have the candy thing under control, so we wanted to let you know that today & tomorrow, you can also stuff your digital bookshelf with some writerly deals! (Affiliate links - thanks for keeping our lights on around here) For two days only, you can … [Read more...] about Halloween for Adults: $2.99 Thesaurus Writing Guides
NaNoWriMo: Top Tips for Smashing Out 50K
The iconic NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) challenge has many of you rolling up your sleeves to pound out a novel. Becca and I love this event because it is a great time to become explore deep level ideas, experiment, and show ourselves we are absolutely capable of putting a novel-length … [Read more...] about NaNoWriMo: Top Tips for Smashing Out 50K
How to Create a Fun Freebie Your Newsletter Subscribers Can’t Resist
You need to build your email list. Everyone says so. It’s the best way to grow a loyal readership. Simply lure people to your website and then encourage them to sign up for your enewsletter. So you’ve got your website and you’ve got your newsletter sign-up, but not much is happening. Maybe you … [Read more...] about How to Create a Fun Freebie Your Newsletter Subscribers Can’t Resist
Why “But” is a Powerful Writing Tool
Boredom is a common reason why a reader DNFs a book. Genre is irrelevant. If the reader isn’t engaged with the storyline, they will set aside your book for another that will draw them in. A but means a complication, an obstacle the main character(s) must overcome. If the main character achieves … [Read more...] about Why “But” is a Powerful Writing Tool
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Bossy Britches
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Bossy Britches
Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Book Blurb Edition
Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly critique contest. This month, we have a unique contest: 10 winners will receive feedback on their book blurb from a professional editor! This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be notified when the next one … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Book Blurb Edition
Three Ways to Make Readers Care About Secondary Characters
A common mistake I see in client manuscripts is a cast of secondary characters that simply exist to help or to outright block the protagonist. They’re either ready, willing, and able to drop everything to help that protagonist reach their own goal. Or they’re a character who is out to make the … [Read more...] about Three Ways to Make Readers Care About Secondary Characters
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Antihero
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Antihero