Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Craft

Definition: having a thoughtful or subdued manner Causes: being more inclined to internal thought than external expression; an underdeveloped sense of humor; a strong sense of duty to others; being forced…

Character Trait Entry: Determined

July 21, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Determined

July 21, 2012

Definition: a firm resolve; unwavering; focused Characters in Literature: Doug (Okay For Now); Katniss (The Hunger Games); Perrin (The Wheel of Time) Common Portrayals: Athletes, Competitors, Law Enforcers & Military,…

Character Trait: Creative

July 14, 2012

Character Trait: Creative

July 14, 2012

Definition: marked with the desire or skill to create Characters in Literature: Olivia (the pig), Amy March (Little Women), Skeeter Phelan (The Help), Joe (The Sky is Everywhere) Common Portrayals: artists, authors and…

Character Trait: Glamorous

July 7, 2012

Character Trait: Glamorous

July 7, 2012

Definition: having an aura of allure and fascination; a showy attractiveness Characters in Literature and Pop Culture: Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), Audrey Hepburn,…

Want to Write a Best Seller? Change Your Mind

July 5, 2012

Want to Write a Best Seller? Change Your Mind

July 5, 2012

By Dr. John Yeoman Teenagers know better than we do, how to write great stories. Sounds absurd? We’re experienced authors, right? We know the craft tricks. We’ve pounded the keypad…

Character Trait Entry: Mature

June 30, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Mature

June 30, 2012

Definition: a strong level of mental development or wisdom, often beyond one’s years Characters in Literature: Hermione (Harry Potter); Katniss (Hunger Games); Hazel & Augustus (The Fault In Our Stars…

Character Entry Trait: Calm

June 23, 2012

Character Entry Trait: Calm

June 23, 2012

Definition: free from agitation or disturbance; composed; level-headed Characters in Literature: Legolas, Spock, Nick Andros (The Stand), Yoda Common Portrayals: parents and grandparents, religious figures, mentors, immortals Clichés to Avoid: the wise mentor who shows…

Character Trait Entry: Sensitive

June 16, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Sensitive

June 16, 2012

Definition: Responsive to stimuli; strongly susceptible to the attitudes and emotions of others Characters in Literature: Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter); Jonas (The Giver); John Coffey (The Green Mile) Common Portrayals: the…

5 Techniques for Adding Subtext to your Story

June 14, 2012

5 Techniques for Adding Subtext to your Story

June 14, 2012

By Ollin Morales About 90% of the time, we human beings don’t say what we mean to say. Instead, we speak in subtext. The beauty of subtext is that it makes…

Character Trait Entry: Excitable

June 9, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Excitable

June 9, 2012

Definition: being easily roused into a state of excitement Characters in Literature: Gilderoy Lockhart (HP and the Chamber of Secrets), Fflewddur Fflam (The Black Cauldron), Tigger Common Portrayals: children, sidekicks, crackpots Clichés…