Is there anything better than well-written conflict? The vengeful enemy, sharks circling a sinking boat, a carefully guarded secret getting out in the open. Readers, fearful for the characters they love, grip the book tighter when conflict is close. What will happen? Will everything be … [Read more...] about Adversarial Conflict: Who Is Making Trouble In Your Story?
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Using Wound Categories & Pointed Questions to Identify a Character’s Past Trauma
The wound is a fascinating and vital piece of your character’s past that has lasting, formative effects on who they’ll be at the start of your story. As such, it’s super important to figure out which wound is crippling your character so you’ll know how to write them realistically and consistently. … [Read more...] about Using Wound Categories & Pointed Questions to Identify a Character’s Past Trauma
The Ruler Archetype
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 The Ruler Archetype
Selling a Million Books: What Worked for Us (and Can Work for You, Too)
As you may know, Angela and I have recently reached the unbelievable milestone of having sold a million books. I say “unbelievable” because this was never in our sights. We started out as two writers with no formal education in the field. We had no publishing experience. What did a couple of … [Read more...] about Selling a Million Books: What Worked for Us (and Can Work for You, Too)
We’ve Reached the One Million Books Milestone!
Once upon a time... Two novice writers met in an online critique group called the Critique Circle and became fast friends. Angela (a Canadian) wrote about zombies and pirates and a magical bookstore that kidnapped customers. Becca (an American) wrote everything from a coming of age YA during … [Read more...] about We’ve Reached the One Million Books Milestone!
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Hero
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 Entry: Hero
Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition
Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly critique contest! This month, winners will receive feedback from a professional editor. So exciting! 🙂 This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be notified when the next one goes live, consider subscribing to … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition
5 Ways to Crash Your Character’s Pity Party
We generally craft characters with the intention of making them someone the reader cares about. One of the primary ways to achieve that is to tap into reader empathy, and that’s largely achieved by showing what the character lacks in their “ordinary world” life. But sometimes, we unintentionally … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Crash Your Character’s Pity Party
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Caregiver
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: Caregiver
What Are Your Protagonist’s Flaws?
The most relatable characters are ones who mirror real people, meaning they are complex individuals with a blend of strengths, failings, attributes, and flaws. Of these four, flaws are often the most difficult to figure out, because knowing which negative traits will emerge in someone means … [Read more...] about What Are Your Protagonist’s Flaws?
Why Readers Love Anti-Heroes
To understand why readers love anti-heroes, we first need to define what they are. An anti-hero is a flawed, complicated character who thrives in shades of gray. They play the hero of the story, but rarely, if ever, follow conventional expectations of heroism. Anti-heroes aren’t new. One of … [Read more...] about Why Readers Love Anti-Heroes
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Jester
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He suggested 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 Entry: Jester