Creating characters with negative character traits builds believability and relatability for your readers. As much as we like to think we’re full of positive character traits, every individual possesses traits we’d rather ignore.  Because of this, crafting your protagonist with specific character flaws allows your readership to empathize with your hero at a deeper level. In this article, I provide a list of negative character traits for you to draw from and dive into the importance of this type of trait in your characters.  Negative character traits: what’s covered Negative characte ..read more

Ever felt as if the sun was smiling down upon you on a beautiful occasion, or perhaps the clouds were weeping with you during a difficult day you were experiencing? This is what we call the world of pathetic fallacy.  It is when nature, inanimate objects, or even animals mirror how you’re feeling on the inside – as if the world is understanding our moments of happiness and sadness.  Coined by John Ruskin in the 19th century, writers often use pathetic fallacy to add depth to their character’s state of mind and create an entire atmosphere within a scene.  Let’s uncover how we, as ..read more

Many of the authors behind the classics you know and love today used direct characterization to establish their characters. While readers don’t have the attention span for excessive description today, there is still a place for this type of characterization in your fiction. In fact, direct characterization allows you, the author, to act as a detective as you write your story. After all, you are the one in charge of wrapping up the plot and you know how you’re going to do so.  Using this type of characterization is a way to engage your readers in the details they need to know now, while st ..read more

Learning how to write a dissertation is a complex journey that many academics must take. In this article, I break down the complexity of how to write a dissertation into eight actionable steps.  Whether you are in your first year of undergrad and preparing for the future, or your professor just assigned you your dissertation, this guide is for you.  A brief note: if you are not currently a student but writing in other capacities, learning how to write a dissertation effectively can greatly benefit you. You can apply many of the following steps to your writing, fiction or nonfiction ..read more

Wish you could discover companies that specialize in educational publishing? Look no further! In this article I share the top companies that specialize in this genre, as well as an additional option to consider.  Whether you are a leader in your field of thought, a college professor who wants to publish your own textbook, or specialize in a specific aspect of education, I have you covered.  Did you know that the US educational publishing market generated over $8.96 billion in sales revenue in 2022? If you’re looking for a lucrative genre, educational publishing is worth considering ..read more

Are you curious about the timeless written art form known as poetry? Many of us encounter the beauty of poetry early in life, often through school. Sadly, we eventually lose our familiarity with poetry and its unique way of expressing truth through language in a beautiful and memorable style. If you want to rediscover the joy of poetry, you’re in the right place! We’ve gathered over 50 types of poetry for you. Feel free to delve deeper into any of these types, either from the perspective of a poet or an admirer of verse. This guide delves into various types of poetry, including: What is poetr ..read more

Deep POV is one of several different points of view writers can use to communicate their story. Whether you choose to write in first or third person point of view, or even multiple, you can employ deep POV to connect with your readers. But what exactly is deep POV, how do you use it in your writing, and what are famous examples? I cover all of this, and more, in this article. Let’s find out why. Deep POV: what you learn What is deep POV? How to write it: 3 tips What are famous examples of deep POV? Errors to avoid in deep POV What is deep POV? Deep POV (or deep point of view) is a viewpoint ..read more

In a world of constant change, advancement, and regression, poetry has acted as the mirror of “modern” society, no matter the era. It evolves with the people and world around it. If you want to understand a certain span of time, look at the poetry written within it. The longer we have poetry as an art form, the more shapes we mold it into. It moves like a living being, a dynamic testament to the human capacity for creativity and evolution. From the rise of spoken word and slam poetry, to experimental digital poems, to visual literary amalgamations, modern poetry journeys into the depths of cur ..read more

In the literary sphere, a motif is a deliberate, artistic decision that can elevate your narrative to a higher level. Whether you write novels, scripts, poetry, or anything else, understanding how to use motifs can enrich your work. Let’s look at some examples, definitions, and tips for writing with motifs. What is a motif? 11 literary examples of motifs How to use motifs in your own writing Common mistakes with motifs Book Outline Generator Choose your Fiction or Nonfiction book type below to get your free chapter by chapter outline! Please select your book type Fiction Non-Fiction GE ..read more

What are literary agents looking for and accepting in today’s publishing world? While each agent varies in their exact wishlist and what they expect from potential clients, there are eleven areas you should focus on before submitting your query.  Literary agents are searching for specific qualities and elements in a manuscript. Due to their background in publishing, each agent knows what types of genres they believe will be successful in the market. Because of this, it’s crucial to answer the question, what are literary agents looking for? In this article, I cover what agents really want ..read more