There's not a writer alive who doesn't know what an Internal Editor is. He's the guy in your head who sits back, half-loaded with gin, and snarks, "You're not writing THAT are you?" and, "Wow...this character is your worst one yet!" In other words, the guy is a total jerk-turd. Left … [Read more...] about Want to Become a Successful Writer? Develop Your Intuition
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Pacing and Momentum in Revision
One of the elements I like to focus on when I revise is pacing. Pacing is the manipulation of momentum and time in a piece of writing and how the characters and reader experience it. Pacing influences how time and events unfold in the rise and fall of action, how characters move in scene, and the … [Read more...] about Pacing and Momentum in Revision
Become a Story Genius: How Your Character’s Misbelief Drives Plot
We're welcoming story coach Lisa Cron to the blog today. Lisa has some great thoughts on the inner struggle happening inside a protagonist, and how defining the why behind this struggle is the key to unlocking a powerful story that will capture your readers. Story is not about what happens on … [Read more...] about Become a Story Genius: How Your Character’s Misbelief Drives Plot
Hunting Down Story Holes Using a Novel Journal
Hi everyone--I'm happy to welcome author David Stafford to the blog today as he's tackling something we all wrestle with at some point: Story Holes. Here's some great advice on how to defeat Story Holes, and a list of the areas they are often found. Plot holes are disastrous. So are … [Read more...] about Hunting Down Story Holes Using a Novel Journal
Getting the Pacing Right
I’d like to start this post by stating an opinion that I think pretty much everyone shares: Pacing Sucks. When you get it right, no one really notices. I mean, how many times have you read a 5-star review that went on and on about the awesome pacing? On the other hand, when the pacing’s off, it’s … [Read more...] about Getting the Pacing Right
The Subtle Knife: Writing Characters Readers Trust But Shouldn’t
I don’t know about you, but I love reading books where the author encourages me to draw conclusions that are wrong. Case in point--untrustworthy characters who I trust anyway. Like all writers, I am ultra aware of character cues and actions as I read, so when I’m led astray and find out someone I … [Read more...] about The Subtle Knife: Writing Characters Readers Trust But Shouldn’t
How Your Hero’s Past Pain Will Determine His Character Flaws
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
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
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!
Why Is Your Character’s Emotional Wound So Important?
Emotional wounds hold incredible power, steering a hero’s motives, actions, and beliefs. They damage their sense of self worth, filter how they view the world, and dictate how they interact with other people, making it harder for them to achieve their goals. So what exactly is a wound? An … [Read more...] about Why Is Your Character’s Emotional Wound So Important?
Privacy Policy & Legal Notices
(*For Legal Notices regarding contests and giveaways, please scroll down.) Writers Helping Writers® Privacy Policy Short Version: We respect your data and would never sell it to a third-party provider. We collect as little data as possible, used for the purpose of communicating with you … [Read more...] about Privacy Policy & Legal Notices
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: How False Beliefs, Fears, and Human Needs Are Connected
Just like real people, our characters have a plethora of past experiences that play a part in molding who they become. While these experiences, good and bad, affect their personalities, it is often the harrowing ones that have the most impact. An emotional wound is a negative event from … [Read more...] about The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: How False Beliefs, Fears, and Human Needs Are Connected