Writers Helping Writers^®

Diversity

How to Create a Protagonist with True Depth

November 7, 2023

How to Create a Protagonist with True Depth

November 7, 2023

Some characters are so dynamic, we feel immediately close to them. Everything they say, do, and think is consistent with who they are, they have a past and present, and…

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…

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: People of Color

June 30, 2022

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: People of Color

June 30, 2022

Readers have spoken: they want more diversity in fiction. And writers are stepping up, but it can be hard to write about someone who’s different than you. Careful research is…

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: Characters with Mental Health Issues

June 23, 2022

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: Characters with Mental Health Issues

June 23, 2022

Readers have spoken: they want more diversity in fiction. And writers are stepping up, but it can be hard to write about someone who’s different than you. Careful research is…

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: Religious Characters

June 16, 2022

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: Religious Characters

June 16, 2022

Readers have spoken: they want more diversity in fiction. And writers are stepping up, but it can be hard to write about someone who’s different than you. Careful research is…

How to Showcase Your Character’s Unique Voice

November 4, 2021

How to Showcase Your Character’s Unique Voice

November 4, 2021

Almost every character should have their own voice—their distinctive way of communicating their worldview. To illustrate, here are three lines from Harry Potter that reveal Hermione’s, Ron’s, and Harry’s individual…

Balancing Your Cast of Characters

May 4, 2021

Balancing Your Cast of Characters

May 4, 2021

It’s no secret that side characters can be amazing in their own right. Great side characters feel like real people–even if the focus isn’t on them. They have lives that…

The Occupation Thesaurus: Firefighter

June 23, 2020

The Occupation Thesaurus: Firefighter

June 23, 2020

Sourced from The Occupation Thesaurus OVERVIEWA firefighter is a rescuer who extinguishes and prevents fires that threaten life, property, and the environment. They also respond to car accidents, chemical spills,…

Character Building: How Much Planning Should I Do? (PART 1)

May 26, 2020

Character Building: How Much Planning Should I Do? (PART 1)

May 26, 2020

Not sure how much brainstorming needs to go into each character? You’re not alone. It’s a struggle for many, and unfortunately, there’s no single “right” answer. It really depends on…

How a Career Can Reveal Your Character’s Deeper Layers

February 29, 2020

How a Career Can Reveal Your Character’s Deeper Layers

February 29, 2020

Did you know that before Becca became an author and writing coach, she was a teacher? It’s true. And if you know her, you’re probably thinking, I can see that.…