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: Loner
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Writing About Pain: Invisible Injuries and Conditions
In this series on pain, we've covered everything from minor injuries to major and mortal injuries. But there's another source of pain that can push our characters to the edge of coping: invisible injuries and conditions. When readers see a bruise, cut, or gunshot wound, it's easier for them to … [Read more...] about Writing About Pain: Invisible Injuries and Conditions
Strategies for Smooth Scene Openings
If the opening line of a scene is the doorway to the party, what follows is the welcoming handshake and introductions that draw readers into the mix. Effective scene openings extend beyond the fireworks of a provocative opening hook, ushering readers into the new space with no awkward stumbles or … [Read more...] about Strategies for Smooth Scene Openings
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Christ 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: Christ Figure
Writing about Pain: Describing Major & Mortal Injuries
As you may be aware, we’re smack dab in the middle of a series of posts on writing a character’s pain, and today's is a doozy. Our last post explored common minor injuries your character might encounter and the pain associated with those. Today, we’re leveling up to discuss the severe and even fatal … [Read more...] about Writing about Pain: Describing Major & Mortal Injuries
Writing About Pain: Describing Minor Injuries
When we push characters to their limits, sometimes they get hurt. Injuries can range from annoyances to mortal wounds, and handled well, can add tension and complication to the story, drawing readers in deeper. We're always looking for ways to make sure our characters struggle as they navigate … [Read more...] about Writing About Pain: Describing Minor Injuries
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Doomsday Prepper
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: Doomsday Prepper
Writing About Pain: Different Types to Explore
“Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” -The Dread Pirate Roberts Pain is an unfortunate part of life. As our characters go about their day—working, building relationships, pursuing goals and dreams, blowing off steam—things won’t always go as planned, and … [Read more...] about Writing About Pain: Different Types to Explore
Writing About Pain: Three Stages of Awareness
If there's one thing writers like to do, it's to make characters suffer. We are all about bringing forth pain and crises, whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual, or existential. Is it because we're a little messed up and we enjoy torturing characters? Or do we create difficult scenarios in our … [Read more...] about Writing About Pain: Three Stages of Awareness
Character Type and Trope Thesaurus: Pessimist
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: Pessimist
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 … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition
How Do You Find Your Narrator’s Voice?
Voice is one of those elements that can make or break a manuscript. If you get it right, the novel will live in the reader’s mind long after they put the book down. Without it, the story won’t quite achieve what you’ve intended even if all the structural elements are in place. So… how do you find … [Read more...] about How Do You Find Your Narrator’s Voice?