Remember the scene in Pirates of the Caribbean when Captain Barbossa explains the pirate’s code? “The code is more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” Writing fantasy is a bit like the pirate’s code. There aren’t any rules, exactly, which is what makes it so fun to write. You can allow … [Read more...] about The Pirate’s Guide to Writing Fantasy
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Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Father Figure
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: Father Figure
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
Four Must-Haves in the First Two Paragraphs of Every Chapter or Scene
Begin Each Scene in Your Book with Grounding Have you ever been running late, and found yourself scrambling around your house, looking for your car keys? Where did you leave them – on the kitchen counter? By the front door? Oh wait, you went up to your bedroom to get something. You race up the … [Read more...] about Four Must-Haves in the First Two Paragraphs of Every Chapter or Scene
Character Type and Trope Thesaurus: Starving Artist
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 and Trope Thesaurus: Starving Artist
Why Writers Should Be Their Own Valentine This Year
Valentine's Day is coming, and people have big feelings about it. On one hand, it's nice to have a set day to celebrate loved ones, but on the other, pressure to buy overpriced chocolates and flowers to 'show' love can cast a shadow on things. Me? I think gifts are nice to give and receive, but … [Read more...] about Why Writers Should Be Their Own Valentine This Year
Mastering Turning Points in Relationship Plots
A turning point (also known as a “plot turn” or “plot point”) changes the direction of the story, through an action or a revelation. The protagonist was going one direction, and an event takes place or information is revealed, and the protagonist is now on a different trajectory. Major turning … [Read more...] about Mastering Turning Points in Relationship Plots
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Wallflower
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: Wallflower
How to Write Your First Book
I want to write a book. You remember when this big idea first hit, right? Maybe you were browsing for books, waiting for an author’s autograph, or sitting in awe after finishing a great novel. The idea took hold of you, and soon you found yourself buying notebooks, pens, and sticky notes. You … [Read more...] about How to Write Your First Book
What Are Your Questions about Writing & the Business Side of Being an Author?
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?
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