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: Queen Bee
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10 Reasons Why Emotion Amplifiers Are Good for Your Story
As you may have heard, we recently released The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Stress and Volatility, a companion to The Emotion Thesaurus. If you aren't familiar with this term, let me explain. An emotion amplifier is a special state or condition that can make a … [Read more...] about 10 Reasons Why Emotion Amplifiers Are Good for Your Story
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Mafia Don
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: Mafia Don
Differentiate Your Character with a Talent or Skill
One worry that can plague writers is whether their characters are original enough or not. After all, readers meet a lot of characters over time, so how can writers make sure their characters are fresh and interesting? How can they make sure their story’s cast has that WOW factor that ensures they … [Read more...] about Differentiate Your Character with a Talent or Skill
Three Essentials for Engaging Reader Emotion in the Setup
As authors, we all know the importance of engaging our audience within a book’s first few pages. Grabbing the reader: captivating them in a way that makes them want to stick with the story to its end. But Michael Hauge prefers a different term for this phenomenon: No one likes to be grabbed. … [Read more...] about Three Essentials for Engaging Reader Emotion in the Setup
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Nice Guy/Girl
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: Nice Guy/Girl
Does Your Scene Need More Tension? Add an Emotion Amplifier!
Emotion and tension often go hand in hand. If character emotion is low, story tension is also probably waning. On the flip side, tension is likely on the rise when emotion is high and it’s written effectively. Dramatic tension is the feeling of anticipation surrounding what happens next. It’s … [Read more...] about Does Your Scene Need More Tension? Add an Emotion Amplifier!
A Mother Lode of Resources on Talents and Skills
Talents and skills can serve many purposes in a story by revealing truths about the character, making them more likable or relatable for readers, and contributing to story arc by helping the character achieve their goals. As such, they can do a lot of good things for our stories and characters—if … [Read more...] about A Mother Lode of Resources on Talents and Skills
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Cowboy
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: Cowboy
Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need help with the beginning of your novel, 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 … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition
Three Easy Steps to Generate a Goal Using Fear as Motivation
There’s so much emphasis on making sure that we give our character a goal that’s clear starting from their very first scene. Win the game. Find someone to marry. Land the job. Solve the crime. We tend to think about goal in terms of the character obtaining the thing they don’t have when the story … [Read more...] about Three Easy Steps to Generate a Goal Using Fear as Motivation
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Hotshot
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: Hotshot