Angela Ackerman's Blog: Writers Helping Writers, page 26

Ensure Your Newsletter Lives Up to Subscriber’s Expectations

Your author newsletter freebie is a success! You���ve got lots of new subscribers eager to read your next email.  

Now what?

You have two options: deliver just what your reader wants to ensure they stick around, or disappoint them so that they unsubscribe.

How can you increase your odds that your newsletter will do the former and not the latter?

These three tips should help.

1. Always Think About Your Reader.

One of the main reasons people unsubscribe from email newsletters is that they don���t find them interesting, entertaining, or useful.

Your newsletter will be none of these things if you neglect your reader���s wants and needs when you���re writing it.

Yes, authors maintain email newsletters to grow their readership, hoping to sell more books (and other products) down the road. But if someone signs up for your newsletter and all they get in return are emails encouraging them to buy your stuff, they���ll unsubscribe.

You���ll get a similar outcome if you spend most of your time talking about yourself and your next project without delivering anything of value for the reader.

���But my progress on my next book is of value to my reader!��� you may think.

Well, if you���re Margaret Atwood or Stephen King, perhaps. But most of us haven���t reached that level of fame, so we have to be a little more creative.

When drafting your email, think of your reader first. Imagine if you were that person. What would you hope to find when you double-click?

You���d probably want something that would enhance your life���practical tips you could use, an entertaining story that might make you laugh, or pertinent information you need and can���t find anywhere else.

Which (or which combination) of these you deliver depends on the expectations you created in your reader���s mind when they signed up. Which brings us to tip #2.

2. Exceed Your Reader���s Expectations

Think back to the freebie you offered your reader. When they gave you their email address in exchange for that freebie, they assumed that in your newsletter, you would continue to deliver similar material.

This is assuming you were creative in your free offer. (See our post here for more on that.) If you offered a short story or chapter in a book, you may assume that your reader would want more of your writing. That may work with readers who are already fans, but often it���s difficult to get new people to sign up���or to stick around���for stories alone if they���re not that familiar with your work.

You can grow and maintain a much larger list if you offer something of more immediate value. Romance writers may offer dating tips, for example. Mystery writers may talk about true crime stories. Sci-fi writers may enjoy making predictions about the future of technology.

Whatever you offer in your freebie, your reader will expect more of that, so be prepared. If you offered dating tips, understand that your reader came to you for those. They���ll be happy with your newsletter if at least part of it meets this expectation.

You can go beyond that, of course, as long as you keep your reader���s needs in mind. You might talk about how to navigate certain disagreements in relationships, magical places to go for your anniversary, or the best topics to discuss on a first date.

Along the way, watch your open and click rates. (Most email programs track them.) Make a note of which emails perform well and use that information to continue to deliver what your readers are most interested in. Maybe they love dating tips, for example, but don���t care as much about navigating disagreements.

Once you deliver that ���thing��� of value to your reader, then you can add a little about your next project, or drop in an ad for a book that is on sale. You���ve made your reader happy, so they will be more open to learning about the work you���re doing and what you have to offer.

3. Be Consistent!

This is one of the harder parts of providing an email newsletter to your subscribers, because it requires commitment on your part.

Decide how often you���re going to send your newsletter and stick with it. Otherwise, you risk your reader forgetting all about you, so that when you finally send another newsletter, they���ll unsubscribe because they no longer remember signing up.

You can choose to send something once a month, twice a month, three times a month���whatever works, but once you���ve settled on a frequency and day of the week (sending on the same day each time is best), you need to stick with that.

There are many benefits to doing so. First, you cement your name and your work in your reader���s mind. Soon they will easily remember who you are and what you do.

Second, you create an expectation���your reader can expect an email from you twice a month on Wednesday mornings. If she likes what she finds, she���ll grow to look forward to those days. At the very least, she won���t penalize you for ���bothering her,��� because you���ve already set up the expectation of that regular delivery.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, you give yourself the opportunity to build a relationship with your reader. With every email you deliver that meets his expectations, you���re letting him know that:

a) you are the expert in the topic you���ve chosen to focus on, and
b) you���re the one to remember when he���s ready to buy his next book.

These relationships are the most rewarding part of having a newsletter. You���ll be able to turn to them when you need a book launch team, early buyers for a new work, or feedback on another project. They are the gold you���re mining for, and over time you���ll get ���rich��� as long as you consistently deliver what your readers want.

Note: Make 2024 your year when you pick up Colleen���s free goal-setting guide for writers!

What other questions do you have about growing and maintaining a newsletter list?

The post Ensure Your Newsletter Lives Up to Subscriber’s Expectations appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You

Angela, Becca and I hope you���re having an amazing holiday season full of family, friends, good food and special memories. We are so grateful for your visits, kind words of support, and trust in us. We love serving the writing community through this blog, One Stop for Writers, books, and teaching.

We���re tucking Writers Helping Writers in for a well-earned rest until 2024. But we want to make sure you have plenty to read during our break���so we���ll leave you with delicious recipes to try and lots of helpful posts to browse.

Did You Get Your Stocking Stuffers?

Stocking Stuffer #1 ties into character emotion
Stocking Stuffer #2 is all about resolving story conflict
Stocking Stuffer #3 will help you build stronger antagonists
Stocking Stuffer #4 will help you brainstorm ways to generate mood in your scenes

Download all 4 Stocking Stuffers here.

Plus, The Character Trait Boxed Set Is On Sale!

Angela and Becca combined the bestselling Negative Trait and Positive Trait Thesaurus guides and embedded hyperlinks in each entry so you can move between connected flaws and attributes.

This means it���s easier to build memorable characters and write their actions, behaviors, and attitudes as you can access over 200 personality traits without having to swap out ebooks. Grab this $7.99 boxed set through to the end of 2023.

Into Some Bite-Sized Learning Over the Holidays? Try These:

Writing Tools
Checklists and Tip Sheets
First Page Resources
Characters
Plot and Structure
Worldbuilding and Setting
Show-Don���t-Tell
Other Story Elements (including theme and symbolism, point of view, voice, pacing, dialogue, etc.)
Revisions and Editing
Creativity & Mindset
Business of Writing
Resident Writing Coach posts

We���re Each Gifting a
Favorite Recipe to You

We can���t wait to find out what you think of some of our favorite recipes! You���re welcome to share some of your own, too. It���s always fun to test out new recipes.

Angela���s Recipe Becca’s Recipe Mindy’s Recipe

My daughters had fun decorating these! We created them for everyone, but now we often let guests decorate with their favorite toppings.

Paying it Forward

One of my favorite things about Angela and Becca is how much they do to help others. They���ve always had a pay-it-forward mentality, which is why this site is loaded with free tools, downloads, and resources. But helping beyond the writing community is something they believe in as well. Each year they select a specific charity (or two) and donate a portion of their book revenue to it. Since there’s so much economic uncertainty right now, they’re donating $500 to their food banks.

Here���s the 2023 Recipients

This is only possible through your generosity, so know when you buy books, subscribe to One Stop for Writers, or attend a workshop, you are an important link in the chain. Thank you for helping to make the world a better place!

Happy holidays!

The post Happy Holidays – Some Gifts for You appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Scene Mastery: Navigating Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls

Goal-driven scenes are akin to the classic joke setup, ���A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar ������        

A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar. The scene begins with the entrance of the protagonist and antagonist.

The first guy says ���  The first guy, our protagonist, lays out what���s on his mind���his immediate agenda, or the scene goal.

And so the other guys says ���  The antagonist throws a curveball, a turning point that disrupts the expected flow.

��� [punch line]! Surprise! Something new is revealed or happens that makes everything collide in an unexpected way.

In a joke, we laugh because the poor first guy has encountered something completely expected. In a scene, we turn the page to find out what the first guy does next. It���s cause and effect, action and reaction���the foundation of every novel.

Here���s how goal-driven scenes work.

Goal Establishing a clear scene goal draws readers into whatever the character will spend the scene attempting to accomplish, usually some incremental step toward the central story goal.

Turning point But something doesn���t go as anticipated, and the character is halted by a conflict, obstacle, reversal, or complication. This interruption, the scene���s turning point, throws a monkey wrench into what readers and the characters were hoping for or expecting.

Change Things are different now, because the turning point has changed the character���s original plan or course of action. How will this scene affect what���s next?

1: Establish the Scene Goal

Scene goals are incremental steps toward the ultimate story goal. They���re the viewpoint character���s immediate agenda. What���s on their mind? What did they get up today to accomplish? Unless you���re writing some variety of mystery or thriller, this agenda should be made clear to readers right away.

In a renowned memo to the writers of The Unit, playwright and filmmaker David Mamet underscored the necessity of clear scene goals.

Every scene must be dramatic. That means: The main character must have a simple, straightforward pressing need which impels him or her to show up in the scene. This need is why they came. It is what the scene is about. Their attempt to get this need met will lead, at the end of the scene, to failure���this is how the scene is over. It, this failure, will, then, of necessity, propel us into the next scene.

Issue: Failing to get the character emotionally engaged with the scene goal. Scene goals are serious business. If your character isn���t invested, readers won���t be either. The scene will flop, bereft of stakes and dramatic tension.

To clearly establish a scene goal, show readers what the character plans to do and why it matters to them. Properly done, this process hooks readers into the scene, rallying them to root for the character and keep reading to see whether they triumph or fall flat in their efforts.

Issue: Forcing a new scene goal with every scene, or keeping the same scene goal throughout the story. Because scene goals represent incremental steps, they���ll evolve as the story progresses. In fast-paced sections of the story, your viewpoint character���s immediate agenda may shift every scene. The bigger and more challenging a goal, the longer it will take to accomplish, and some goals will require multiple scenes to accomplish.

2: Interrupt With a Turning Point

The turning point is the peak of a scene. It���s the whole point of the scene, its raison d�����tre.

At a scene���s turning point, things stop unfolding the way the character had hoped or expected. They now face some new problem, conflict, or obstacle.

While this point in a scene is often described in terms of conflict, it���s often not about conflict at all. Although conflict is fundamental to every story, it���s not a necessity in every scene. Framing the peak of a scene as a turning point, rather than outright conflict, allows for more nuance.

A scene turning point can take the form of a complication, obstacle, or reversal. These terms are mostly self-explanatory, but let���s touch on what���s meant by a reversal. Renowned screenwriting and storytelling master Robert McKee identifies two types of scene reversals:

1. Reversal of power The relative power of the viewpoint character and another character in the scene swaps.

2. Reversal of expectation The viewpoint character enters the scene expecting one thing, only to encounter a different outcome.

Some of the most common scene writing problems are related to trouble in this turning point phase.

Issue: Failing to directly relate the scene turning point to the scene goal. For example, if Camille���s objective is to covertly retrieve a secret code from her coworker���s files, it wouldn���t make sense for the scene���s turning point to be returning home to find her apartment flooded due to a burst water heater in the unit above. This is definitely a nasty setback for Camille, but it doesn���t have any bearing on the pursuit of the secret code; that plot thread is left dangling.

Instead, imagine Camille poised to steal the secret code form her colleague���s office when the receptionist rushes down the hall with word of an emergency call from Camille���s landlord. This turning point directly affects the scene goal of obtaining the secret code. Just as Camille anticipates snatching the code, she���s yanked away.

Issue: Centering the scene turning point on an entirely internal dynamic. The scene turning point of a goal-driven scene demands the involvement of the viewpoint character with another person, thing, or event. Internal conflict alone isn���t enough to sustain a goal-driven scene, though it���s a powerful catalyst in reflection scenes (a topic for another day).

Issue: Mistaking the most exciting moment of the scene as the scene���s turning point. Think of the turning point as the peak of significance in the scene, not necessarily the most intense or dramatic moment. It���s the apex of tension in regards to the thing that matters most to the viewpoint character. It���s a crucial moment in the pursuit of the scene goal.

Issue: Rushing through the scene���s turning point. As the peak of a scene, the turning point is the juiciest part to readers. Give readers time to appreciate it. Sink into character interiority, allowing readers to savor their entanglement in the turning point. Unravel the character reactions one sticky finger at a time. While there may be times when you want to sweep into the next scene for shock value or chop things off to create a cliffhanger, in general, readers relish the opportunity to appreciate the character���s predicament. (Contrast the writing at this point in the scene with the first and last phases, which could require only a paragraph or pointed sentence to effectively convey.)

3: Demonstrate Change

The final phase of a goal-driven scene is the outcome, a moment marked by unexpected twists or the heralding of change. This phase of a scene is sometimes referred to as the scene ���disaster,��� but that needn���t imply an actual catastrophe. What���s important is the implication of impending change.

At this point in the scene, the viewpoint character either achieves the scene goal or encounters an unforeseen development. It���s now clear that whatever readers and the characters expected the beginning of the scene, something else has come along to add new developments.

Issue: The outcome or change phase at the end of a scene should rarely create a resolution. Resolution leads nowhere; with matters settled, the story momentum stops cold. Instead, pump forward momentum into the story. Because of this scene, what must the characters do next? This creates an emotional springboard toward the next scene.

The Action-Reaction Dynamic

To sum it up, the structure of a goal-driven scene comes down to action and reaction. Goal-driven scenes are little vehicles for change, and protagonists are the drivers. They react, decide, choose, and act, concluding one cycle of options and turning down another avenue for pursuing the elusive story goal.

The post Scene Mastery: Navigating Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Five Top Tips To Smash Your Writing Goals in 2024

It’s hard to believe, but 2023 WHIZZED by. It’s been a tough one for many of us, with strikes, rising cost of living and a whole host of other things.

So to help writers get their writing done in 2024, here are five essential things writers should consider …

1) Establish a Writing Routine 

In 2024, it will be crucial for writers to establish a consistent writing routine that suits their lifestyle. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for writing and treat it as a priority. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or specific blocks of time during the day, having a routine will help maintain focus and make progress.

Note how I say you DON’T have to write every single day! I don’t — YES REALLY. Consistency is important, but that doesn’t have to mean writing every single day if that doesn’t work for you.

2) Set Clear Goals 

Setting clear and achievable goals is a vital step towards completing writing projects in 2024. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones. This will allow writers to track progress, stay motivated, and celebrate successes along the way.

‘Bitesize chunks’ has always been my mantra … but just as importantly, we need to EVALUATE our progress and let go of goals or things that no longer serve us too!

3. Embrace Technology (or at least understand how it really works)

In the constantly evolving world of technology, writers need to embrace tools and software that can streamline their work process. By leveraging the right technology, writers can save time and focus more on their writing.

From writing and editing software to online research tools and productivity apps, there are numerous resources available to enhance efficiency and creativity. B2W likes to use Grammarly, Coschedule and Hemingway.

The hot topic for 2023 was A.I, which is both a threat AND an opportunity for creatives. As we saw in the recent US Writers’ Strike, it’s a good idea to understand how AI works and what constitutes unethical use, because AI is not going anywhere. By understanding what AI is and isn’t, we can protect our interests.

4. Find a Supportive Writing Community

Joining a writing community, whether online or in-person, can be immensely helpful for writers in 2024. Connecting with fellow writers provides opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and support.

Online platforms, forums, workshops, and writing groups can offer valuable insights, motivation, and networking opportunities, helping writers stay inspired and committed. 

5. Practice Self-Care 

Taking care of oneself is essential for writers to maintain both physical and mental well-being in 2024. Prioritise self-care activities like exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and getting ample rest.

Balancing work and personal life is crucial for avoiding burnout, staying motivated, and nurturing creativity. If your brain is fried, your ability to write WILL be affected … so do whatever it takes to make sure yours is rested wherever possible. Writing can wait, it’s not going anywhere!

Happy New Year!

The post Five Top Tips To Smash Your Writing Goals in 2024 appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

The Character Trait Boxed Set Is On Sale

Usually on Saturday, we share a new thesaurus entry, but, well…we had a bit of a family dust-up here at Writers Helping Writers that we need to address. You see, at the start of December, we put our single ebook titles on sale for a week so people could add any missing volumes they needed and save money doing it.

We were happy. Writers were happy. But because we left one thesaurus out of that sale, our Character Trait Boxed Set was definitely not happy.

So, we’re rectifying our transgression by having a special sale just for our digital box set. Until the end of December, you can grab it for only $7.99.

What is the Character Trait Boxed Set?

In a nutshell, we combined the bestselling Negative Trait and Positive Trait Thesaurus guides and embedded hyperlinks in each entry so you can move between connected flaws and attributes. This means it’s easier to build memorable characters and write their actions, behaviors, and attitudes as you can access over 200 personality traits without having to swap out ebooks.

If I already have the Positive Trait and Negative Trait books, do I need this one?

The same material from those two books are in this boxed set, so if you have those, and don’t mind switching volumes when you want to go from positive attributes to character flaws, you don’t need this book. But if you’d like the ease of use of having everything together and cross-referenced, you might want to pick it up to have on hand.

Where can I find out more?

This boxed set is available through the Writers Helping Writers bookstore. Whatever type of reader you have, we have the book file you need. If you prefer the PDF format, we have that too

Visit the description page for the Positive Trait volume
Visit the description page for the Negative Trait volume
Buy this boxed set (mobi, epub, PDF) for $7.99

Sale ends Dec 31, 2023.

This boxed set makes a great gift if you need a little something for a writer friend, too.

The post The Character Trait Boxed Set Is On Sale appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Phenomenal First Pages Contest

Hey, wonderful
writerly people!

It���s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today’s the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback!

Entering is easy. All you need to do is leave your contact information on this entry form (or click the graphic below). If you are a winner, we’ll notify you and explain how to send us your first page.

Contest DetailsThis is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP.Make sure your contact information on the entry form is correct. Three winners will be drawn. We will email you if you win and let you know how to submit your first page. Please have your first page ready in case your name is selected. Format it with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font. All genres are welcome except erotica.Sign Up for Notifications!

If you���d like to be notified about our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest, subscribe to blog notifications in this sidebar. 

Good luck, everyone. We can’t wait to see who wins!

PS: To amp up your first page, grab our  First Pages checklist from One Stop for Writers. For more help with story opening elements, visit this Mother Lode of First Page Resources.

The post Phenomenal First Pages Contest appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Strong Character Relationships: From Friendships to Romance

As a romance author, I���ve learned how to portray deep romantic relationships between my characters, focusing on techniques to make the relationship believable, healthy, and something readers will root for. Believe it or not, some of those same techniques can also help us portray strong friendships in our stories.

Let���s dig in… How can we show our readers a relationship���a friendship or more���that���s relatable and makes them believe the characters are close?

Introducing: Identities vs. Essences

For years, I���ve been a big fan of Michael Hauge���s approach to characters, and regular readers here will recognize the concepts he explores within Angela and Becca���s advice, such as Backstory Wounds and Fears. In that video linked above, Michael Hauge gives a quick overview of:

How those wounds and fear elements create our character���s Identity, the persona/mask they���ve created to protect themselves from being terrified.How courageously overcoming those emotional obstacles allows our character to reach their potential, their Essence.

(If you���re unfamiliar with these Identity and Essence concepts or you���d rather read than watch a video, check out my post on showing our character���s internal journey for a full explanation.)

Basically, when our characters emotionally retreat, they���re fearfully hiding behind their protective Identity. However, that emotional armor usually prevents them from meeting their needs, internal goals, and/or longings.

On the other hand, when our characters take an emotional risk despite those wounds or fears, they���re stepping into their Essence. That step can also bring them closer to reaching those needs, goals, or longings.

Character Essences: The Key to Strong Relationships

Showing our character taking risks (especially those that require our character to be emotionally vulnerable) gives readers a glimpse into who they have potential to become, their true self. A character who���s willing to be vulnerable and risk-taking not only seems more heroic, but also more relatable. Readers may better understand what prompts their motivations, decisions, and actions���and thus feel a stronger connection to them.

Not surprisingly, just as readers can feel closer to characters who have shown their Essence, the same applies to relationships between characters. An Essence-to-Essence connection can be key to portraying a strong relationship.

Character Essences: Connecting in Romantic Relationships

In romance stories, if we want readers to trust and believe in the relationship, we need to show what the characters see in each other (beyond just the physical aspect of attraction). What makes them a good match?

To portray a deeper romantic relationship, we need readers to see the characters connecting on an Essence-to-Essence level:

How do they fill in each other���s weaknesses?How do they build up each other���s strengths?How are they a better person with the other around?

In addition, in many romances, the love interest will recognize the other���s potential before the character does. In other words, the characters see through each other���s masks before they���ve even grown enough to risk taking them off.

For example, a hero who believes themselves unworthy of love might push others away in a gruff way. Their love interest can comment on their prickliness, teasing them about thinking themselves unlovable, which challenges the hero to rethink their Identity. If this observation comes before any deep sharing of fears between the characters, readers will believe the love interest is able to see the real potential of the hero, creating a sense of an Essence-to-Essence connection.

Most importantly, to portray a deep, healthy, believable relationship, that Essence-to-Essence connection should show the characters accepting and loving the other for who they really are.

Character Essences: Connecting in Friendships

A similar idea applies to friendships, ���bromances,��� and other close relationships between characters. If we want readers to believe that characters are close, we need to show an Essence-to-Essence connection between them, where readers see them being ���real��� or genuine with each other in some way. And most importantly, the characters must be shown to accept and care about each other for who they really are.

For example, to create a sense of a close relationship when one character is vulnerable with another, sharing fears or revealing wounds, etc., we can show the other character responding:

in a supportive way,in a confrontational way, but make it clear the confrontation is done out of love, orin a non-supportive way, but make it clear the other character still sees and cares about the vulnerable character���s true self, and so on���

All those options (and others we may think of) show that the characters know each other on a deep level. Even if there���s conflict between them, readers can understand that the debate comes from the other character wanting what���s best for the vulnerable character, or especially in male friendships, that the characters��� ability to give each other grief and still be friends shows how close they are.

On the other hand, to create a sense of a close relationship when one character emotionally retreats from the other, such as being fake or putting on their ���mask,��� we can show the other character:

calling them out on their b.s., orbeing supportive and understanding about why they might need to retreat for a bit, orrelieving the character���s discomfort (such as by changing the subject), and so on���

Those options (or others we may think of) show a level of insight between the characters that can only come from a history of genuine interactions. So just like with the ���unlovable��� hero example in the romance section above, even though the character isn���t revealing their Essence in the moment, the other character still sees the real person.

Likewise, we can portray their connection with many of the same tools used in romance relationships. For example, romance readers love banter. In friendships, that banter may come across more like giving each other grief or teasing. They may share inside jokes, personal knowledge, common interests, protectiveness, rituals, or other things that show a history between them.

Final Thoughts about Portraying Relationships

An Essence-to-Essence connection doesn���t mean that the characters are always, 100% being genuine with each other. As with real-world relationships, the two-way street of a character relationship doesn���t need to be equal all the time.

Sometimes one character will be more reticent than the other, etc., or their behavior may be more teasing than supportive, and that���s okay. The point is to portray the relationship in a way that demonstrates that the characters can see each other���s real selves, even when the surface isn���t clear, and that they care about and accept those inner selves for who they really are. *smile*

Want an example of a bromance from the Disney+ show Loki season 2? Visit my companion post!

Were you familiar with Michael Hauge���s Identity vs. Essence concepts? Had you thought about the similarities in how we might portray relationships, from friends to romantic? Do you have any questions about Identity, Essence, or how we can use this technique to make readers believe in close relationships?

The post Strong Character Relationships: From Friendships to Romance appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Free Gifts for Writers!

In the writing community, we look out for one another, and with everyone feeling the pinch this year financially, Becca, Mindy, and I wanted to showcase free gifts for writers as our annual Holiday Round-up!

Below is a list of useful free things
for writers. Enjoy!

Crafting Unforgettable Characters (free ebook)

Storytelling superhero K.M. Weiland will help you get started on character-building, steering you to brainstorm the details that really matter.

And this gift contains a bonus – when you sign up to collect this ebook, you also get a bunch of other freebies, too. (I won’t tell you what they are, because surprises are fun.) Enjoy!

Three Mini Masterclasses (free course)

Whether you write novels or screenplays, Lucy Hay of Bang2Write has three terrific foundational courses to help you with your story concept, structure, and characters.

Don’t pass up this chance to get her insight as a screenwriting pro, author, and coach for free!

A Show, Don���t Tell Pro Pack (free PDF)

We���ve put together a PDF containing a sample entry from all of our writing guides, plus helpful tips and links to some of our best show-don���t-tell articles. This is a great tool for when you need ideas for the story.

If you know someone who struggles with description, this will get them thinking differently about what they should describe and why. Brainstorming at its best!

Manuscript Prep Guide (free PDF)

Are you getting ready to polish and format your manuscript and submit it to editors and agents? Editor and Coach Lisa Poisso has a terrific downloadable guide to ensure your MS looks professional.

Wishing you success on the submission road!

Creating an Unputdownable Book (free mini masterclass)

You want to write a story that engages readers, and Suzy Vadori is the one who can show you how.

Don’t miss Suzy’s free masterclass where she dishes a ton of secrets and strategies that will keep your readers flipping pages.

Elevate Your Storytelling 4-Pack (free brainstorming PDFs)

This year Becca and I built four powerful brainstorming tools that target important areas in fiction: Conflict, Personality, Mood, and Reader Engagement.

These will help you brainstorm ways to strengthen your storytelling and hack your reader’s brain so they can’t help but be drawn deeper into the story!

Love your fellow writers? Share this post!

These are all items that every writer can benefit from, so once you’ve finished browsing and downloading all these terrific freebies, be sure to share this link with your writer friends and groups, along with a note thanking them for being part of your writing journey.

And on that note, THANK YOU for being part of ours!

Angela, Becca & Mindy

The post Free Gifts for Writers! appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Stocking Stuffers for Writers: Gift #4 Is Here!

It’s time for our last Stocking Stuffers for Writers post, meaning we’ve dropped one final early holiday gift in your stocking, and all you have to do is pick it up! (This one will help you brainstorm ways to generate mood in your scenes!)

But what if you’ve only just heard about this?
Can you go back and claim earlier gifts?

Heck, yes!
Stocking Stuffer #1 can be found here and ties into character emotion
Stocking Stuffer #2 can be found here and is all about resolving story conflict
Stocking Stuffer #3 can be found here and will help you build stronger antagonists

To open stocking stuffer #4,
click the image below:

And along with this little gift, there’s something else, too…

Our ebooks are on sale:
$3.99 each (all stores)

THIS SALE ENDS TODAY, so snag any digital book singles you might be missing, and if you’re feeling extra frisky-fine, pick up an early holiday gift for that oh-so-special critique partner who helped you fix that plot hole or added depth to your character. At $3.99, this thank-you gift will make your wallet happy, too.

You can find links to your preferred bookstore here, or if you are interested in a PDF, you can get that directly from us at the same low price. (Note, our Character Trait bundle is not included in this sale.)

New to the Writers Helping Writers
thesaurus collection?

If you’ve not yet delved inside one of our half-guide, half-brainstorming list thesaurus books, let us formally introduce you to this trio of bestsellers:
(affiliate links)

The Urban Setting Thesaurus is the key to creating stronger, more powerful descriptions through the use of multi-sensory details that will draw readers in and enhance the story. Discover how to choose the right locations for your scenes, how the setting can be used to characterize, reveal backstory, and provide triggers that can amplify character emotions and drive behavior.

More about this book
View the list of urban locations
Buy the book
Read Amazon reviews ( 10 00+)

The Rural Setting Thesaurus has over 100 settings and plenty of how-to help on using figurative language to create vivid imagery and symbolic meaning. It also includes lessons on using the setting to steer plot, provide conflict through story-specific challenges, and influence emotions through mood.

More about this book
View the list of rural & personal locations
Buy the book
Read Amazon reviews (1025+)

We hope you find today’s Stocking Stuffer gift helpful, and that our week-long discount on ebooks helps you save a bit.

Happy writing, everyone!

Angela, Becca, & Mindy

The post Stocking Stuffers for Writers: Gift #4 Is Here! appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Stocking Stuffers for Writers: Gift #3 Is Here!

It’s time for another Stocking Stuffers for Writers post, meaning we’ve dropped another early holiday gift in your stocking, and all you have to do is pick it up! (This one will help you create stronger & more interesting antagonists!)

But what if you’ve only just heard about this?
Can you go back and claim earlier gifts?

Heck, yes!
Stocking Stuffer #1 can be found here and ties into character emotion
Stocking Stuffer #2 can be found here and is all about resolving story conflict

To open stocking stuffer #3,
click the image below:

And along with this little gift, there’s something else, too…

Our ebooks are on sale:
$3.99 each (all stores)

This sale only lasts until December 7th, so snag any digital book singles you might be missing, and if you’re feeling extra frisky-fine, pick up an early holiday gift for that oh-so-special critique partner who helped you fix that plot hole or added depth to your character. At $3.99, this thank-you gift will make your wallet happy, too.

You can find links to your preferred bookstore here, or if you are interested in a PDF, you can get that directly from us at the same low price. (Note, our Character Trait bundle is not included in this sale.)

New to the Writers Helping Writers
thesaurus collection?

If you’ve not yet delved inside one of our half-guide, half-brainstorming list thesaurus books, let us formally introduce you to this trio of bestsellers:
(affiliate links)

The Positive Trait Thesaurus helps you create characters readers will connect to. Dive into 100 personality traits that showcase your character’s strengths, identity, and other qualities that can set them up for success. (Don’t forget your darker characters. They need positive traits, too!)

More about this book
View the list of positive attributes
Buy the book
Read Amazon reviews (1 1 00+)

The Negative Trait Thesaurus helps you design your character’s darker half–flaws that trip them up, cause problems in relationships, and hold them back from happiness and success. Along with the Positive Trait guidebook, you’ll build balanced, realistic characters who feel like they’ve stepped out of the real world.

More about this book
View the list of personality flaws
Buy the book
Read Amazon reviews (1750+)

The Occupation Thesaurus dives into one of the best details for revealing characterization through show, don’t tell: the character’s work. Find the perfect job that will seed hints with readers about the character’s personality, skills, interests, priorities, beliefs, fears, and more.

More about this book
View the list of occupations
Buy the book
Read Amazon reviews (860+)

We hope you find today’s Stocking Stuffer gift helpful, and that our week-long discount on ebooks helps you save a bit. privileged

Happy writing, everyone!

Angela, Becca, & Mindy

The post Stocking Stuffers for Writers: Gift #3 Is Here! appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.