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Writing Craft

Using Character Tropes the Right Way

October 15, 2026

Using Character Tropes the Right Way

October 15, 2026

Character tropes get a bad rap. These familiar character types show up in stories everywhere, making them very recognizable. This makes some writers worry that using them will create clichés…

Why Flexibility Matters for Pantsers AND Plotters

October 13, 2026

Why Flexibility Matters for Pantsers AND Plotters

October 13, 2026

Most writers who consider themselves as either pantsers or plotters tend to believe they can only be one thing: This is just how I’m wired. Once a pantser, always a…

Win Feedback on Your First Five Pages!

October 8, 2026

Win Feedback on Your First Five Pages!

October 8, 2026

Want to win editorial feedback and take your storyfrom good to great? Well, my writerly friend, you’re in luck! It’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest. In this draw,…

Celebrating 11 Years at One Stop for Writers!

October 6, 2026

Celebrating 11 Years at One Stop for Writers!

October 6, 2026

Happy Birthday, One Stop for Writers! Eleven years ago, Becca and I launched One Stop for Writers® on a mission: to make the process of writing a book easier. We…

How to Return to a Manuscript After Taking a Break

October 1, 2026

How to Return to a Manuscript After Taking a Break

October 1, 2026

Every writer hits a point where they have to take a break from their manuscript. Whether your day job ramped up, the kids needed more attention, or someone’s health went…

Meet Our 2026-2027 Resident Writing Coaches!

September 29, 2026

Meet Our 2026-2027 Resident Writing Coaches!

September 29, 2026

It’s time for another season of our Resident Writing Coach Program, where we invite wicked-smart writing experts to share their wisdom and experience, helping you to grow your story skills,…

Writing a Health Challenge When It’s Not What Your Story’s About

September 24, 2026

Writing a Health Challenge When It’s Not What Your Story’s About

September 24, 2026

Many stories that feature a character with a physical or mental health challenge are about that challenge. It plays a pivotal role, coming up often, and growth and failure opportunities…

Maximize Character Growth By Building Fear into Your Turning Points

September 22, 2026

Maximize Character Growth By Building Fear into Your Turning Points

September 22, 2026

When it comes to storytelling, fear is more than a feeling; it’s an underlying force that runs through multiple story elements, influencing plot, character arc, internal growth, and conflict. Fear…

Use Amplifiers to Force Your Character to Face Inner Conflict

September 17, 2026

Use Amplifiers to Force Your Character to Face Inner Conflict

September 17, 2026

Inner conflict is one of the most powerful sources of character tension because it forces a protagonist to wrestle with competing wants, fears, beliefs, duties, and values. But what happens…

Antihero vs. Antagonist vs. Villain: What’s The Difference?

September 15, 2026

Antihero vs. Antagonist vs. Villain: What’s The Difference?

September 15, 2026

Readers LOVE morally gray characters. Go on Instagram or TikTok and it’s all everyone is talking about. Antiheroes who screw with our perception of the ‘greater good’ … Villains with…