Is it just me or did the month of January fly by? Seems like I was just putting away Christmas decorations and gearing up for the new year. January's always a busy time for Angela and me because it's when we do our annual planning—figuring out what our goals should be and how we should allocate … [Read more...] about What Are Your Questions about Writing & the Business Side of Being an Author?
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Tension and the Power of Unanswered Questions
Have you ever been a bit hazy on the difference between conflict and tension? If so, you aren’t alone. It’s common to confuse the two because they’re often used together to deliver a one-two dramatic punch. The difference between them is subtle, but important: Conflict is a force that stands … [Read more...] about Tension and the Power of Unanswered Questions
The One Rule No Writer Should Break
Ah, the euphoria of holding one’s own book. Nothing compares, does it? In that moment, the months (or years) of writing, revising, editing, polishing, and finally publishing are in the rear view mirror. All we know is the joy of seeing our hard work compressed into pages and fitted with a stunning … [Read more...] about The One Rule No Writer Should Break
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Phony Politician
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: Phony Politician
Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today's the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Turn Your Readers into Detectives
Imagine inviting us into your protagonist’s house or whatever you deem to be their most sacred physical space. But while we’re so excited to meet your protagonist, they’re not actually there. We can’t hear what they say or observe the way they move in order to get to know them. Or can … [Read more...] about Turn Your Readers into Detectives
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Dark Lord or Lady
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: Dark Lord or Lady
How to Generate Powerful Story Conflict
Conflict is a powerful tool for storytellers, allowing us to place roadblocks, challenges, adversaries and more in a character’s way so the road to their goal is much more difficult. Deployed well, conflict creates tension and intensity for reader, capturing their attention for the length of the … [Read more...] about How to Generate Powerful Story Conflict
Failure in Fiction
Writers need to have a sadistic streak to inflict pain—emotional or physical—on our beloved characters repeatedly, but failure is important in fiction. Without it, the story drags. Why to Include Failure Without failure, we decrease the stakes, consequences, and slow the pace. And, most … [Read more...] about Failure in Fiction
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Funster
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: Funster
Ensure Your Newsletter Lives Up to Subscriber’s Expectations
Your author newsletter freebie is a success! You’ve got lots of new subscribers eager to read your next email. Now what? You have two options: deliver just what your reader wants to ensure they stick around, or disappoint them so that they unsubscribe. How can you increase your … [Read more...] about Ensure Your Newsletter Lives Up to Subscriber’s Expectations
Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You
Angela, Becca and I hope you’re having an amazing holiday season full of family, friends, good food and special memories. We are so grateful for your visits, kind words of support, and trust in us. We love serving the writing community through this blog, One Stop for Writers, books, and … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You