Writers Helping Writers^®

Writing Lessons

The Art of “Skipping Around” (Writing Out of Sequence)

August 21, 2018

The Art of “Skipping Around” (Writing Out of Sequence)

August 21, 2018

When other writers ask me if I’m a plotter or a pantser, I usually tell them, “I’m a little of both, but I’m also skip around.” By “skipping around,” I…

Crafting a “Body Language Voice”

August 14, 2018

Crafting a “Body Language Voice”

August 14, 2018

You’ve probably heard about “voice”–that elusive quality that so many editors, agents, and readers are drawn to. Years ago, I did a couple of posts about character voice, arguing that…

Writing By Design Part 4: Contrast, or Light versus Dark

August 7, 2018

Writing By Design Part 4: Contrast, or Light versus Dark

August 7, 2018

In earlier installments of this “Writing by Design” series, we’ve discussed how to use the constraints of space to lend a shape to your story, and we also looked at…

The Six Stages of Your Hero’s Character Arc

August 2, 2018

The Six Stages of Your Hero’s Character Arc

August 2, 2018

By C.S. Lakin As a writer, you’re probably familiar with the term “character arc,” but what does a character arc entail? How do you structure this arc? And what informs…

Character Vulnerability: There Will Be Blood

July 17, 2018

Character Vulnerability: There Will Be Blood

July 17, 2018

This is something I say to almost every writer: Make no mistake, there WILL be blood! No, I’m not referring to the movie. Or even to literal blood. But to…

Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero

July 12, 2018

Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero

July 12, 2018

Great treat for you today–Piper Bayard (of Bayard & Holmes) is digging into what an espionage character should look like. And she should know, because her co-author, Jay Holmes…well, read…

How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?

July 10, 2018

How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?

July 10, 2018

Theme & Symbolism Database A good book, once finished, often leaves you with that feeling of something more. I like to think of it as the book’s essence. It kind…

How To “Level Up” Your Character’s Wound

July 3, 2018

Understanding how to properly create a character's emotional wound

How To “Level Up” Your Character’s Wound

July 3, 2018

Every writer who has spent time studying the craft writing knows of the character wound, and that they are the foundation of a strong, memorable character. Why? Because they make…

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Mr. Miyagi: Wax On, Wax Off (Karate Kid) Most writers are familiar with the saying, “You only get one chance to impress,” and there is no industry where this holds…

Diving Deep into POV

June 14, 2018

Diving Deep into POV

June 14, 2018

Last time I was here, we spoke about how to Dive Deep With Emotion. One of the key takeaways was the necessity of vulnerability to write authentic emotion. What’s cool…