Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Lessons

How to Show Emotion for Non-Viewpoint Characters

November 16, 2021

How to Show Emotion for Non-Viewpoint Characters

November 16, 2021

Those of you who are familiar with me know that Angela Ackerman and I talk a lot about emotion. A LOT. That’s because we believe that clearly conveying emotion—particularly that of…

3 Simple Tricks to Immerse Your Reader In Your Story

November 9, 2021

3 Simple Tricks to Immerse Your Reader In Your Story

November 9, 2021

As writers, fusing our protagonist with the reader creates the ultimate reading experience. Teacher and writer John Gardener referred to this as “the fictional dream.” It’s a state the reader…

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…

Bookish Gifts for Writers (TIP: This Year, Shop Early)

November 2, 2021

Bookish Gifts for Writers (TIP: This Year, Shop Early)

November 2, 2021

Every December we put together a gift-giving list for writers for those of you wanting to pick up a little something for critique partners & book buds, or to source…

5 Ways Trauma Makes Your Character an Unreliable Narrator

October 30, 2021

5 Ways Trauma Makes Your Character an Unreliable Narrator

October 30, 2021

Trauma is defined as anything that’s overwhelming or unpleasant that causes long-term mental or emotional problems. It rewires the brain and causes disordered thinking. So, if you’re looking for a…

What Are Pinch Points and Where Do They Go?

October 26, 2021

What Are Pinch Points and Where Do They Go?

October 26, 2021

Once I learned structure and could visualize the pattern beneath my favorite novels, movies, and streaming series, I felt like I’d been handed the keys to a magical kingdom. Employing structure elevated…

A Mother Lode of Resources on Writing Conflict

October 21, 2021

A Mother Lode of Resources on Writing Conflict

October 21, 2021

With the recent release of the 2nd Volume of The Conflict Thesaurus, Angela and I have been here, there, and everywhere, sharing everything we’ve learned about what conflict can do…

A Show-Don’t-Tell Database for Writers

October 14, 2021

A Show-Don’t-Tell Database for Writers

October 14, 2021

One thing we’re known for around here is description. For a dozen years, Becca and I have explored topic after topic, and whether it’s settings, emotions, backstory wounds, conflict, weather,…

Release Day: The Conflict Thesaurus Is Here!

October 12, 2021

Release Day: The Conflict Thesaurus Is Here!

October 12, 2021

Well, guys – another book is out in the world! The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles (Volume 1) is a game-changer for writers, screenwriters,…

NaNoWriMo Prep for Plotters & Pantsers

October 7, 2021

NaNoWriMo Prep for Plotters & Pantsers

October 7, 2021

It’s October, meaning many writers are turning their thoughts to NaNoWriMo, (National Novel Writing Month) starting November 1st, when they will attempt to write 50,000 words in a month. NaNoWriMo…