Talents and skills can serve many purposes in a story by revealing truths about the character, making them more likable or relatable for readers, and contributing to story arc by helping the character achieve their goals. As such, they can do a lot of good things for our stories and characters—if they’re chosen well. This is why Angela and I created the Talent and Skill Thesaurus at Writers Helping Writers. We wanted authors to have a resource that could help them explore special abilities they might want or need in their story. With over 60 entries, it’s a great jumping-off point for figurin ..read more

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 archetypes to come up with interesting new versions. The result is a sizable pool of character tropes that we see from one story to another. Archetypes and tropes are popular storytelling elements because of their familiarity. Upon seeing them, readers know immediately who they’re dealing with and wh ..read more

Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need help with the beginning of your novel, today’s the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback. Two winners will receive feedback on their first 20 pages! Entering is easy. All you need to do is leave your contact information onthis entry form(or click the graphic below). If you are a winner, we’ll notify you and explain how to send us your pages. Contest Details This is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP. Make sure your contact information on the entry form is corre ..read more

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 archetypes to come up with interesting new versions. The result is a sizable pool of character tropes that we see from one story to another. Archetypes and tropes are popular storytelling elements because of their familiarity. Upon seeing them, readers know immediately who they’re dealing with and wh ..read more

Since compiling our original Emotion Amplifier ebooklet in 2014, Angela and I have discovered so much about them. They’re way more versatile than we first imagined, and we’re stoked to share what we’ve learned with you in the soon-to-be-released 2nd edition of The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus (which will be available everywhere May 13th). But you know we can’t wait for the book to come out before we start talking your head off on this topic ;). If you’re a regular at the blog, you’re probably familiar with how these little cattle prods can get a character moving in the right direction. But for ..read more

When we create a story world for readers, we are implanting images and sensory details. From which, the reader fills in the gaps. If we skew that world in any way, we pull the reader out of their base model. And ultimately, out of the story itself. Examples of Oopsies: blue eyes turn brown a limp or lisp mysteriously vanishes the sun rises outside the west-facing window an ocean appears in the middle of the desert the MC’s house has hardwood floors, yet in the previous book they had wall-to-wall carpeting Creating a fictional world requires creativity, consistency, and attention to detail ..read more

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 archetypes to come up with interesting new versions. The result is a sizable pool of character tropes that we see from one story to another. Archetypes and tropes are popular storytelling elements because of their familiarity. Upon seeing them, readers know immediately who they’re dealing with and wh ..read more

Three years ago, I never would have guessed I’d be writing a blog post on this topic. Back then, I was focused on pure fantasy stories. My first novel was an epic fantasy, while my second and third were paranormal fantasy. I thought I had “found my voice” in paranormal fantasy, but then a friend of mine asked me a question: “Would you like to write a book about the King Midas myth?” That question, and my answer to it—“Sure, I could give it a try”—opened up a whole new world for me in terms of fantasy writing. Why? Because when I started researching the King Midas myth, I discovered something ..read more

A writer’s job is to do one thing well: pull the reader in. Our words should act like a tractor beam, sucking them into our story’s world. We tap into the reader’s emotions, seize their attention, and suddenly they forget to mow the lawn, eat cereal for dinner, and postpone bedtime yet again. It’s glorious. So…how do we do it? Psychology. People are hardwired for stories. For one, they contain experiences that the primal part of the brain likes to mine for information to help with survival. But there are other reasons, too, like the chance to experience certain emotions that act as a release ..read more

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 archetypes to come up with interesting new versions. The result is a sizable pool of character tropes that we see from one story to another. Archetypes and tropes are popular storytelling elements because of their familiarity. Upon seeing them, readers know immediately who they’re dealing with and wh ..read more