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Writing Craft

The Ruler Archetype

April 29, 2023

The Ruler Archetype

April 29, 2023

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…

Selling a Million Books: What Worked for Us (and Can Work for You, Too)

April 27, 2023

Selling a Million Books: What Worked for Us (and Can Work for You, Too)

April 27, 2023

As you may know, Angela and I have recently reached the unbelievable milestone of having sold a million books. Meet the kids I say “unbelievable” because this was never in…

We’ve Reached the One Million Books Milestone!

April 25, 2023

We’ve Reached the One Million Books Milestone!

April 25, 2023

Once upon a time… Two novice writers met in an online critique group called the Critique Circle and became fast friends. Angela (a Canadian) wrote about zombies and pirates and…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Hero

April 22, 2023

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Hero

April 22, 2023

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 20, 2023

Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition

April 20, 2023

Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly critique contest! This month, winners will receive feedback from a professional editor. So exciting! ? This contest is closed. Please try…

5 Ways to Crash Your Character’s Pity Party

April 18, 2023

5 Ways to Crash Your Character’s Pity Party

April 18, 2023

We generally craft characters with the intention of making them someone the reader cares about. One of the primary ways to achieve that is to tap into reader empathy, and…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Caregiver

April 15, 2023

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Caregiver

April 15, 2023

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 Are Your Protagonist’s Flaws?

April 13, 2023

What Are Your Protagonist’s Flaws?

April 13, 2023

The most relatable characters are ones who mirror real people, meaning they are complex individuals with a blend of strengths, failings, attributes, and flaws. Of these four, flaws are often…

Why Readers Love Anti-Heroes

April 11, 2023

Why Readers Love Anti-Heroes

April 11, 2023

To understand why readers love anti-heroes, we first need to define what they are. An anti-hero is a flawed, complicated character who thrives in shades of gray. They play the…

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Jester

April 8, 2023

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Jester

April 8, 2023

In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—”universal images that have existed since the remotest times.” He suggested that every person is a blend of these 12 basic…