Character relationships are, in many ways, the glue that holds a story together. Almost every tale has at least one relationship at the heart of it, often more. Rarely can a character sustain a story on their own; they need others: friends, family, mentors, lovers, enemies, strangers, pets, … [Read more...] about How to Build Powerful Character Relationships
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Fall in Love with Your Second Act
I love me some Billy Joel. I especially love this song. Granted, it’s a song that deals with a serious issue in a gentle way, but I do think that, on another, lighter level, it can also be applied to our writing journey. You better believe there will be times in your lifeWhen you'll … [Read more...] about Fall in Love with Your Second Act
Saving your Story from Predictability
I had the rare and luscious experience this weekend of cracking open a book and it being so awesome that I flew right through it. The Deceivers is about a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who’s tapped to attend Vale Hall, a secret academy for con artists. The character’s situation … [Read more...] about Saving your Story from Predictability
Hacking NaNoWriMo: How to Reach the Finish Line
It's NaNoWriMo season, so I'm reposting my top 5 tips that will help you bust through any block or hiccup so you reach your 50K. These tips have worked for me, and I hope they will work for you. 1. Make with a plan (yes, even the Pantsers). Really, the more you know about your plot and … [Read more...] about Hacking NaNoWriMo: How to Reach the Finish Line
Three Simple Questions That Will Unlock Your Story
By Lisa Cron Writers are the most powerful people on the planet. Yes, you! You have the power to change your readers in a more profound way than almost anyone else they encounter. How? By allowing them to experience, first hand, the profound change your protagonist goes through in the … [Read more...] about Three Simple Questions That Will Unlock Your Story
Tips for a Successful Writing Collaboration
It's hard to believe that Angela and I have been writing together for over a decade. It started in 2008 with this blog, where we pooled ideas and shared writing responsibilities. Then we stepped up our game and decided to write a book together. And then another, and another. And then came our … [Read more...] about Tips for a Successful Writing Collaboration
Story Structure in a Flash
Story structure can sometimes be difficult to wrap our minds around; there are so many different structures, all with different terminology and slightly different meanings. But today I’m going to hopefully simplify things by covering how I view story structure—in under 900 words. So let’s get … [Read more...] about Story Structure in a Flash
Rules? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Rules
After we’ve been writing for a while, we’ve heard our share of writing rules. Sometimes we’re taught to avoid certain techniques, like prologues. Or we might be told that some storytelling approaches are too risky, such as using second-person point of view. We might struggle with the balance … [Read more...] about Rules? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Rules
How to Power Through the 30k Slump During NaNoWriMo
Today we've got a goldmine of ideas for those brave NaNoWriMo souls who feel a bit sluggish heading into the final third of your novel. Please welcome Savannah Cordova from one of our favorite sites: Reedsy! For NaNoWriMo vets, the pattern is all too familiar: you start the month off strong, full … [Read more...] about How to Power Through the 30k Slump During NaNoWriMo
Character Arc and Narrative Arc
Character arc: someone living their life Narrative arc: the things that happen when someone lives their life When I worked with children, I’d always teach them the simple, zen fact: every sentence has a subject and verb. Someone does something. I’d tell them, “From this you can … [Read more...] about Character Arc and Narrative Arc
A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages
As many of you know, I run a monthly critique contest here at the blog, where I offer to read first pages and share my feedback. People are so grateful to win, but I have to ask: who’s the real winner here? I get to read story openings no one else has access to with full permission to tell their … [Read more...] about A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages
How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?
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 of hangs around like a ghost, occasionally prodding you with reminders of the realization you had while reading it, or bringing to mind that character who never left … [Read more...] about How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?