A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages
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…
Read more…The Six Stages of Your Hero’s Character Arc
The Six Stages of Your Hero’s Character Arc
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…
Read more…Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero
Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero
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…
Read more…Build Character Empathy in Your First Few Pages
Build Character Empathy in Your First Few Pages
You may not be aware, but I’m kind of obsessed with first pages and chapters. They’re not the end-all-be-all for keeping your audience engaged, but it’s definitely true that if…
Read more…Writing 101: Tips for Choosing the Right Story Details
Writing 101: Tips for Choosing the Right Story Details
When it comes to writing compelling fiction, choosing the right details can make all the difference. In this Writing 101 post, we’re looking at how to use purposeful details in…
Read more…The Destructive Power of The Lie Your Character Believes
The Destructive Power of The Lie Your Character Believes
We are often our own biggest critics, aren’t we? Whenever something goes wrong, we feel disappointed, frustrated, upset, or hurt. The fallout might cause others around us to suffer too,…
Read more…Occupation Thesaurus: Architect
Occupation Thesaurus: Architect
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…
Read more…Mapping Your Story’s Setting
Mapping Your Story’s Setting
As writers, we do our best to know our story’s setting as intimately as we know our characters. We can visualize the buildings, rooms, and geographic landscape. Maybe we even…
Read more…Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Taxidermist
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Taxidermist
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…
Read more…The Different Kinds of Editing: A Breakdown (with Examples)
The Different Kinds of Editing: A Breakdown (with Examples)
All writers need an editor. Stephen King needs one. JK Rowling needs one. You and me? We DEFINITELY need one. But this is where it gets confusing…because there are many…
Read more…10 Ways to Goose the Muse
10 Ways to Goose the Muse
Calliope, the muse of epic poetry and story, is a fickle goddess. She drops in depending on her mood, tickles the imagination, and then takes off to party with Aphrodite.…
Read more…How to Tell If Your Story Needs a Resolution
How to Tell If Your Story Needs a Resolution
One of the last things you’ll consider for a story is whether to write a resolution. This short sequence of scenes (or a single scene) after the climax can conclude…
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