Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Craft

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Keeping Relationships Superficial

January 8, 2026

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Keeping Relationships Superficial

January 8, 2026

When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…

Make Retreats Part of Your Writing Life

January 6, 2026

Make Retreats Part of Your Writing Life

January 6, 2026

It’s that time of year when writers and non-writers alike make huge aspirational lists of resolutions for the coming year. One of the most common things writers build into their…

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

December 23, 2025

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

December 23, 2025

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…

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Maladaptive Fantasy

December 20, 2025

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Maladaptive Fantasy

December 20, 2025

When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…

Win Editorial Feedback on Your Chapter 1 Hook

December 18, 2025

Win Editorial Feedback on Your Chapter 1 Hook

December 18, 2025

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

See Why Three Types of Character Motivation Matter

December 16, 2025

See Why Three Types of Character Motivation Matter

December 16, 2025

All About Character Motivation Character motivation is key in any good story. A great character wants or needs something for a reason … and they must struggle to get it. Your…

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Codependence (Caretaking Aspect)

December 13, 2025

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Codependence (Caretaking Aspect)

December 13, 2025

When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…

What’s More Important: Storytelling or Writing Craft?

December 11, 2025

What’s More Important: Storytelling or Writing Craft?

December 11, 2025

When first learning how to write, we often focus on the skills of writing craft—grammar rules, point of view, etc.—but storytelling skills are just as important. Some might even say…

Writers Helping Writers® Thesaurus Guides Sale: Buy One, Get One Free

December 9, 2025

Writers Helping Writers® Thesaurus Guides Sale: Buy One, Get One Free

December 9, 2025

Becca and I have a case of Christmas Mania right now because having our own bookstore means we can wrap up terrific deals for you in ways we can’t with…

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Anticipation

December 6, 2025

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Anticipation

December 6, 2025

When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…