December is here, can you believe it? And we're so glad because it means we can finally announce something fun - Stocking Stuffers for Writers! Is it early to be giving out holiday gifts? Maybe. But it's fun, too. So, for the next seven days, every post will have a stocking stuffer, a … [Read more...] about Stuff Your Stocking at Writers Helping Writers: Gift #1
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Is Your Writing Ready for Readers?
Why it's hard to judge your own writing Writing is a unique profession because people find their way to it from so many different careers. Sure, there are those who complete an English degree in school before penning their first book, but there are many more who cut their teeth in other careers … [Read more...] about Is Your Writing Ready for Readers?
Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines
Whether you are writing romance, adventure, fantasy, or mystery, nearly every well-told story has a relationship plotline. Unfortunately, though, entertaining banter or fiery arguments alone aren’t enough to sustain that plotline. Your characters may be love interests, friends, neighbors, allies, … [Read more...] about Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Bad Influence
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 Entry: Bad Influence
We Are Grateful
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates! Today is the perfect time to share what we're grateful for...even if you aren't celebrating Thanksgiving. I'm incredibly grateful for the supportive writing community, my agent, everyone associated with Writers Helping Writers (Angela, Becca, our … [Read more...] about We Are Grateful
Finding Your Voice as a Writer
When I first started writing fiction, I desperately wanted to be Margaret Atwood. I read several of her novels and, consciously or not (probably consciously), my writing voice started coming out a lot like hers—only minus the talent and the … [Read more...] about Finding Your Voice as a Writer
Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly 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). PLEASE NOTE: We've changed our process for entering … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Top Black Friday Deals for Writers
The economy is tough right now - inflation is high, and everyone needs to stretch their dollars further, including writers. Black Friday is an excellent time to get what we need to succeed and save. To save you time, we've rounded up some of the best deals we've found, including one from us! … [Read more...] about Top Black Friday Deals for Writers
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Lady of Adventure
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 Entry: Lady of Adventure
Write a Novel in 13 Steps
Every writer’s journey is unique, but we all experience one iconic moment: the decision to stop thinking about writing a book and actually do it. And then? Euphoria. Finally, our ideas will live on the page! We imagine characters, plot twists, and future readers clutching our book, unable to put … [Read more...] about Write a Novel in 13 Steps
How to Create a Protagonist with True Depth
Some characters are so dynamic, we feel immediately close to them. Everything they say, do, and think is consistent with who they are, they have a past and present, and as we share their experiences, we never have to guess at what they feel, want, or need. This authenticity happens when the … [Read more...] about How to Create a Protagonist with True Depth
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Bad Boy
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: Bad Boy