Authentic characters are usually modeled after real people. I don't mean pulling traits and quirks from those we know (say, taking Aunt Judy's laughter and blending it with the overly-smiley bus driver who takes us to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Rather, I'm talking about mirroring the human … [Read more...] about How Your Hero’s Past Pain Will Determine His Character Flaws
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Planning a Novel: Character Arc In A Nutshell
So, you're ready to sit down and plan a new book. Are you excited? I hope so. You're about to create a new reality! Can you imagine it, that fresh page that's full of potential? Your main character is going to...um, do things...in your novel. A great many things! Exciting things. Dangerous … [Read more...] about Planning a Novel: Character Arc In A Nutshell
One Stop For Writers’ Unique Templates & Worksheets
A Look Inside One Stop's Templates & Worksheets As you can imagine with an online library, there are many nooks and crannies to explore. One of my favorite places is up in The Stacks where we keep our Templates and Worksheets. Pictured here is the Character Fears Template. By following … [Read more...] about One Stop For Writers’ Unique Templates & Worksheets
The One Stop For Writers Library Is Now Open!
Pass around the party blowers and get your confetti ready, because today we're launching One Stop For Writers, a powerhouse online library to help writers elevate their storytelling. This site has been in the works for a year, a collaboration between Becca, Lee Powell (the talented creator of … [Read more...] about The One Stop For Writers Library Is Now Open!
Unique Writing Resources: Helpful Checklists and Tip Sheets
Whether we plot or pants (or do something in between), the drafting stage is where we work to put core ideas onto the page. It's a lot of fun because creativity is cranked up and our imaginations are set loose! After all, we know we'll be back to improve everything later. Of course, it's … [Read more...] about Unique Writing Resources: Helpful Checklists and Tip Sheets
The Importance of Psychological Development in Character Growth
I learn so much from every thesaurus that we write. If there's one thing I've gleaned from our Negative and Positive Trait Thesaurus books, along with our current Emotional Wounds Thesaurus, is that, like real people, each character is different. Some may be similar, but every one is uniquely … [Read more...] about The Importance of Psychological Development in Character Growth
3 Quick Tips To Help Readers Connect To Your Hero
There has always been a debate on what is more important–plot or characters. For a long time, I stood on the PLOT side of things, because I thought it was my cool twists and turns that kept readers glued to the page. CHARACTERS, I believed, were just the people populating my world, the ones I did … [Read more...] about 3 Quick Tips To Help Readers Connect To Your Hero
ONE STOP FOR WRITERS®
Becca and I are pleased to bring you another resource from Writers Helping Writers® One Stop For Writers® is a web app packed with unique tools and resources to save you time as you plan, research, and write. A powerhouse of writing information, One Stop is the permanent home for our … [Read more...] about ONE STOP FOR WRITERS®
Ways to Extract Information From Others
I am, frankly, in love with today's post. In every story, there comes a time when your character needs information that someone else has. So how does he go about getting it? The obvious method is to beat the crap out of the other guy. But what if your hero has a glass jaw or faints at the sight of … [Read more...] about Ways to Extract Information From Others
The Importance of Grounding Characters in the Reader’s World
We all know how important it is to build fully-fleshed characters by digging at their core. Exposing their attributes, flaws, morals, emotional wounds and fears that revolve around their basic human needs will influence their goals and desires within the story. And to make a protagonist really sing, … [Read more...] about The Importance of Grounding Characters in the Reader’s World
Vulnerability: The Key to Compelling Romantic Relationships
The connection between two characters is one of the most magnetic forces in storytelling, especially in romance novels. Whether they welcome the relationship, fight it, or fall somewhere in between, emotional friction creates an energy that leaves readers anxious to see what will happen … [Read more...] about Vulnerability: The Key to Compelling Romantic Relationships
Talent and Skill Thesaurus: Regeneration
Choosing a talent or skill that fits with your character's personality, lifestyle, and values can go a long way to helping them break free of the common stereotypes seen so often in fiction. This thesaurus will help you find the perfect quality or two that will show readers your character's … [Read more...] about Talent and Skill Thesaurus: Regeneration