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Writing Craft

A Mother Lode of Resources on Talents and Skills

April 23, 2024

A Mother Lode of Resources on Talents and Skills

April 23, 2024

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…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Cowboy

April 20, 2024

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Cowboy

April 20, 2024

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…

Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition

April 18, 2024

Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition

April 18, 2024

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…

Three Easy Steps to Generate a Goal Using Fear as Motivation

April 16, 2024

Three Easy Steps to Generate a Goal Using Fear as Motivation

April 16, 2024

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…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Hotshot

April 13, 2024

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Hotshot

April 13, 2024

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…

What is an Emotion Amplifier?

April 11, 2024

What is an Emotion Amplifier?

April 11, 2024

Since compiling our original Emotion Amplifier ebooklet in 2014, Angela and I have discovered so much about them. They’re way more versatile than we first imagined, and we’re stoked to…

Top Story World and Story Bible Tips

April 9, 2024

Top Story World and Story Bible Tips

April 9, 2024

When we create a story world for readers, we are implanting images and sensory details. From which, the reader fills in the gaps. If we skew that world in any…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Psychopath

April 6, 2024

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Psychopath

April 6, 2024

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…

How to Combine Myth with History to Create Historical Fantasy

April 4, 2024

How to Combine Myth with History to Create Historical Fantasy

April 4, 2024

Three years ago, I never would have guessed I’d be writing a blog post on this topic. Back then, I was focused on pure fantasy stories. My first novel was…

Why Writers Should Use Psychology In Their Storytelling

April 2, 2024

Why Writers Should Use Psychology In Their Storytelling

April 2, 2024

A writer’s job is to do one thing well: pull the reader in. Our words should act like a tractor beam, sucking them into our story’s world. We tap into…