Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Help

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…

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…

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…

Introducing…The Character Type & Trope Thesaurus!

April 1, 2023

Introducing…The Character Type & Trope Thesaurus!

April 1, 2023

Character building is hard work, and when we see certain types of characters appear again, and again in fiction and film, we wonder if there’s a way to start with…

How to Uncover Your Character’s Deepest Fear

March 28, 2023

How to Uncover Your Character’s Deepest Fear

March 28, 2023

Fear is a disruptive force, even though its job is to keep us safe. When there’s a perceived physical or psychological threat, our brain blasts us with a shot of…

How Much Time Do You Waste as a Writer?

March 23, 2023

How Much Time Do You Waste as a Writer?

March 23, 2023

It’s a touchy topic, I know. On one hand, we may putter a bit as a way ‘into’ writing–getting supplies together, pouring a cup of coffee, and putting a few…

Fear Thesaurus Entry: Being Taken Advantage Of

March 18, 2023

Fear Thesaurus Entry: Being Taken Advantage Of

March 18, 2023

Debilitating fears are a problem for everyone, an unfortunate part of the human experience. Whether they’re a result of learned behavior as a child, are related to a mental health…

Phenomenal First Pages Contest

March 16, 2023

Phenomenal First Pages Contest

March 16, 2023

Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly first-page critique contest ? This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be notified when the…

Fear Thesaurus Entry: Conditional Love

March 11, 2023

Fear Thesaurus Entry: Conditional Love

March 11, 2023

Debilitating fears are a problem for everyone, an unfortunate part of the human experience. Whether they’re a result of learned behavior as a child, are related to a mental health…