Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Craft

The Emotionally Intelligent Writer

April 2, 2019

The Emotionally Intelligent Writer

April 2, 2019

I’m a psychologist, so I like to believe there are a set of characteristics that can predict author success. Sure, like any subset of the population—and I’m going to define…

Occupation Thesaurus: Actor

March 30, 2019

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…

Using Writing Sprints for Consistent Results

March 28, 2019

Using Writing Sprints for Consistent Results

March 28, 2019

We’re far enough out from New Year’s that our excitement over making and meeting writing goals may have waned, and we find ourselves slacking. You know what can help boost…

Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Paleontologist

March 23, 2019

Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Paleontologist

March 23, 2019

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…

Struggling with Writing Flashbacks? Try Using the P.A.S.T. Method

March 21, 2019

Struggling with Writing Flashbacks? Try Using the P.A.S.T. Method

March 21, 2019

Hi everyone! Today we have a past Resident Writing Coach visiting us: Sara Letourneau, editor and owner of Heart of the Story Editorial & Coaching Services. She’s sharing some terrific…

Goal-Oriented Storytelling: Novelty

March 19, 2019

Goal-Oriented Storytelling: Novelty

March 19, 2019

In the first post of my four-part series, I introduced ANTS, my framework for helping storytellers make strategic choices that increase reader engagement. ANTS stands for the effects a storyteller should seek…

Occupation Thesaurus: Animal Trainer

March 16, 2019

Occupation Thesaurus: Animal Trainer

March 16, 2019

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…

Layering Character for Believable Fiction

March 14, 2019

Layering Character for Believable Fiction

March 14, 2019

Layering: the deepest, richest, most compelling aspect of character We hear a lot of talk about “layering” as a storytelling device. The more layers a character has, the more complex and…

Story Threads: Fixing Rips in Our Story

March 12, 2019

Story Threads: Fixing Rips in Our Story

March 12, 2019

As we write, we weave our characters, plot, dialogue, action, narrative, backstory, etc. together to create a full picture for our readers. However, during the revision process, we might have…

Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Nanny

March 9, 2019

Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Nanny

March 9, 2019

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story,…