We’ve probably seen advice warning that any time our story revisits information, we risk the idea feeling repetitive or redundant to readers if we’re not careful. Not surprisingly, the same risk can apply even across books in a series. Yet when we write a book series, we usually need to repeat … [Read more...] about Continuing a Series: Is This Info Too Repetitive?
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Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines
Whether you are writing romance, adventure, fantasy, or mystery, nearly every well-told story has a relationship plotline. Unfortunately, though, entertaining banter or fiery arguments alone aren’t enough to sustain that plotline. Your characters may be love interests, friends, neighbors, allies, … [Read more...] about Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines
Why “But” is a Powerful Writing Tool
Boredom is a common reason why a reader DNFs a book. Genre is irrelevant. If the reader isn’t engaged with the storyline, they will set aside your book for another that will draw them in. A but means a complication, an obstacle the main character(s) must overcome. If the main character achieves … [Read more...] about Why “But” is a Powerful Writing Tool
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Whiskey Priest
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Whiskey Priest
Writing Techniques: Use and Abuse of “Lampshading”
As storytellers, we usually want to keep readers immersed in our story. However, we’ve probably all written lines that we worry will break readers’ suspension of disbelief, such as with story events that might feel too cliché, coincidental, or incongruent. Obviously, we can try to fix the issue by … [Read more...] about Writing Techniques: Use and Abuse of “Lampshading”
Using Talents and Skills to Reveal Hidden Layers
When you’re creating a well-rounded and realistic character, there are many factors to consider: their backstory, personality traits, fears, desires…the list goes on. Each is important because it plays a part in defining and fleshing out the character for readers. But there’s another aspect of … [Read more...] about Using Talents and Skills to Reveal Hidden Layers
The Ruler Archetype
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about The Ruler Archetype
Does Your Story Need a Hit of Organic Conflict? Look to Your Setting.
Every writer’s mission is to pen a story that draws readers in, offering familiarity when it comes to certain genre expectations while also delivering something fresh so to be distinctive and memorable. This is how to cultivate a loyal--and, fingers crossed, rabidly obsessed--reading … [Read more...] about Does Your Story Need a Hit of Organic Conflict? Look to Your Setting.
Writing Insecure Characters
Angela Ackerman and I got our start telling anyone who was interested (and some who weren't) what we'd learned about the importance of showing a character's feelings. So I'll start with a quote from The Emotion Thesaurus about why it's so important for every author to get this right: All … [Read more...] about Writing Insecure Characters
The Negative Trait Thesaurus: Controlling
Sourced from The Negative Trait Thesaurus DEFINITION: Inclined to exercise a restraining or directing influence over othersSIMILAR FLAWS: Despotic, dictatorial, domineering, tyrannicalPOSSIBLE CAUSESGrowing up in an environment where one had no controlBeing raised by a caregiver whose … [Read more...] about The Negative Trait Thesaurus: Controlling
The Negative Trait Thesaurus: Rebellious
Sourced from The Negative Trait Thesaurus DEFINITION: Flouting the law or resisting authoritySIMILAR FLAWS: Defiant, disobedient, insubordinate, mutinousPOSSIBLE CAUSESHaving domineering parentsLiving in a strictly controlled culture or societyRepressionBeing denied creative … [Read more...] about The Negative Trait Thesaurus: Rebellious
The Positive Trait Thesaurus: Protective
Sourced from The Positive Trait Thesaurus DEFINITION: inclined to safeguard, shield, or carefully supervise the persons or items in one’s chargeCATEGORIES: achievement, identity, interactive, moral POSSIBLE CAUSES: Serving in a caregiver roleLove and respectBeing responsible for … [Read more...] about The Positive Trait Thesaurus: Protective