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: Mad Scientist
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Powering Through the Un-Fun Parts of the Job
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say you probably became a writer because you like to write. But if you’ve been writing for any time at all, you may have realized that writing isn’t the whole job. There are lots of other things you have to do that you maybe aren’t good at, don’t like, or even dread … [Read more...] about Powering Through the Un-Fun Parts of the Job
The Secret to Writing Your First Book Faster
And Why Your Second Book Will Be Faster Again… It took me two and a half years to write and revise my first book to get it to the point it was ready for readers. And then another 2 years to find my publisher and get it out into the world. My next book I wrote in 6 months. I now coach other … [Read more...] about The Secret to Writing Your First Book Faster
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Snob
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: Snob
Five Commonalities Between Heroes and Villains
In story terms, a villain is a person, entity, or force who is cruel, evil, or malicious enough to wish the protagonist harm. Rather than simply blocking a goal or interfering with the hero’s plan, a villain causes suffering, making it vital for them to be conquered by the protagonist. Clarice must … [Read more...] about Five Commonalities Between Heroes and Villains
How to Stay Focused on Your Story’s Central Conflict
Conflict in every scene. We’ve all heard this advice, and for good reason. Your protagonist has a goal—hopefully, an audacious and high-stakes goal that is difficult to achieve. “Difficult” is important. It’s one of the qualities of a highly engaging story because the harder the goal is to reach, … [Read more...] about How to Stay Focused on Your Story’s Central Conflict
Character Type and Trope Thesaurus: Benefactor
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: Benefactor
After the First Draft: Revising Your Plot
Ok, writers. Raise your hand if you love revising. *crickets* Revision freaks a lot of people out because it can be overwhelming. When you start drafting, you’ve got this really clear image of what the story should be, and by the time you type “The End,” it’s hardly recognizable. It’s a mess, … [Read more...] about After the First Draft: Revising Your Plot
Improve Your Storytelling in 5 Minutes
What are writers chronically short on? Time. There never seems to be enough of it as we try to get the next book written, research our publishing options, keep up with marketing, work on our platform, etc., and that doesn't even factor in what's happening in other areas of our life. And as we … [Read more...] about Improve Your Storytelling in 5 Minutes
Character Type and Trope Thesaurus: Hopeless Romantic
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: Hopeless Romantic
Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly first-page critique contest 🙂 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 the blog (in the sidebar). How to enter: Leave a comment if you’re … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Keep Tensions High by NOT Resolving Your Character’s Relationship Conflict
When it comes to story conflict, there are so many options to choose from. Power struggles, physical threats, moral dilemmas, failures, ticking clocks—they’re all great for ratcheting up tension, building reader empathy, and strengthening our plotlines. But the conflict we face most often as human … [Read more...] about Keep Tensions High by NOT Resolving Your Character’s Relationship Conflict