Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Craft

Tension and the Power of Unanswered Questions

January 25, 2024

Tension and the Power of Unanswered Questions

January 25, 2024

Have you ever been a bit hazy on the difference between conflict and tension? If so, you aren’t alone. It’s common to confuse the two because they’re often used together…

The One Rule No Writer Should Break

January 23, 2024

The One Rule No Writer Should Break

January 23, 2024

Ah, the euphoria of holding one’s own book. Nothing compares, does it? In that moment, the months (or years) of writing, revising, editing, polishing, and finally publishing are in the…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Phony Politician

January 20, 2024

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Phony Politician

January 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

January 18, 2024

Phenomenal First Pages Contest

January 18, 2024

Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today’s the day to enter…

Turn Your Readers into Detectives

January 16, 2024

Turn Your Readers into Detectives

January 16, 2024

Imagine inviting us into your protagonist’s house or whatever you deem to be their most sacred physical space. But while we’re so excited to meet your protagonist, they’re not actually…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Dark Lord or Lady

January 13, 2024

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Dark Lord or Lady

January 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…

How to Generate Powerful Story Conflict

January 11, 2024

How to Generate Powerful Story Conflict

January 11, 2024

Conflict is a powerful tool for storytellers, allowing us to place roadblocks, challenges, adversaries and more in a character’s way so the road to their goal is much more difficult.…

Failure in Fiction

January 9, 2024

Failure in Fiction

January 9, 2024

Writers need to have a sadistic streak to inflict pain—emotional or physical—on our beloved characters repeatedly, but failure is important in fiction. Without it, the story drags. Why to Include…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Funster

January 6, 2024

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Funster

January 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…

Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You

December 23, 2023

Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You

December 23, 2023

Angela, Becca and I hope you’re having an amazing holiday season full of family, friends, good food and special memories. We are so grateful for your visits, kind words of…