Angela Ackerman's Blog: Writers Helping Writers, page 11

Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Having an Addiction

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What���s at stake if it���s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character���s secrets���and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They���re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can���t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them���all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let���s see what it might look like if your character���

Has an Addiction

ABOUT THIS SECRET: When the subject of addiction is broached, substance abuse springs immediately to mind. But many addictions are just extreme forms of habits that are acceptable in moderation, such as shopping, gaming, eating, working, and exercising. Your character might start innocently as a social drinker, for example, until a life event propels that behavior out of control. Because there is shame associated with addictions, a character may go to great lengths to hide the truth of their condition from others.

SPECIFIC��FEARS��THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: Abandonment, Being Capable of Harm, Becoming What One Hates, Being Judged, Being Labeled, Being Separated from Loved Ones, Conditional Love, Criticism, Humiliation, Isolation, Letting Others Down, Losing Autonomy, Losing One’s Social Standing, Losing the Respect of Others, Not Being in Control, One’s Body Becoming a Prison, Rejection

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Functioning sub-optimally at work
Being a less-than-competent parent
Struggling financially because of the addiction
Living below their potential

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Using cash or secret credit cards to fund their addiction
Masking odors with perfumes, soaps, or mouthwash
Making light of the addiction as nothing serious, just ���harmless fun���
Lying frequently (about where they���ve been, what they���ve been doing, etc.)

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
Drifting away from old friends and hanging out with new ones who frequently engage in the addictive behavior
Being cagey or vague when answering questions about what they���re up to
The character becoming irritable and/or having wild mood swings
Receiving odd phone calls or calls at odd hours
Work habits or standards becoming sloppy

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE��
Failing a drug test at work
Realizing that they���re becoming a danger to themselves and/or others
Owing money to unforgiving people

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found here. Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Having an Addiction appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

How Authors Thrive in a World of AI-Generated Books

The rise of AI-generated books is sparking concern among many. We all know the book market is huge, yet the speed at which new works are being added prompted Amazon to place a ‘3 books per day’ upload limit. I think we all agree that’s more than a little worrying.

It’s frustrating, too. Vying for a reader’s attention has always been challenging, but this new competition has some authors fearing it will soon become too hard (and expensive) to grab the reader’s attention. Dread rises in the form of a question: in this widening sea of books, what are my chances of being found and read?

It’s easy to give over to anger and depression when things change, especially when it feels unfair and unjust. But as authors have always done, we must use our emotions to fuel transformation.

The board has changed. It’s time to change with it.

We’ve weathered disruptions in the book industry before, and while AI is reshaping all industries, as people, one of our biggest strengths is our ability to adapt. Marketing will become more challenging for authors, but we can use our human edge to come out on top. It’s time for us to push ourselves and leverage our strengths, showing readers we have much more to offer them than machines.

Let’s talk about how we do it.

1. Write an amazing book.

Seems sort of obvious, right? Sure, but the real message here is that AI books will only get better in time, so we must continue widening the gap. Readers will have many choices on what to read so our books should be exceptional. To date, many authors have focused on volume to make a living, but moving forward, writing better books will become as important (if not more).

Amazing books in the age of AI should contain something else, too: emotion, insight, and depth rooted in human experience. This is something that machines can’t replicate (although they will try). As humans, we understand how isolating life can be when we experience certain things that stir deep emotions, struggles, insecurities, and vulnerabilities. Who better than us to create authentic characters that our readers can truly relate to and connect with? (Read: How to Leverage Humanity in Stories to Outshine AI.)

2. Embrace authenticity, building trust and connection.

AI isn’t only impacting the book industry–it’s everywhere, with readers being as exposed to it as us. AI curates searches at Google, chatbots claim the bottom right corner of every website. Meta AI bots piss everyone off with their uncanny ability to ignore hate speech but flag that cute picture of someone’s cat as harmful and inappropriate.

Fake social profiles. AI-generated images everywhere.
Every third ad is a new AI tool or service.

It’s the gold rush of AI, but guess what follows? Saturation. People get sick of all things manufactured, simulated, and fake. It’s early still, but a looming saturation is coming. Authors should be ready because, in an increasingly artificial world, people will crave one thing above all else: Authenticity. They will be drawn to human presences, voices, and interactions.

This is an incredible opportunity for authors. By recognizing the universal need for authenticity and connection, they can draw their potential readers in by being someone who shares their human side!

Go deeper with your interactions with readers. Think about points of common ground: What experiences do you and your readers share? Which of your thoughts and perceptions will resonate, making them feel seen and heard? How can you share anecdotes, ideas, sparks of humor, and bits of your personal life alongside discussions about your creative work? What topics and themes in your book suggest areas of common interest? Start some conversations.

It might take practice, but being open and authentic can turn readers into lifelong fans…of you. These relationships are incredible–knowing people are in our corner sustains us when life gets hard. Too, not only will devout readers look forward to the next book, but they’ll want others to discover your books, too.

3. Create a “clubhouse” for your readers.

Adding to the point above, I have always believed marketing is about relationships, not sales. We build strong relationships by caring about others, making them feel valued, and giving them something they need. When this is done right, sales follow naturally.

It’s great to use social media as a way to find potential readers and connect with them, but trying to be everywhere at once is overwhelming. People can become fatigued by social media too. This is why thinking about creating a meeting spot away from the noise of the online world can be a great way to forge meaningful bonds with readers.

Your “clubhouse” can be anything that works for you: an online community or group, a personal newsletter or Substack, a private forum attached to your site, etc. Whatever your clubhouse looks like, don’t bombard folks with promotion. These people aren’t dollar signs and trust me, AI will be targeting them everywhere, trying to sell, sell, sell. So be different. Focus on the relationship: share content they’ll like, ask and answer questions. If you’re communicating through a newsletter, be the person they are always happy to hear from! Your clubhouse should make people feel seen, cared about, and valued.

4. Think we, not me.

As the fight over a reader’s attention heats up even further, we may think we need to isolate ourselves from other authors because they are our competition. Not so. Human authors are our allies.

No matter how well you write or how big your audience is, you only have a sliver of the potential reading audience. Authors with similar books also have loyal readers, and many are different from your own. Collaborating with authors who write similar, high-quality books can be a win for you both as you’ll each reach new people.

Collaboration is about more than sharing audiences���it���s about creating a sense of camaraderie. Readers will notice and appreciate authors who prioritize relationships over sales pitches. Too, every author has unique experiences, ideas, knowledge, and connections. Joining forces with other authors and sharing what you each know means less trial and error.

5. Educate yourself and watch for scams.

Whenever there’s a disruption, people look for opportunities to monetize whatever has changed. Part of thriving as an author will be staying informed and watching for profiteers selling “easy solutions.”

Self-publishing created a ramp-up in vanity presses, predatory promotional and editing services, and low-skill freelancers looking to bleed authors of their cash. This era of AI will be the same.

If you need AI solutions for marketing, research before investing in courses, ad services, or tools. Look to trusted industry leaders like Jane Friedman, David Gaughran, or the Alliance of Independent Authors for guidance. Don’t fall for pressure tactics, FOMO, or fear-based marketing. And remember, if someone is selling something that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

One area to be especially cautious of is Ads. As the book market becomes increasingly huge, pay-to-play platforms (Meta, Amazon, etc.) are the real winners as people run ads (or more ads) to gain visibility. Likely we’ll see a rise in ���Ad experts��� pitching their company to run your ads or use their AI tools and platform solutions. Some may be a good investment. Others will drain your pockets. Investigate and talk to other authors. Make sure the ROI is clear.

6. Decide how (and if) you’ll use AI as an author.

AI is a threat and a tool. Creatives (and folks in other industries who had their content scraped without content) are rightfully upset about AI. But it’s here to stay so we will all need to eventually decide if (and how) we’ll use it. This is a moral question and a practical one.

You may decide that while you’re morally opposed to using it to write, you use AI solutions to help you with other tasks–researching, marketing, time management, whatever. Or you are a firm no. But whether you use it or not, it’s important to understand how others are incorporating it, and the impacts this may have on our business.

The Key to Thriving:
Using Your Humanity

AI may be here to stay, but so are authors. We can’t control AI’s disruption over our industry, only how we respond. By focusing on what makes us uniquely human, we can create stories that resonate far more deeply than AI-generated books. Best of all, by simply being ourselves, we can forge genuine connections with readers and fulfill a universal longing for authenticity���an ironic consequence of the rise of AI.

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Backstory Balancing Act

How to handle a character���s backstory is a universal struggle for all of us writers. How much should we include? How long should a flashback be? When is it okay to give a character���s backstory? Is backstory even necessary?

As an editor, I���ve seen it all. Books that start with a long flashback, books that don���t provide the reader enough footing in a character���s past, and books that nail the balance of keeping the front story moving while sprinkling in backstory.

First, the undeniable truth: Whether we like it or not, backstory is necessary. Otherwise, that inherent feeling that your character needs whatever you have planned in the front story isn���t there, spurning your reader on to find out if this story will help them be okay. Backstory is the battery pack that fuels your novel, giving it purpose.

The good news is that you only need to develop that which is relevant to whatever made the character not okay in the first place.

Long-Form Flashback

Crafting the origin scene is virtually a must in order to establish exactly what happened in the past and to explore the misbelief (also known as the wound or baggage) your character has. In knowing the character���s trauma and how it���s shaped them, you���ve given yourself a road map for what your front story needs to undo.

After that, it���s helpful to develop a few relevant memories that might help your character reach aha moments within the front story. Events that they look back on with new eyes and that afford them perspective shifts as your front story progresses. These might be past incidents that seemed one way at the time. But now, thanks to your front-story plot, the character sees them for what they actually were. The fear they once had is noticeably diminished, earning them inner growth and change.

Shorter Flashbacks

Let���s talk about developing your character���s backstory through shorter flashbacks, even within single sentences. Rather than presenting the reader with fully-developed memories, you might break the flashbacks you develop into digestible chunks that could be scattered throughout your story.

How to Choose the Form and Length of Flashbacks

It helps to think of the depth of the trauma as proportionate to how long you wait to share backstory and how much of it you share. In other words, if the trauma is deep and awful for your character, we will need time to be readied for its reveal, just as the character needs time to confront it. And then, when it comes, you might need to give it breathing room through what���s more of a flashback scene. Things like being held captive, losing a loved one, making a deadly mistake, or witnessing a violent act warrant may fall into this category.

But if the trauma is something less dramatic (a best friend moving away or losing a sentimental object, for example), it���s likely not necessary to wait to share the past, nor should it earn tons of page time. In fact, waiting to share this sort of backstory or doing so in long form will likely backfire because the reader will gauge that withholding and pontificating weren���t necessary for something on that level. It may even feel melodramatic at that point.

No matter your backstory reveal form, whether it be long-form or short bursts of memory, it helps to tap into your left brain. Something I always encourage clients to do is to scene track. This exercise not only helps you outline your novel���s scenes in a bare-bones way, it allows you to keep your eye on all those plates novel writing asks you to spin. Using this task to monitor backstory reveal can be truly helpful to ensure you���re on the right track.

Some Final Backstory Tips

It���s largely advised not to include lengthy flashback until something like 10% or beyond in your novel. The reader needs time to slip into the flow of your front story. If we���re asking the reader to orient themselves in the front story and then to step away to backstory too much or too frequently, the reader can���t settle comfortably into your more current timeline.

Look within your front story for little seeds to generate one-line backstory hints. If your character was in an awful car wreck in the past, maybe you���re showing their hand trembling as they reach for the car door. Hence, a backstory clue is born and you keep the front story moving. Maybe they were robbed by someone wearing a red knit cap in the past. Within your front story, we see your character take a different route to work after someone with a red knit cap appears ahead on the sidewalk. Boom���an interesting clue emerges, pointing to the past. You can use details in the current timeline as springboards for hints of the past based upon how your character reacts when encountering them.

Keep flashbacks as tight as you possibly can. We���ve all been in stop-and-go traffic. Each time you weave backstory in, it���s akin to hitting the brakes on a lovely car ride. The energy of your front story wobbles and the reader starts asking, ���Are we there yet?��� They itch to get back to the current timeline.

Show, don���t tell. And yes, this rule applies to flashback. The more you evoke what it was like for your character to be in that pivotal moment way back when, the more your reader feels like you���ve transported them to the past.

What backstory methods have you used successfully in your own writing? Are there stories you feel achieve the balance of backstory?

Happy writing!
Marissa

The post Backstory Balancing Act appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Pursuing a Personal Goal

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What���s at stake if it���s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character���s secrets���and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They���re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can���t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them���all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let���s see what it might look like if your character���

Pursuing a Personal Goal

ABOUT THIS SECRET: People are mostly above-board about their goals���unless what they���re pursuing won���t be accepted by others or the character has misgivings. Examples include working toward a certain career, converting to a different religion, locating birth parents, or working toward something others think is a waste of time. Note that while the goal itself may not be negative, the character���s fears (of ridicule, failure, judgment, or disappointing others) may drive them to secrecy.

SPECIFIC��FEARS��THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: Being Judged, Being Unable to Achieve a Dream, Competition, Conditional Love, Conflict, Criticism, Discrimination, Failure, Humiliation, Letting Others Down, Losing the Respect of Others, Putting Oneself Out There, Rejection

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Not getting encouragement when its needed
Not having the benefit of useful advice from others who have achieved the goal
Struggling to bear the financial burden alone

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Deleting their search history
Keeping supplies around that make it look like they haven���t deviated from their stated plans (textbooks, receipts, wardrobe choices, etc.)
Confiding in one supportive person so they have an outlet and someone to bounce ideas off of

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
A family member or roommate opening a delivery package (thinking it���s something they ordered) and finding a suspicious purchase
Developing a new friend group consisting of people who all share the same passion or interest
Showing persistent interest in something they���ve never been interested in before
Becoming visibly uncomfortable when the topic of the goal comes up

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE��
Someone arriving home unexpectedly while they���re working on their goal
A financial change that requires the character to ask for financial help to achieve the goal
Needing to temporarily relocate (for training, to take a class, for an apprenticeship, etc.)

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found��here. Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Pursuing a Personal Goal appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

How Writers Can Stay Hopeful in a Tough Publishing Climate

By Eleanor Hecks

Many writers are all too familiar with rejection. You pour your heart and soul into a piece, imagining how it might sound to readers, only to face the crushing reality of a ���no��� in response.

For writers, the publishing world can feel like an endless uphill battle paved with setbacks and self-doubt. It is enough to make even the most steadfast question whether it is all worth it.

The truth is that hope is what keeps you going. While rejection is part of the process, so is resilience, and learning how to maintain that resilience is key to flourishing as a writer.

1. Develop Resilience Through Practice

Resilience takes time to build. Yet, you can cultivate the grit needed to prosper as a writer through consistent practice and willingness to push your boundaries.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

One effective way to develop resilience is by setting goals. These could be as simple as writing 500 words daily, completing one short story a month or submitting to a handful of publications each quarter. Small goals create a feeling of accomplishment, helping you maintain momentum even when larger milestones feel far away.

Over time, these efforts build perseverance and teach you to push forward in the face of setbacks. By celebrating these small victories, you remind yourself that progress is happening.

Experiment With New Styles or Genres

Consider stepping outside your creative comfort zone. Experimenting with a new genre, style or format can be a powerful way to reignite your passion for writing. Try your hand at screenwriting or explore creative nonfiction ��� these experiments make the process of writing feel fresh and exciting again. Even if the results are far from perfect, trying something new can help you develop confidence in your ability to adapt.

2. Gain Peace and Mental Clarity

With constant noise and rejection in the publishing world, finding moments of peace and clarity can feel like a lifeline. They are essential because they quiet doubts, clear mental clutter and create space for creativity. Whether through mindfulness or age-old traditions, these strategies can restore balance and keep optimism alive.

Finding Solace in Nature

Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to step away from the page and into the great outdoors. Take it from Al Roker ��� the beloved journalist and Today Show weatherman ��� who finds peace by walking along the lake. On his walks, he prays, meditates and allows the rhythmic sounds of nature to help him process life���s challenges.

This simple but profound activity of reconnecting with the natural world can offer renewal, helping you return to writing with fresh eyes and a calmer spirit.

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Rejection can cloud your vision, making it hard to focus on the progress you have made. However, building and maintaining a positive mindset enables you to reframe those feelings.

Instead of seeing rejection as a stop sign, think of it as a detour leading you to refine your craft and find the right audience. Practicing gratitude journaling helps you reflect on the wins and reminds you of the joy that writing brings.

Engaging in Labyrinth Prayer

Labyrinth prayer is an ancient practice which promotes peace and introspection. Walking a labyrinth’s purposeful, winding path mirrors life���s journey, offering a chance to reflect and release burdens. As you walk, you can focus on a word or phrase to center your thoughts and open yourself to creativity.

3. Build a Support System

Writing may feel like a solitary pursuit, but surrounding yourself with a community of fellow writers can make all the difference.

Online or local writing groups offer a space to share struggles, celebrate wins and exchange constructive feedback. Hearing others��� stories of persistence can inspire you to keep going, even when the odds feel stacked against you.

4. Reframe Rejection with Growth

Rejection is an inevitable part of any writer���s journey that can feel like a dead end. Rather than viewing it as a failure, consider it an opportunity to grow.

Every ���no��� you receive can share some insight. Many of the world���s most successful authors ��� including Stephen King and J.K. Rowling ��� faced repeated rejections before finding the right publisher. Therefore, persistence is key.

Use rejection as a stepping stone by implementing the following:Extract the lesson: If feedback is available, read it carefully and objectively. Identify areas where you can improve and incorporate that into your next draft.Celebrate the effort: A rejection means you dared to put yourself out there ��� a feat in itself. Celebrate the progress you have made by submitting your work.Diversify your submission: Avoid pinning all your hopes on one opportunity. Submit to multiple outlets or publishers to increase your chances of success.Keep a rejection journal: Track your submissions and rejections. Over time, this can help you see patterns, measure growth and remind yourself how far you have come.Holding Onto Hope and Moving On

The publishing world may feel overwhelming, but hope keeps writers going. To keep that optimism flowing through you, use practices to help you get through the ups and downs with grace and determination.

Every rejection, challenge and moment of doubt is a step toward honing your craft and finding your place in the literary world. So, keep creating and trust that your voice will find its audience.

Eleanor Hecks is Editor in Chief at��Designerly Magazine, as well as a freelance writer who���s passionate about helping other writers of all genres grow their following and community. You can find her work featured on publications such as IndependentPublishing.com and Self-Publishing Review, or connect with her on��LinkedIn��to keep up with her latest work.

The post How Writers Can Stay Hopeful in a Tough Publishing Climate appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI-Generated Books

AI is reshaping the book industry, and writers are polarized; some have integrated AI into their writing process while others refuse to. No matter which camp you align with I’m sure you share a growing concern: creatives are not the only ones publishing books. Thanks to AI tools, anyone with a keyboard can slap something together (sometimes ripping off the original), leading to a surge of AI-generated books.

Oh, but the books are bad. They don’t matter.

Are they all bad? And even if they are, will they remain that way? The hard reality is that it is the nature of AI to improve and refine, and so improve and refine it will. In the meantime, quality books become harder to find because this AI side hustle is picking up steam. Writers are beginning to worry about having to compete with AI-generated books.

So, is the board set against us–should we give up writing? Heck no! Instead, we write better books by leaning into our strengths and harnessing the one thing AI can���t compete with: being human. Here���s how.

1: Write about human experiences

AI absorbs knowledge about people and learns how to write scenes by training itself on works of fiction. But when it comes to the experience of being human, AI can only mimic. So, put your innate understanding of humanity onto the page. Let your own life experiences guide you in showing the rawness of vulnerability, the subtleties of emotion, and the profound depth of human needs in your characters. Be unafraid to go deep inside yourself. What questions keep you up at night? What thoughts and worries about the world weigh you down? Chances are, your readers have similar questions, so make them feel seen by weaving these into your story.

Consider the duality of life. On the surface, people present an ‘everyday’ version of themselves���their jobs, choices, routines, and social interactions. Yet beneath lies a more complex and private being, one who wrestles with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. Write characters with this same hidden self, complete with unique doubts, fears, and unspoken dreams. Readers will feel drawn to them, and relate because this deeper, human side mirrors their own.

Another reason to double down on human elements in stories? As customer service bots, AI social profiles, generated videos, news, etc. become commonplace, the world starts to feel artificial. People will crave authenticity and you can give it to them.

2: Share your worldview, culture, identity, and lived truth

You are the subject matter expert in your lived experience, not AI, so consider how you can bring something special to a story. Whether it���s a window into your culture or religion, a worldview based on experiences or identity, or something else like a personal hardship, upbringing, or belief, readers recognize the authority behind a true-to-life portrayal.

AI can write generically about these things using information within its datasets, but only humans can capture a lived truth. So write characters and situations that are echoes of your own life. Bring readers in close so they experience things that come from first-hand knowledge.

3: Master your craft in areas best suited to showcase human elements

A misconception (long before AI) among some novice writers was that they didn’t need to learn how to write well because that was an editor’s job. This led to a painful lesson when reputable editors wouldn’t touch their manuscripts or the cost to do so was too high, causing them to seek cheaper options or a vanity press. Either way, the writer ended up with a poor-quality book.

Thankfully most writers understand that writing well means putting in the work. But some do treat AI like it’s a magic genie, and this laziness affects the quality of their stories. So keep learning your craft, especially in areas that help you showcase human elements readers are hardwired to connect to. For example:

1) Voice. Learn all there is to know about developing your author voice and creating authentic voices for your characters. Write characters who reveal their individuality through observations, actions, and decisions. This is where your story can stand out.

2) Description (especially the art of show, not tell). Being able to describe sensory details, use metaphor, symbolism, etc. to imply something deeper, and bring a character���s authentic emotions to the surface will draw readers in and convey authenticity in a way AI writing cannot.

3) Inner Conflict. A character���s personal struggles illustrate the complexity of being human in a powerful way. Sure, AI can rehash common problems, but only humans can draw from their experiences to create relatable internal battles. Learning how to write about internal conflict to accurately show a character’s clash of fears, desires, needs, duties, and beliefs is well worth the investment.

4) Character Arc. Study character arc and what it will specifically look like for a character. What personal epiphanies will help them move past old hurts and break free of fear? How have they been viewing life and themselves wrong? How must they change and grow to achieve a happier, more fulfilling life? What do the steps of self-examination, personal realizations, and renewed self-belief look like for them?

It may seem like a lot of questions, but the answers give you the knowledge you need to write an authentic journey of highs and lows that readers will connect to. Alternatively, you should know what failure, unfulfillment, and unhappiness will look like for a character because people never make good decisions all the time. Fear and making mistakes can chain them to failure, and if they can’t break free of it, you need to be able to show that, too.

5) Psychology. It may not seem like a traditional writing element, but it is. The more you understand how people think, feel, and behave and why, two incredible things happen. First, you���ll create more complex, authentic characters whose actions, choices, and decisions line up with who they are. Second, you’ll see how to weave elements about the character���s life, journey, and inner struggles in a way that resonates, encouraging readers to connect more deeply with the characters and your story. ��

If you’ve read any books in our Writers Helping Writers Thesaurus series, you know how much Becca and I focus on psychology and human emotion. This is why. AI will apply psychology too, but not like you and me because it only has clinical knowledge, not personal experience. And that makes a big difference!

4: Shake it up and experiment

AI likes to draw from character tropes, predictable plots, devices, and story patterns, so color outside the lines! Blend genres and story elements. Shatter stereotypes and twist tropes. Be original and bold as you write, and use craft to serve your vision of the story.

5: Embrace one of your greatest human strengths: adaptability

We enter this career path knowing it won’t be easy. But like our characters, we must find a way forward when things get hard. AI-generated books are causing problems for us, yes, but as they get better, so will we. Learning our craft and leveraging our human knowledge and experiences will help us distance ourselves from the generic stories others churn out.

Worried about the future of writing?

Let that go. You can’t control how AI is used but you can adapt how you write to compete with AI-generated books.

Include human elements. Use your story as a mirror to reflect the reader���s hidden self–their hopes and dreams, perspectives and questions. Leverage your humanity to outshine AI!

Remember, readers love to read and great stories will always be in demand!

The post How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI-Generated Books appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI Books

AI is reshaping the book industry, and writers are polarized; some have integrated AI into their writing process while others refuse to. No matter which camp you align with I’m sure you share a growing concern: creatives are not the only ones publishing books. Thanks to AI tools, anyone with a keyboard can slap something together (sometimes ripping off the original), leading to a surge of AI-generated books.

Oh, but the books are bad. They don’t matter.

Are they all bad? And even if they are, will they remain that way? The hard reality is that it is the nature of AI to improve and refine, and so improve and refine it will. In the meantime, quality books become harder to find because this AI side hustle is picking up steam. Writers are beginning to worry about having to compete with AI-generated books.

So, is the board set against us–should we give up writing? Heck no! Instead, we write better books by leaning into our strengths and harnessing the one thing AI can���t compete with: being human. Here���s how.

1: Write about human experiences

AI absorbs knowledge about people and learns how to write scenes by training itself on works of fiction. But when it comes to the experience of being human, AI can only mimic. So, put your innate understanding of humanity onto the page. Let your own life experiences guide you in showing the rawness of vulnerability, the subtleties of emotion, and the profound depth of human needs in your characters. Be unafraid to go deep inside yourself. What questions keep you up at night? What thoughts and worries about the world weigh you down? Chances are, your readers have similar questions, so make them feel seen by weaving these into your story.

Consider the duality of life. On the surface, people present an ‘everyday’ version of themselves���their jobs, choices, routines, and social interactions. Yet beneath lies a more complex and private being, one who wrestles with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. Write characters with this same hidden self, complete with unique doubts, fears, and unspoken dreams. Readers will feel drawn to them, and relate because this deeper, human side mirrors their own.

Another reason to double down on human elements in stories? As customer service bots, AI social profiles, generated videos, news, etc. become commonplace, the world starts to feel artificial. People will crave authenticity and you can give it to them.

2: Share your worldview, culture, identity, and lived truth

You are the subject matter expert in your lived experience, not AI, so consider how you can bring something special to a story. Whether it���s a window into your culture or religion, a worldview based on experiences or identity, or something else like a personal hardship, upbringing, or belief, readers recognize the authority behind a true-to-life portrayal.

AI can write generically about these things using information within its datasets, but only humans can capture a lived truth. So write characters and situations that are echoes of your own life. Bring readers in close so they experience things that come from first-hand knowledge.

3: Master your craft in areas best suited to showcase human elements

A misconception (long before AI) among some novice writers was that they didn’t need to learn how to write well because that was an editor’s job. This led to a painful lesson when reputable editors wouldn’t touch their manuscripts or the cost to do so was too high, causing them to seek cheaper options or a vanity press. Either way, the writer ended up with a poor-quality book.

Thankfully most writers understand that writing well means putting in the work. But some do treat AI like it’s a magic genie, and this laziness affects the quality of their stories. So keep learning your craft, especially in areas that help you showcase human elements readers are hardwired to connect to. For example:

1) Voice. Learn all there is to know about developing your author voice and creating authentic voices for your characters. Write characters who reveal their individuality through observations, actions, and decisions. This is where your story can stand out.

2) Description (especially the art of show, not tell). Being able to describe sensory details, use metaphor, symbolism, etc. to imply something deeper, and bring a character���s authentic emotions to the surface will draw readers in and convey authenticity in a way AI writing cannot.

3) Inner Conflict. A character���s personal struggles illustrate the complexity of being human in a powerful way. Sure, AI can rehash common problems, but only humans can draw from their experiences to create relatable internal battles. Learning how to write about internal conflict to accurately show a character’s clash of fears, desires, needs, duties, and beliefs is well worth the investment.

4) Character Arc. Study character arc and what it will specifically look like for a character. What personal epiphanies will help them move past old hurts and break free of fear? How have they been viewing life and themselves wrong? How must they change and grow to achieve a happier, more fulfilling life? What do the steps of self-examination, personal realizations, and renewed self-belief look like for them?

It may seem like a lot of questions, but the answers give you the knowledge you need to write an authentic journey of highs and lows that readers will connect to. Alternatively, you should know what failure, unfulfillment, and unhappiness will look like for a character because people never make good decisions all the time. Fear and making mistakes can chain them to failure, and if they can’t break free of it, you need to be able to show that, too.

4: Psychology. It may not seem like a traditional writing element, but it is. The more you understand how people think, feel, and behave and why, two incredible things happen. First, you���ll create more complex, authentic characters whose actions, choices, and decisions line up with who they are. Second, you’ll see how to weave elements about the character���s life, journey, and inner struggles in a way that resonates, encouraging readers to connect more deeply with the characters and your story.  

If you’ve read any books in our Writers Helping Writers Thesaurus series, you know how much Becca and I focus on psychology and human emotion. This is why. AI will apply psychology too, but not like you and me because it only has clinical knowledge, not personal experience. And that makes a big difference!

5: Experiment. AI likes to draw from character tropes, predictable plots, devices, and story patterns, so color outside the lines! Blend genres and story elements. Shatter stereotypes and twist tropes. Be original and bold as you write, and use craft to serve your vision of the story.

Finally, embrace one of your greatest human strengths: adaptability! We enter this career path knowing it won’t be easy. But like our characters, we must find a way forward when things get hard. AI-generated books are causing problems for us, yes, but as they get better, so will we. Learning our craft and leveraging our human knowledge and experiences will help us distance ourselves from the generic stories others churn out.

Worried about the future of writing?

Let that go. You can’t control how AI is used but you can adapt how you write to compete with AI-generated books.

Include human elements. Use your story as a mirror to reflect the reader���s hidden self–their hopes and dreams, perspectives and questions. Leverage your humanity to outshine AI!

Remember, readers love to read and great stories will always be in demand!

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How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers

Writing intense scenes can be one of the most exciting parts of storytelling. Whether it���s a gripping fight, a romantic encounter that leaves hearts racing, or an emotional moment that hits readers hard, these scenes pull readers in and keep them hooked. But creating truly intense moments takes more than just throwing in action or dramatic emotions. It���s about pacing, sensory details, and staying true to your character.

Fight Scenes: Keep It Clear and High-Stakes

Fight scenes grab attention because they often mean danger or life-and-death moments. But too much focus on body movements or external conflict can make things feel off. To keep things gripping, focus on what���s at stake and how the characters internally react to the fight. Don���t overcomplicate things with unnecessary details���keep the action clear and immediate.

For example, instead of writing: John lunged forward with a feral scream, his fist flying crashing against Mark���s jaw with the force of a freight train. Blood sprayed like a crimson fountain, painting the air in a ghastly tableau.

Try: John lunged forward, his fist connecting with Mark���s jaw. Mark staggered back, tasting blood. He couldn���t afford to go down���not now.

The second version cuts the fluff and keeps readers focused on the action and its impact. By keeping the description tight and concentrating on the immediate stakes, you can make readers feel every hit and every moment of tension.

Romantic Scenes: Go for Subtlety and Sensory Details

When writing passionate scenes, it���s easy to slip into over-the-top territory. Instead, focus on the connection between characters and use sensory details to make it feel real. A well-written romantic scene doesn���t need to scream its intensity���it should evoke the tension and vulnerability in the moment.

You can show the tension and vulnerability through small gestures and understated emotions.

For example, instead of writing: Their lips met in a fiery explosion of desire, their hearts beating as one in the eternal dance of passion.

Try: She hesitated for a moment, her breath catching as his hand brushed her cheek. When their lips finally met, it was slow, tentative���as if neither was sure whether they were ready for the storm they were about to unleash.

This second version feels more genuine because it builds on the characters��� hesitation and the sensory experience. Readers don���t need grand declarations of passion���they need to feel the connection through small, meaningful details.

Emotional Scenes: Let Tension Build

Emotional moments work best when they���re given time to grow. Jumping straight into high emotions can feel jarring, so it���s important to let the tension simmer. Build up to those big emotional beats by showing small actions, bits of dialogue, and even silences.

For example, instead of writing: “You never loved me!” Sarah screamed, tears streaming down her face like rivers. “I gave you everything, and you threw it all away!”

Try: Sarah stood in the doorway, her hands trembling. “I don���t understand,” she said quietly. “I gave you everything. Was it not enough?”

By letting Sarah���s pain emerge gradually through her quiet words and trembling hands, the scene feels more authentic. Readers can sense the buildup of emotions without being hit over the head with melodrama.

Decision Scenes: Show the Inner Conflict

When characters have to make a tough call, the intensity comes from their internal struggle and the pressure of the situation. To capture this well, use short, sharp sentences and show the character���s thought process without over-explaining their feelings.

For example, instead of writing: David clutched his head, torn between two impossible choices. His mind screamed at him to act, but his heart was frozen in fear. “What do I do? What do I do?” he muttered, over and over.

Try: David stared at the two paths ahead. One meant safety. The other, everything he cared about. His hands clenched into fists. He didn���t have time to think���only to choose.

This version creates tension by focusing on David���s immediate dilemma and keeping the language direct. Readers can feel his urgency without being bogged down by too much internal monologue.

General Strategies for Writing Intense Scenes

Trust your readers to understand the emotions without spelling everything out. Instead of telling them how a character feels, show it through actions, dialogue, and reactions. Use strong verbs to convey action and emotion, and engage the senses to draw readers fully into the scene. Remember, not every moment has to be high-energy. Sometimes, quiet moments of reflection or tension make the intense parts stand out even more.

Intense scenes are all about keeping readers hooked and evoking emotion. Don���t be afraid to dive into the deeper layers of your character���just make sure it feels real and earned. By focusing on pacing, sensory details, and character reactions, you can create scenes that stick with readers long after they finish the story.

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Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Knowing About a Cover-Up

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What���s at stake if it���s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character���s secrets���and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They���re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can���t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them���all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let���s see what it might look like if your character���

Knows About a Cover-Up

ABOUT THIS SECRET: There are plenty of legitimate reasons for a character to hide their knowledge of a big cover-up. Fear of repercussions from powerful players or the law can make silence feel like the safest choice, even if it means ignoring their own moral compass or turning a blind eye to the fallout for others. Despite misgivings, their belief that revealing the cover-up will cause more harm than good can motivate them to keep this secret until circumstances dictate otherwise.

SPECIFIC��FEARS��THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: A Loved One Dying, Being Attacked, Being Labeled, Being Separated from Loved Ones, Being Taken Advantage of, Being Unsafe, Being Watched, Conflict, Death, Government, Letting Others Down, Losing Autonomy, Losing One���s Mind, Losing One���s Social Standing, Losing the Respect of Others, Not Being Believed, One���s Instincts Being Unreliable, Rejection, Trusting Others

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Experiencing strained relationships with partners or family members who notice their evasive behavior and secrecy
Being plagued with self-doubt (Did I really see that? Am I reading too much into things?), causing them to questions their instincts
Paranoia making them distrust everyone

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Distancing themselves from anyone or anything associated with the cover-up
Compartmentalizing their feelings about the cover-up to protect their mental health and avoid slip-ups
Destroying evidence of their involvement in or knowledge of the situation

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
Becoming paranoid about being followed, erasing digital footprints, or avoiding certain people or places
Drastically changing habits, relationships, or career paths to distance themselves from the incident
Avoiding people, businesses, or organizations they used to embrace

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE��
Being directly questioned by someone investigating the cover-up
Being scapegoated by an involved party or former ally
Realizing the disastrous extent of the fallout if the situation isn���t brought to light

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found here. Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

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How to Find Your Writing Niche and Connect with the Right Readers

It���s not easy finding new readers these days.

The secret to drawing just the right readers your way might be finding your niche.

A niche isn’t just your genre���it’s the unique angle, theme, or audience focus that makes your writing distinct. It sets you apart and makes marketing feel natural rather than awkward.

Here���s why having a niche matters and how to get started finding yours.

Why Finding Your Niche is Critical

Many writers I���ve talked to don���t think they need a niche. If you���re selling a lot of books and finding it easy to market, then you probably don���t have to worry about it.

If you���re struggling to market your work, though, and you���re tired of creating ���buy my book��� posts, a niche might be just what you need.

1. It Helps You Stand Out

Both brick-and-mortar and online bookstores are crowded. Finding your niche helps prevent your voice from getting lost in the shuffle.

Instead of being a fantasy writer, imagine being known for your magical retellings of ancient myths or deeply emotional stories exploring family dynamics. A niche highlights what makes your work unique, making it easier for readers to find and remember you.

2. It Attracts the Right Readers

We all want everyone to like our books, but we know that’s unrealistic. We need to find those unique readers who will be big fans of our stories.

A clear niche helps you focus on readers who are most likely to love your work. The more specific you are, the more likely you will grab the right person’s attention.

For example, if you write cozy mysteries with a culinary twist, you’re more likely to attract readers who adore mysteries and cooking. These readers will enjoy your work and be more likely to recommend it to others.

3. It Simplifies Your Marketing

This may be the best benefit of having a niche.

Marketing books is challenging for writers. Most of us aren’t naturally inclined to be good marketers, and we often feel uncomfortable trying to sell our stuff.

A niche allows us to naturally communicate with readers about what we’re doing. When we talk about our niche, we can focus on what we’re passionate about, and that will be attractive to others interested in the same types of things.

When you know your niche, you always have something to talk about that aligns with your audience���s interests. That means you can stop struggling with what to post about today!

Common Misconceptions About Niches

Myth: A niche limits your creativity.

Truth: A niche actually frees you to focus and grow while still allowing room for future exploration.

Myth: You���ll lose potential readers by narrowing down.

Truth: You’ll gain loyal readers who are genuinely excited about your work and are more likely to support your career.

Myth: Your niche has to be permanent.

Truth: Your niche can evolve as you grow as a writer. Think of it as a foundation you can build on rather than a box to stay inside.

What Happens When You Don���t Have a Niche

When you don���t have a niche, you may fall into some of these traps:

Scattershot Marketing: Without a clear niche, your promotional efforts may feel inconsistent and fail to resonate with potential readers.Lack of Connection: Readers won���t know what to expect from you, making it harder to build a loyal fanbase.Missed Opportunities: Writers without a niche often fail to capitalize on the unique aspects of their work that could set them apart.How to Start Finding Your Niche: 3 Actionable Steps

If you���re convinced that you need a niche, your next question is probably, ���How do I find one that works for me?���

Here���s how you can get started.

1. What are you passionate about?

Start by asking yourself:

What topics or themes do I love exploring in my writing?What kinds of stories or ideas excite me the most?What feedback have I received about my writing strengths (e.g., dialogue, world-building, character development)?

Write down your answers and look for patterns. For example, if you notice a recurring interest in historical settings and strong female leads, your niche might involve feminist historical fiction. That���s only a start, though. You���ll want to go deeper, so continue with the next set of questions.

2. Define Your Ideal Reader

Think about the type of person who would love your work.

Who are they? (Consider their age, interests, and values.)What do they enjoy in stories? (Genre tropes, themes, or character types.)

For example, you might write for readers who love romance with witty banter and youthful, outcast-type protagonists. The clearer your vision of your audience, the easier it will be to connect with them.

Combine that with what you found above, and you may see that your niche might focus on historical romance with youthful, strong, feminist heroes.

3. Pinpoint What���s Unique About Your Stories

Let’s go a little further:

Is there something special about your story���s location or setting? (e.g., small-town charm, futuristic cities, or magical kingdoms.)What makes your characters stand out? (e.g., age, profession, personality, or cultural background.)Do your stories explore recurring themes or ideas? (e.g., redemption, resilience, or found family.)

By identifying these unique elements and combining them with what you found through the other questions above, you can craft a niche that highlights what’s truly distinctive about your work, making it irresistible to the right readers.

Need More Help?

Finding your niche is about aligning your passion and strengths with what readers are searching for. It usually takes time and reflection, but it can be a game-changer for your writing career.

Don���t worry if it doesn���t come together overnight. Your niche will evolve as you grow, and the more you write, the clearer it will become.

Start with the three steps above, and if you���re ready to dive deeper, check out my course, How to Identify Your Niche and Attract the Right Readers, for a proven formula to help you stand out and succeed. For a limited time, WHW readers get 20 percent off the total price with the code, ���WHWNiche��� at checkout!

Bonus: Free Worksheet

Want to start working on your niche today? Download my free Niche Discovery Worksheet and take the first step toward finding your unique focus!

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