How to Write Authentic Character Behavior
How to Write Authentic Character Behavior
Some stories stick with us more than others, and why? The characters. They feel so real. How they view life, the way they interact with others, the beliefs that steer…
Read more…Why Writers Fear and Resist Change (and Characters Do, Too)
Why Writers Fear and Resist Change (and Characters Do, Too)
We’re often told to remember that the antagonist is the protagonist in their own story, and while this seems like a character-building tip, it’s actually a psychological one. Characters who…
Read more…Hierarchy of a Submission Package & Giveaway!
Hierarchy of a Submission Package & Giveaway!
I’ve been thinking a lot about submissions lately, not only because my co-author and I are launching a new book about the querying process, but also because I will be…
Read more…The Emotional Wound Thesaurus
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus
True-to-life characters carry their past with them. Emotional wounds—negative experiences that cause psychological harm—change how they view the world, other people, and themselves. Part writing guide, part brainstorming tool, The…
Read more…Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Creative Expression
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Creative Expression
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…
Read more…How to Take a Story from “Good” to Great
How to Take a Story from “Good” to Great
Self-publishing costs can add up, so one of the best ways to save money on editing is to take your story from good to great before bringing in an editor.…
Read more…Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Maladaptive Fantasy
Coping Mechanism Thesaurus: Maladaptive Fantasy
When a character suffers emotional pain, the brain’s response is to stop the discomfort, and often this results in a coping mechanism being deployed. Whether it’s an automatic response or…
Read more…Four Key Moments When You Should Hold the Conflict
Four Key Moments When You Should Hold the Conflict
Conflict in every scene. It’s popular advice because it’s true. Conflict ratchets up the tension for readers because it makes the character’s success less likely, and readers start worrying about…
Read more…How To Use Dialogue for Backstory and Worldbuilding—Infodump-Free!
How To Use Dialogue for Backstory and Worldbuilding—Infodump-Free!
It’s an ongoing struggle for many of us: How do I share backstory and build my world without infodumping (and boring my readers)? One of my favorite—and sometimes overlooked—tools is…
Read more…The Coping Mechanism Thesaurus is Coming!
The Coping Mechanism Thesaurus is Coming!
Characters don’t always react to stress and threats in healthy ways–like real people, they lean on coping strategies they’ve developed to survive past trauma and avoid new pain. These dysfunctional…
Read more…How To Push Past The Fear of Never Getting Published
How To Push Past The Fear of Never Getting Published
“What If No One Ever Publishes My Work?” If you’re worried that no publisher will pick YOUR novel, you’re not alone. This is a fear I’d venture 100% of authors…
Read more…Show, Don’t Tell: Write Authentic Character Reactions with The Emotion Thesaurus
Show, Don’t Tell: Write Authentic Character Reactions with The Emotion Thesaurus
Showing authentic character emotion isn’t easy, which is why so many writers turn to The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression. It covers 130 emotions, providing lists of…
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