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

Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines

Whether you are writing romance, adventure, fantasy, or mystery, nearly every well-told story has a relationship plotline. Unfortunately, though, entertaining banter or fiery arguments alone aren���t enough to sustain that plotline. Your characters may be love interests, friends, neighbors, allies, rivals, or even enemies, but regardless, they should work off the same basic storytelling principles. They should have a relationship arc, and they should have the proper relationship plot elements in play.

Relationship Arcs

Just as a character arc is about how a character grows or changes through a story, a relationship arc is about how a relationship grows or changes through a story. And at the most basic level, there are only four arcs that can happen: positive change, negative change, positive steadfast, negative steadfast.

Positive Change: The characters start distant, and one or both may even distrust or dislike the other, but they end close, growing in trust and respect. Examples: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, Sulley and Boo in Monsters Inc.

Negative Change: The characters start close, with trust and respect, but end distant with distrust or dislike. Examples: Anakin and Obi-Wan in Revenge of the Sith, Katniss and Gale in Mockingjay.

Positive Steadfast: The characters start close, and while they may struggle through the middle, ultimately end close. Often their trust, respect, and commitment grow by degree. Examples: Frodo and Sam in The Lord of the Rings, Shrek and Fiona in Shrek 2.

Negative Steadfast: The characters start distant, with one or both perhaps even distrusting or disliking the other. While they may possibly get close through the middle, they ultimately end distant, often increasing in distrust or dislike. Examples: Estella and the Baroness in Cruella, Winston and Julia in 1984.

You can get more detailed and complex with any of these arcs, and there is room for variation, but these work for any relationship: friends, coworkers, couples, rivals, or enemies. You can check out Angela and Becca���s relationship thesaurus for ideas on specifics.

Relationship Plot Elements

Once you have an idea of the relationship arc, you want to make sure you have the proper plot elements for the journey. My primary principles of plot are goal, antagonist, conflict, and consequences. Because it can be tricky to see how these show up in relationship plotlines, we���ll go through each.

Goal

At the most basic level, in a relationship, there are only three goals: draw closer, grow apart, or maintain the relationship as is.

While other plotlines may influence the relationship plotline, think of the relationship itself and ask: Does my character want to be closer to or more distant from this person? Or does my character want to maintain the relationship as is? That is the relationship goal. And it���s okay if each person in the relationship has a different one. It���s also okay if the goal changes through the story���just make sure there is a goal in play.

Antagonist

The antagonist is a form of opposition���it���s something in the way of the goal. What is keeping your character from having that goal? For relationships, this may come from three different places.

External: Something outside the relationship is interfering with the goal. A powerful father may be determined to keep the lovers apart.

Within the relationship: Each participant has a different goal, such as one person wanting to get close, and the other wanting to create distance. They may also have personal differences that get in the way.

Internal: Something inside one or both characters is interfering with the goal. Internal conflict, such as a fear of rejection, is creating obstacles.

You can have more than one relationship antagonist, and it may change through the story. It does not need to be the same as the main antagonist of the external plotline.

Conflict

Having a relationship goal and antagonist doesn���t amount to much if they aren���t creating conflict. The character should be striving for the goal and the antagonist should be opposing it (directly or indirectly). Just wishing for better circumstances isn���t enough. There needs to be a struggle, with no easy, foreseeable resolution.

How the characters address the conflict will create the arc. As the characters overcome, or are overcome by, the obstacles, they will grow closer or further apart.

Consequences

Conflict without consequences is just cleverly disguised filler. Make sure to lay out the stakes and ramifications. What do these characters have to gain (and/or lose) in overcoming the conflict? What do they have to lose (and/or gain) in being overcome by the conflict?

It���s best if the consequences of the relationship plotline bleed into other plotlines. A common example is that the protagonist can���t succeed in the external plotline, unless she resolves the conflict of the relationship plotline.

With these elements, you���ll craft stronger relationship plots, for whatever relationship you���re writing. For more on the topic, check out my series on it.

The post Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Bad Influence

In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes���”universal images that have existed since the remotest times.” He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different archetypes to come up with interesting new versions. The result is a sizable pool of character tropes that we see from one story to another.

Archetypes and tropes are popular storytelling elements because of their familiarity. Upon seeing them, readers know immediately who they’re dealing with and what role the nerd, dark lord, femme fatale, or monster hunter will play. As authors, we need to recognize the commonalities for each trope so we can write them in a recognizable way and create a rudimentary sketch for any character we want to create.

But when it comes to characters, no one wants just a sketch; we want a vibrant and striking cast full of color, depth, and contrast. Diving deeper into character creation is especially important when starting with tropes because the blessing of their familiarity is also a curse; without differentiation, the characters begin to look the same from story to story.

But no more. The Character Type and Trope Thesaurus allows you to outline the foundational elements of each trope while also exploring how to individualize them. In this way, you’ll be able to use historically tried-and-true character types to create a cast for your story that is anything but traditional.

DESCRIPTION: This character compromises others and leads them down the wrong path. They could be villainous, deliberately attempting to misguide others, or may be the friend who’s always getting people into trouble.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES: Grima Wormtongue (the Lord of the Rings series), Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind), Amy Dunne (Gone Girl), Faith LeHane (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

COMMON STRENGTHS: Adaptable, Adventurous, Ambitious, Analytical, Bold, Charming, Creative, Decisive, Focused, Independent, Industrious, Intelligent, Observant, Persistent, Persuasive, Resourceful

COMMON WEAKNESSES: Controlling, Devious, Dishonest, Hypocritical, Impatient, Impulsive, Irresponsible, Jealous, Manipulative, Melodramatic, Mischievous, Pushy, Rebellious, Reckless, Selfish, Spoiled, Stubborn, Uncooperative

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES
Manipulating and controlling others
Having a charismatic presence
Breaking social norms
Advocating for and taking shortcuts
Using bribes to entice others to their way of thinking
Encouraging risky or destructive behaviors
Shifting blame to others
Being cunning
Identifying threats or risks before they become a problem
Homing in on others’ weaknesses
Knowing how to exploit others’ desires to their own advantage

SITUATIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE THEM
Being confronted by someone they’ve wronged and having to deal with the consequences
Encountering a cunning rival and having to up their game to outmaneuver them
Becoming friends with a positive role model who seeks to make the character better

TWIST THIS TROPE WITH A CHARACTER WHO���
Is being manipulated into manipulating others by a behind-the-scenes puppet master
Isn’t overtly trying to be a bad influence

CLICH��S TO BE AWARE OF
The rebellious teen with a tragic backstory leading others astray with their flagrant disregard for the rules.
The heartless seductress who uses her beauty and charm to manipulate men for personal gain.

Other Type and Trope Thesaurus entries can be found here.

Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (16 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, and then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Bad Influence appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

We Are Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates! Today is the perfect time to share what we’re grateful for…even if you aren’t celebrating Thanksgiving.

I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive writing community, my agent, everyone associated with Writers Helping Writers (Angela, Becca, our Resident Writing Coaches…and all of you)! I’m also thankful for my family, rescue dog, friends, good health, and much more.

Here’s what Becca and Angela are grateful for.

Becca Puglisi: As my children grow up and I can see a new stage in life moving steadily closer, I become more and more thankful for my family. I’m also incredibly grateful to God for, well, everything, but specifically for bringing Angela and me together. In my early years, I never envisioned this second career and couldn’t have forecast our success, and so much of it is because of our partnership. Honorable mentions in the gratitude department go to lifelong friends, good books, cookies, Starbucks’ pink drinks, cooler weather, Christmas trees, 80s music, and every single person who has purchased��one of our books or told their writer friends about it.

Angela Ackerman: My gratitude goes toward the writing community: a vast wonderful ecosystem of talented individuals that I get to work with, help, and learn from! I feel so blessed to do what I do, and am honored by the trust people place in me, and their constant encouragement and support. Writers are the best!

Here’s what several of our Resident Writing Coaches are grateful for.

Lucy V. Hay: I’m British, so we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving BUT I always think it’s important to practice gratitude throughout the year, so why not now? I find myself truly grateful for the abundance of love and support from my family and friends. The beauty of nature and its ability to bring calm and inspiration to my soul fills me with gratitude. As a cancer survivor, I also express sincere thankfulness for good health, as it enables me to embrace life to the fullest and pursue my passions. 

Lisa Poisso: I’m grateful for writers who trust me to lead them into the liminal spaces behind and between their pages. Midwifing a story is truly a privilege and an honor���thank you!

Suzy Vadori: I am eternally grateful for all the Inspired Writers that share their writing journeys with me, and for experiencing their joy when they get their stories out into the world. Readers need every writer’s stories, and in the coming year, I’m recommitting to helping as many writers as possible get their messages into the hands of readers.

Sue Coletta: I’m thankful for my amazing readers who never fail to overwhelm me with their heartfelt letters of gratitude for writing books that touched their lives. Many bring me to tears. I’m so blessed. I am also thankful for the countless writer friends, who inspire me daily, and for my family who (almost) never complains about my long hours spent behind the keyboard. 

September C. Fawkes: I’m thankful for health, freedom, creativity, and loved ones. I’m grateful for the two little dogs that give me puppy kisses every day, the autumn leaves I get to crunch on the walking trail by the river, and that feeling you get when you’ve just finished writing the perfect scene . . . Well, perfect until your editor looks at it. 

Michelle Barker: I suffered a mild concussion this summer that turned into a prolonged ordeal until a close friend pressed Sarah Polley’s memoir,��Run Towards the Danger,��into my hands and told me to read the last chapter. Books can be life-changing���this one was. I’m thankful for that, and for being completely better.

Colleen M. Story: My family is healthy and well, as am I, and that���s huge. I���m grateful for my writing coaching clients, the network of writers who support Writing and Wellness, and everyone at Writers Helping Writers for their amazing dedication to the writing community. Outside of the writing world, I���m grateful to my music students and colleagues, my dog Storm and cat Rikki, and for being able to live in and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Here���s wishing everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. 

What are you grateful for?

We often take a lot for granted. Think of good things in your life (both large and small) and celebrate them. You can share them with us below, jot them in a journal or put them on sticky notes by your writing place.

This is the start of the holiday season…and we hope it will be a wonderful one for you.

Pssst: I’m also grateful for amazing Black Friday sales! Here’s a post full of great writing related discounts…including 40% off One Stop for Writers.

The post We Are Grateful appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Finding Your Voice as a Writer

          When I first started writing fiction, I desperately wanted to be Margaret Atwood. I read several of her novels and, consciously or not (probably consciously), my writing voice started coming out a lot like hers���only minus the talent and the authenticity because��� (wait for it) I���m not Margaret Atwood. I didn���t sell a single short story.

          Many years later I decided to write a thing (it was sort of a prose poem but really, it defied genre) completely as ���me.��� It turned out quirky, funny (if you share my sense of humor, that is), and weird���rather like someone I know. When I finished it, I thought, well, that was fun. Maybe no one will buy it, but who cares? It sold to the first magazine I sent it to and was later anthologized.

Too much has been made of the process of finding your voice as a writer, and I think it gets us into trouble. We believe it���s something that it���s not and then we make it way more complicated than it needs to be.

Contrary to what you might think, voice is not just a way of talking or sounding. It���s a way of being in the world. And how do we ���be��� except the way we already are?

We never have to think about finding our voice as a person. Our voice is everything about us; it���s who we are, how we see the world. Why would that be any different on paper than it is in real life? When we put pressure on ourselves to ���find our voice,��� whatever we end up finding becomes more like a persona, a disguise, and then it���s not our voice anymore. It���s fake.

The process is a lot like dating. When we try too hard to be something we���re not, it might work for a little while and then it just���won���t. Because it won���t feel authentic.

Listen to any interview with Margaret Atwood and you���ll notice she sounds in person exactly the way she does on the page. Same with Stephen King. They���re not making up some new entity who they suddenly become on paper. Even though they���ve both created numerous convincing and authentic characters who are completely diverse from each other, we can still identify an Atwood or King novel by voice alone. Why? Because the essential personality of the author shines through those characters. How could it not? They created them.

But is it bad or wrong to copy other writers when you���re just starting out?

Actually, no. It can be a great way to get started���almost like a nudge that coaxes your true voice out.

Another exercise worth trying is to choose your absolute favorite novel and copy it out by hand. I���m not suggesting plagiarism or even mimicry. Instead, this can be an effective learning tool. I once wrote out the first hundred pages of All the Light We Cannot See and was amazed by what I picked up that I���d missed in two readings of the novel. Writing it out by hand allows you to see firsthand how the magic has been created.

But when it comes to finding your voice, the main thing you need to do is stop putting up roadblocks and instead allow the process to happen.

How do you do that? Here are a few ideas.Ask yourself: who are your favorite authors? What genres do you like to read? Explore what it is about them that appeals to you. Chances are there are some elements common to all of them.Try Natalie Goldberg���s exercises in Writing Down the Bones of keeping the hand moving while you write. What this does is silence your inner critic. If you���re busy writing, they can���t get a word in edgewise, nattering that you should be writing X rather than the Y that you want to write, or telling you that you���re no good or the work isn���t coming out the way it���s supposed to.Try Ray Bradbury���s idea in Zen in the Art of Writing of keeping word lists to discover your loves, your hates, your obsessions and fears. This was his way of finding his voice as a writer���which really amounted to nailing down who he was as a person. It might work for you.

Flannery O���Connor wrote: ���The writer can choose what he writes about but he cannot choose what he is able to make live.��� What we are able to make live is directly related to who we are and what we love. If what you love is cowboys and westerns, then chances are when you write about them, your voice will sing.

People used to ask Stephen King why he was ���wasting��� his talent writing horror. Why? Because horror is what he loves. And what exactly has been wasted? He is arguably the best horror writer in the world. If he had ignored his obsessions and tried to be a literary writer, there���s a fair chance he would not have been as successful as he is.

If you want to find your voice as a writer, just be yourself on the page. There���s nobody more suited to the task.

Check out these additional posts about voice!
How Do You Find Your Narrator���s Voice?
Character Voice Versus Author Voice

The post Finding Your Voice as a Writer appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Phenomenal First Pages Contest

Hey, wonderful writerly people! It���s time for our monthly critique contest.

PLEASE NOTE: We’ve changed our process for entering this contest.

If you’d like a chance to win feedback, use this link or click the graphic below to reach our ENTRY FORM:

ENTRY FORM

When you enter by form, double check that your email is correct so I’ll be able to contact you if I draw your name. (If I can’t reach you, you’ll have to forfeit your win.)

Contest GuidelinesComments will NOT enter you in this contest. To enter, fill out this contest form. (One entry per person.)

Have your first page ready to go. 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font. 

Three lucky winners will receive feedback from me on any genre except erotica. This contest only runs for 24 hours, so enter by form ASAP.

We use Random.org to draw three winners, and will post the names in the comments tomorrow morning. If you win, I’ll be in touch!

If you���d like to be notified about our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest, consider subscribing to our blog (see the right-hand sidebar). 

I can’t wait to see who the winners will be.

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

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

Top Black Friday Deals for Writers

The economy is tough right now – inflation is high, and everyone needs to stretch their dollars further, including writers. Black Friday is an excellent time to get what we need to succeed and save.

To save you time, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals we’ve found,
including one from us!

Check Out These Deals: Writing, Editing, Publishing & Marketing ProWritingAid (Save 50%)

Save up to 50% on select packages so ProWritingAid can give you clear, easy steps to improve your writing so you can write, edit, and share your stories with confidence. ProWritingAid’s real-time feedback and in-depth reports offer world-class grammar, style and consistency checking. Strengthen your prose, improve clarity, and have more time to write. This deal runs from Nov 13 – 29th.

Novel Factory (Save 30%)

Save 30% on annual licenses for the Novel Factory writing software which includes character development tools, plot templates, target tracking and so much more. Developed by award-winning author, Katja Kaine, the software includes a wealth of writing advice, which helps new writers master the craft and more established writers hone and perfect their skills. Use the code BLACKFRIDAY2023 by November 24th to grab this deal.

Fictionary Storyteller & Storyteller Live (Save 40%)

Fictionary���s groundbreaking software and expert guidance give you the tools and support you need to write an unforgettable story. With StoryTeller Developmental Editing Software, you’ll generate a story arc that allows you to see how your structure, characters, plot, and setting compares to best-in-class. With StoryTeller Premium + Fictionary Live! Guided Editing Program, subscribers also get personalised guidance from Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Instructors. It���s a surefire way to get your manuscript over the finish line. Save 40% on monthly and annual subscriptions between Nov 15 – Nov 24.

FirstEditing Services (Save 21%)

FirstEditing’s professional editors correct and perfect every word so you can publish your manuscript confidently and successfully. You get an expert editor in your genre to personally edit your writing, revise your syntax, and advise you on how to develop and structurally strengthen your writing. Save 21% off any professional editing service including Certified Structural Editing, Book Coaching, and more between November 25th and December 1st.

Novlr Writing Software (Save $50)

Novlr is the first writer-owned creative writing workspace that lets you focus on what’s most important- your words. Our smart design is distraction-free, writing streaks and goals keep you motivated, advanced analytics provide insights into your best writing times, and automatic cloud syncing keeps your work safe. You will be more productive on Novlr. Save $50 on an annual subscription with the code BLACKFRIDAY23 until December 31st.

Write | Publish | Sell ($10 Bundle)

We’re celebrating 10 years in the business of supporting authors with a bundle of 4 of our most popular book marketing workshops for ONLY $10 with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Grab this deal by November 30th.

PublishDrive (3 Months Free)

Easily self-publish ebooks online, audiobooks, and print books to thousands of stores worldwide with PublishDrive. New Customers can subscribe to our annual plan, and get 12 months of service for the price of 9 (three months free). Grab this deal by December 31st.

SelfPubCon Access Pass (Save 50%)

Enjoy 50% off a six-month or lifetime access to content from the Self-Publishing Advice Conference (provided by the Alliance of Independent Authors) with discount code BLACKFRIDAY23. Grab this deal by November 30th.

K.M.Weiland’s Products for Writers (Save 25%)

Save 25% off K.M. Weiland’s popular writing books and put her expert guidance on plot, character, and story structure to work. Her interactive workbooks (including the Outlining Your Novel Workbook software) can turn your knowledge into practical skills, and you can dive deep into character development with the Creating Character Arcs Course. Katie also has Archetypal Character Guided Meditations to help you delve into your characters’ minds and dream up new story ideas. Grab this deal by Nov 27th.

Publisher Rocket (Free Course)

Get their Kindlepreneur Keywords and Categories Course free with the purchase of Publisher Rocket, a powerful tool to help you determine the best keywords for your book. This deal runs from November 21st to November 29th.

BookFunnel Author Service (Save $50)

BookFunnel is the premier software service for authors. Whether it���s delivering your reader magnet or ARCs, finding great ways to promote and swap books with other authors, or doing direct sales and Kickstarter fulfillment, BookFunnel is the essential tool for your author business. Save $50 on the mid-list or higher yearly plan until November 30th.

Atticus Software (Free Course)

Transform your writing journey with Atticus.io���the all-in-one powerhouse for book writing and formatting. Forget juggling multiple tools; Atticus brings you a sleek, intuitive platform that takes you from draft to publish-ready masterpiece effortlessly. Get a free course with every purchase of Atticus: Publishing for Indie Authors between November 22nd and November 27th.

Scribophile Premium (Save 30%)

Scribophile is one of the web’s largest online writing communities and workshops. Writers of all skill levels join to make friends, finish their novels, help each other improve, take writing classes, and meet beta readers. Save 30% off a premium membership until November 30th.

Sacha Black’s Courses & Books (Save 30%)

Save 30% with the code BLACKFRIDAY30 and improve your prose, characters or storytelling! Join rebel author, podcaster, and bestselling author Sacha Black for her Villains Masterclass and the Anatomy of Prose: The Senses course, or save on her catalog of writing guides between November 30th and December 3rd.

Shut Up and Write the Book ($2.99 Deal)

Save on Shut Up and Write the Book, a step-by-step guide to crafting your novel from plan to print, written by award-winning author and YouTube sensation, Jenna Moreci. Grab it on Amazon for $2.99 from November 24th to December 1st.

Saving the best for last: story support tools to help you write your BEST book!

One Stop for Writers (Save 40%)

Ready for a game-changer? Look no further than One Stop for Writers ��, your ultimate storytelling companion.

Designed by story experts Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, these groundbreaking tools will help you craft characters with true depth, invent fresh and captivating plots, and construct immersive worlds that your readers won’t want to leave:

SHOW-DON’T-TELL DESCRIPTION DATABASE
CHARACTER BUILDER
CHARACTER ARC BLUEPRINT
TIMELINE TOOL
STORY AND SCENE MAPS
WORLDBUILDING SURVEYS
IDEA GENERATOR
TEMPLATES AND WORKSHEETS
THE STORYTELLER’S ROADMAP
INSIGHTFUL CRAFT TUTORIALS, TIP SHEETS & MORE

Say goodbye to writer’s block, telling, and frustration as you plan, write, and revise.

One Stop for Writers supports you at every step so only your best writing makes it to the page.

Use the code BF2023 to unlock a
40% discount on our 6-month plan.

(Deal ends November 27th.)

We hope you find a few things on this list that help you on your journey. Happy writing & saving!

The post Top Black Friday Deals for Writers appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Early Black Friday Deals for Writers

The economy is tough right now – inflation is high, and everyone needs to stretch their dollars further, including writers. Black Friday is an excellent time to get what we need to succeed and save.

To save you time, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals we’ve found,
including one from us!

Check Out These Deals: Writing, Editing, Publishing & Marketing ProWritingAid (Save 50%)

Save up to 50% on select packages so ProWritingAid can give you clear, easy steps to improve your writing so you can write, edit, and share your stories with confidence. ProWritingAid’s real-time feedback and in-depth reports offer world-class grammar, style and consistency checking. Strengthen your prose, improve clarity, and have more time to write. This deal runs from Nov 13 – 29th.

Novel Factory (Save 30%)

Save 30% on annual licenses for the Novel Factory writing software which includes character development tools, plot templates, target tracking and so much more. Developed by award-winning author, Katja Kaine, the software includes a wealth of writing advice, which helps new writers master the craft and more established writers hone and perfect their skills. Use the code BLACKFRIDAY2023 by November 24th to grab this deal.

Fictionary Storyteller & Storyteller Live (Save 40%)

Fictionary���s groundbreaking software and expert guidance give you the tools and support you need to write an unforgettable story. With StoryTeller Developmental Editing Software, you’ll generate a story arc that allows you to see how your structure, characters, plot, and setting compares to best-in-class. With StoryTeller Premium + Fictionary Live! Guided Editing Program, subscribers also get personalised guidance from Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Instructors. It���s a surefire way to get your manuscript over the finish line. Save 40% on monthly and annual subscriptions between Nov 15 – Nov 24.

FirstEditing Services (Save 21%)

FirstEditing’s professional editors correct and perfect every word so you can publish your manuscript confidently and successfully. You get an expert editor in your genre to personally edit your writing, revise your syntax, and advise you on how to develop and structurally strengthen your writing. Save 21% off any professional editing service including Certified Structural Editing, Book Coaching, and more between November 25th and December 1st.

Novlr Writing Software (Save $50)

Novlr is the first writer-owned creative writing workspace that lets you focus on what’s most important- your words. Our smart design is distraction-free, writing streaks and goals keep you motivated, advanced analytics provide insights into your best writing times, and automatic cloud syncing keeps your work safe. You will be more productive on Novlr. Save $50 on an annual subscription with the code BLACKFRIDAY23 until December 31st.

Write | Publish | Sell ($10 Bundle)

We’re celebrating 10 years in the business of supporting authors with a bundle of 4 of our most popular book marketing workshops for ONLY $10 with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Grab this deal by November 30th.

PublishDrive (3 Months Free)

Easily self-publish ebooks online, audiobooks, and print books to thousands of stores worldwide with PublishDrive. New Customers can subscribe to our annual plan, and get 12 months of service for the price of 9 (three months free). Grab this deal by December 31st.

SelfPubCon Access Pass (Save 50%)

Enjoy 50% off a six-month or lifetime access to content from the Self-Publishing Advice Conference (provided by the Alliance of Independent Authors) with discount code BLACKFRIDAY23. Grab this deal by November 30th.

K.M.Weiland’s Products for Writers (Save 25%)

Save 25% off K.M. Weiland’s popular writing books and put her expert guidance on plot, character, and story structure to work. Her interactive workbooks (including the Outlining Your Novel Workbook software) can turn your knowledge into practical skills, and you can dive deep into character development with the Creating Character Arcs Course. Katie also has Archetypal Character Guided Meditations to help you delve into your characters’ minds and dream up new story ideas. Grab this deal by Nov 27th.

Publisher Rocket (Free Course)

Get their Kindlepreneur Keywords and Categories Course free with the purchase of Publisher Rocket, a powerful tool to help you determine the best keywords for your book. This deal runs from November 21st to November 29th.

BookFunnel Author Service (Save $50)

BookFunnel is the premier software service for authors. Whether it���s delivering your reader magnet or ARCs, finding great ways to promote and swap books with other authors, or doing direct sales and Kickstarter fulfillment, BookFunnel is the essential tool for your author business. Save $50 on the mid-list or higher yearly plan until November 30th.

Atticus Software (Free Course)

Transform your writing journey with Atticus.io���the all-in-one powerhouse for book writing and formatting. Forget juggling multiple tools; Atticus brings you a sleek, intuitive platform that takes you from draft to publish-ready masterpiece effortlessly. Get a free course with every purchase of Atticus: Publishing for Indie Authors between November 22nd and November 27th.

Scribophile Premium (Save 30%)

Scribophile is one of the web’s largest online writing communities and workshops. Writers of all skill levels join to make friends, finish their novels, help each other improve, take writing classes, and meet beta readers. Save 30% off a premium membership until November 30th.

Sacha Black’s Courses & Books (Save 30%)

Save 30% with the code BLACKFRIDAY30 and improve your prose, characters or storytelling! Join rebel author, podcaster, and bestselling author Sacha Black for her Villains Masterclass and the Anatomy of Prose: The Senses course, or save on her catalog of writing guides between November 30th and December 3rd.

Shut Up and Write the Book ($2.99 Deal)

Save on Shut Up and Write the Book, a step-by-step guide to crafting your novel from plan to print, written by award-winning author and YouTube sensation, Jenna Moreci. Grab it on Amazon for $2.99 from November 24th to December 1st.

Saving the best for last: story support tools to help you write your BEST book!

One Stop for Writers (Save 40%)

Ready for a game-changer? Look no further than One Stop for Writers ��, your ultimate storytelling companion.

Designed by story experts Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, these groundbreaking tools will help you craft characters with true depth, invent fresh and captivating plots, and construct immersive worlds that your readers won’t want to leave:

SHOW-DON’T-TELL DESCRIPTION DATABASE
CHARACTER BUILDER
CHARACTER ARC BLUEPRINT
TIMELINE TOOL
STORY AND SCENE MAPS
WORLDBUILDING SURVEYS
IDEA GENERATOR
TEMPLATES AND WORKSHEETS
THE STORYTELLER’S ROADMAP
INSIGHTFUL CRAFT TUTORIALS, TIP SHEETS & MORE

Say goodbye to writer’s block, telling, and frustration as you plan, write, and revise.

One Stop for Writers supports you at every step so only your best writing makes it to the page.

Use the code BF2023 to unlock a
40% discount on our 6-month plan.

(Deal ends November 27th.)

We hope you find a few things on this list that help you on your journey. Happy writing & saving!

The post Early Black Friday Deals for Writers appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Best Black Friday Deals for Writers

The economy is tough right now – inflation is high, and everyone needs to stretch their dollars further, including writers. Black Friday is an excellent time to get what we need to succeed and save.

To save you time, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals we’ve found,
including one from us!

Check Out These Deals: Writing, Editing, Publishing & Marketing ProWritingAid (Save 50%)

Save up to 50% on select packages so ProWritingAid can give you clear, easy steps to improve your writing so you can write, edit, and share your stories with confidence. ProWritingAid’s real-time feedback and in-depth reports offer world-class grammar, style and consistency checking. Strengthen your prose, improve clarity, and have more time to write. This deal runs from Nov 13 – 29th.

Novel Factory (Save 30%)

Save 30% on annual licenses for the Novel Factory writing software which includes character development tools, plot templates, target tracking and so much more. Developed by award-winning author, Katja Kaine, the software includes a wealth of writing advice, which helps new writers master the craft and more established writers hone and perfect their skills. Use the code BLACKFRIDAY2023 by November 24th to grab this deal.

Fictionary Storyteller & Storyteller Live (Save 40%)

Fictionary���s groundbreaking software and expert guidance give you the tools and support you need to write an unforgettable story. With StoryTeller Developmental Editing Software, you’ll generate a story arc that allows you to see how your structure, characters, plot, and setting compares to best-in-class. With StoryTeller Premium + Fictionary Live! Guided Editing Program, subscribers also get personalised guidance from Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Instructors. It���s a surefire way to get your manuscript over the finish line. Save 40% on monthly and annual subscriptions between Nov 15 – Nov 24.

FirstEditing Services (Save 21%)

FirstEditing’s professional editors correct and perfect every word so you can publish your manuscript confidently and successfully. You get an expert editor in your genre to personally edit your writing, revise your syntax, and advise you on how to develop and structurally strengthen your writing. Save 21% off any professional editing service including Certified Structural Editing, Book Coaching, and more between November 25th and December 1st.

Novlr Writing Software (Save $50)

Novlr is the first writer-owned creative writing workspace that lets you focus on what’s most important- your words. Our smart design is distraction-free, writing streaks and goals keep you motivated, advanced analytics provide insights into your best writing times, and automatic cloud syncing keeps your work safe. You will be more productive on Novlr. Save $50 on an annual subscription with the code BLACKFRIDAY23 until December 31st.

Write | Publish | Sell ($10 Bundle)

We’re celebrating 10 years in the business of supporting authors with a bundle of 4 of our most popular book marketing workshops for ONLY $10 with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Grab this deal by November 30th.

PublishDrive (3 Months Free)

Easily self-publish ebooks online, audiobooks, and print books to thousands of stores worldwide with PublishDrive. New Customers can subscribe to our annual plan, and get 12 months of service for the price of 9 (three months free). Grab this deal by December 31st.

SelfPubCon Access Pass (Save 50%)

Enjoy 50% off a six-month or lifetime access to content from the Self-Publishing Advice Conference (provided by the Alliance of Independent Authors) with discount code BLACKFRIDAY23. Grab this deal by November 30th.

K.M.Weiland’s Products for Writers (Save 25%)

Save 25% off K.M. Weiland’s popular writing books and put her expert guidance on plot, character, and story structure to work. Her interactive workbooks (including the Outlining Your Novel Workbook software) can turn your knowledge into practical skills, and you can dive deep into character development with the Creating Character Arcs Course. Katie also has Archetypal Character Guided Meditations to help you delve into your characters’ minds and dream up new story ideas. Grab this deal by Nov 27th.

Publisher Rocket (Free Course)

Get their Kindlepreneur Keywords and Categories Course free with the purchase of Publisher Rocket, a powerful tool to help you determine the best keywords for your book. This deal runs from November 21st to November 29th.

BookFunnel Author Service (Save $50)

BookFunnel is the premier software service for authors. Whether it���s delivering your reader magnet or ARCs, finding great ways to promote and swap books with other authors, or doing direct sales and Kickstarter fulfillment, BookFunnel is the essential tool for your author business. Save $50 on the mid-list or higher yearly plan until November 30th.

Atticus Software (Free Course)

Transform your writing journey with Atticus.io���the all-in-one powerhouse for book writing and formatting. Forget juggling multiple tools; Atticus brings you a sleek, intuitive platform that takes you from draft to publish-ready masterpiece effortlessly. Get a free course with every purchase of Atticus: Publishing for Indie Authors between November 22nd and November 27th.

Scribophile Premium (Save 30%)

Scribophile is one of the web’s largest online writing communities and workshops. Writers of all skill levels join to make friends, finish their novels, help each other improve, take writing classes, and meet beta readers. Save 30% off a premium membership until November 30th.

Sacha Black’s Courses & Books (Save 30%)

Save 30% with the code BLACKFRIDAY30 and improve your prose, characters or storytelling! Join rebel author, podcaster, and bestselling author Sacha Black for her Villains Masterclass and the Anatomy of Prose: The Senses course, or save on her catalog of writing guides between November 30th and December 3rd.

Shut Up and Write the Book ($2.99 Deal)

Save on Shut Up and Write the Book, a step-by-step guide to crafting your novel from plan to print, written by award-winning author and YouTube sensation, Jenna Moreci. Grab it on Amazon for $2.99 from November 24th to December 1st.

Saving the best for last: story support tools to help you write your BEST book!

One Stop for Writers (Save 40%)

Ready for a game-changer? Look no further than One Stop for Writers ��, your ultimate storytelling companion.

Designed by story experts Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, these groundbreaking tools will help you craft characters with true depth, invent fresh and captivating plots, and construct immersive worlds that your readers won’t want to leave:

SHOW-DON’T-TELL DESCRIPTION DATABASE
CHARACTER BUILDER
CHARACTER ARC BLUEPRINT
TIMELINE TOOL
STORY AND SCENE MAPS
WORLDBUILDING SURVEYS
IDEA GENERATOR
TEMPLATES AND WORKSHEETS
THE STORYTELLER’S ROADMAP
INSIGHTFUL CRAFT TUTORIALS, TIP SHEETS & MORE

Say goodbye to writer’s block, telling, and frustration as you plan, write, and revise.

One Stop for Writers supports you at every step so only your best writing makes it to the page.

Use the code BF2023 to unlock a
40% discount on our 6-month plan.

(Deal ends November 27th.)

We hope you find a few things on this list that help you on your journey. Happy writing & saving!

The post Best Black Friday Deals for Writers appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Lady of Adventure

In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes���”universal images that have existed since the remotest times.” He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different archetypes to come up with interesting new versions. The result is a sizable pool of character tropes that we see from one story to another.

Archetypes and tropes are popular storytelling elements because of their familiarity. Upon seeing them, readers know immediately who they’re dealing with and what role the nerd, dark lord, femme fatale, or monster hunter will play. As authors, we need to recognize the commonalities for each trope so we can write them in a recognizable way and create a rudimentary sketch for any character we want to create.

But when it comes to characters, no one wants just a sketch; we want a vibrant and striking cast full of color, depth, and contrast. Diving deeper into character creation is especially important when starting with tropes because the blessing of their familiarity is also a curse; without differentiation, the characters begin to look the same from story to story.

But no more. The Character Type and Trope Thesaurus allows you to outline the foundational elements of each trope while also exploring how to individualize them. In this way, you’ll be able to use historically tried-and-true character types to create a cast for your story that is anything but traditional.

DESCRIPTION: This self-sufficient and tenacious woman seeks out adventure and new discoveries, often breaking with the conventions of her time to do so.

FICTIONAL EXAMPLES: Arya Stark (Game of Thrones), Eowyn (the Lord of the Rings trilogy), Mulan (Mulan), Dolores Abernathy (Westworld), Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)

COMMON STRENGTHS: Adaptable, Adventurous, Alert, Bold, Confident, Courageous, Curious, Decisive, Efficient, Enthusiastic, Focused, Independent, Industrious, Passionate, Perceptive, Persistent, Resourceful, Spontaneous, Spunky

COMMON WEAKNESSES: Cocky, Impatient, Impulsive, Irresponsible, Obsessive, Pushy, Rebellious, Reckless, Self-Destructive, Self-Indulgent, Stubborn, Uncooperative, Volatile

ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, BEHAVIORS, AND TENDENCIES
Being street smart
Restlessness; needing to be on the move
Lacking patience
Thinking for herself
Rejecting the conventions that don’t suit her
Persistently pursuing her goals; seeing things through
Disregarding people in authority���specifically those who would try to force her into a specific role or keep her from certain activities
Spontaneity
Avoiding long-term commitments (in case a better offer comes along)
Believing that romantic entanglements will slow her down

SITUATIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE THEM
A romantic partner wanting to settle down
Sustaining an injury that affects her mobility
Getting pregnant
Rules changing that restrict women’s freedoms
Being saddled with additional responsibilities at home or work, making travel and adventure less possible

TWIST THIS TROPE WITH A CHARACTER WHO…
Has a stable home life, with children
Is elderly
Has an atypical trait: indecisive, nature-focused, sentimental, verbose, whiny, vain, etc.

CLICH��S TO BE AWARE OF
The adventure-seeker with no flaws and all the skills needed to win
The lady of adventure who is able to physically defeat men despite being physiologically unable to do so

Other Type and Trope Thesaurus entries can be found here.

Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (16 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, and then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Type & Trope Thesaurus Entry: Lady of Adventure appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS��.

Write a Novel in 13 Steps

Every writer���s journey is unique, but we all experience one iconic moment: the decision to stop thinking about writing a book and actually do it.

And then? Euphoria. Finally, our ideas will live on the page! We imagine characters, plot twists, and future readers clutching our book, unable to put it down.

Of course, this high usually curdles into terror because now we must write the book. And we have zero clue as to how to do it.  

It���s overwhelming; we can see the finish line but have no idea how to get there.

With any big goal, the best way to achieve it is to break it into manageable pieces. A great first step for writing a first book is to map the route, start to finish. Here���s what that might look like.  

1. Choose Your Best Idea

Whether you have hundreds of ideas for a novel, or only a few, you need to settle on a core premise to make sure it’s strong enough to build a story around. Using Goal, Motivation, Conflict (GMC) can help you test ideas:

Goal: What your character wants

Motivation: Why your character wants it

Conflict: What stands in their way

These key elements form your core premise, and once you know it, you have your story���s first piece! To dive into this a bit further, here���s a GMC+Stakes worksheet.

Here���s more on brainstorming your story idea. 2. Prewriting

Once you have your story premise, it���s time to plan the people, places, and events. Some writers do a lot of prewriting, brainstorming their characters in depth to understand who they are, what they want and need, and develop their backstory and relationships. They also world build so they can write the story���s reality with authority, and plot/outline story���s events so they have a really good idea of what will happen, and when. Other writers do minimal planning in favor of a discovery draft, where they uncover these things as they write.

Try these tools to help you plan your story.

The level of prewriting you need is a personal choice, but generally the more you know, especially about key characters and their motivations, the easier it can be to write. Very likely you���ll have less big-picture revision to do later, but results may vary, as they say. If this is your first time, pay attention to your gut. When your instincts are nudging you to stop planning and start writing, you���ll know.

3. Mental Prep

When you think you���re ready to start writing, take a moment to set yourself up for success. Choose a place to work where everything you need is at hand ��� notebooks, pens, a computer, noise-cancelling headphones or whatever else you might need. Think about when is a good time to write, and if any challenges could make it hard to get words down. This will help you be prepared when life intervenes.

Julie Glover has great additional advice on what you need to write regularly here .4. Writing

Welcome to the fun zone! This is when you finally get to unleash your creativity, so enjoy every moment of it. Don���t let worries about quality get in your way. This drafting process is about letting go so words can flow. Fixing and refining comes later. If you get stuck, try these tips and keep writing to the finish line.

It���s possible you might hit a point where you doubt yourself and your abilities. If so, know you aren���t alone. All writers feel this way at some point. What���s important is that you push back on these thoughts. Keep writing and trust the process. You���ve got this!

5. Celebrating

After the first draft is written, celebrate! Writing an entire book is a huge undertaking, and you���ve just done it. Take some time to do something special ��� read, relax, and reward yourself for having the persistence to see this through. Celebrating each win is self-care, so indulge.

6. Putting the Manuscript to Bed

You need time and distance from the story so when it���s time to revise, you see it with fresh eyes. Even if you want to start revising right away, put the manuscript aside for two weeks to a month. 

7. The First Read

After your story has sat for a bit, you���ll want to read it from start to finish to get a sense of how it flows, what areas need stronger development, and anything that might need to be reworked. So rather than start revising right away, make notes as you read. This will give you a plan to follow for your first round of revision.

Also, expect to find some cringe-worthy writing. This is a first draft, not a final product, after all. But guaranteed you���ll also find some gems and think, ���Whoa, did I write this?��� Use those as fuel to inspire you!

8. Revising

This first round is where you fix the big stuff: strengthening characters and their arcs and making sure they and their emotional experiences are relatable so readers will connect to them and their journey. You���ll want to address any plot and pacing issues, look for plot holes or logic issues with your worldbuilding, and things like that. This revision pass isn���t about making the story perfect, just create a story with strong bones. Remember to use your notes from the first read.

Check out this post by Janice Hardy on Revision Maps ��� Gold!9. Feedback

Because this story is your baby, it can be hard to be objective about what���s working and what isn���t, so going to others will help you get distanced opinions on how well the story works and what might need to be fixed.  

This step should only be taken when you���re mentally ready for it. It���s easy to become emotional and mistake help as criticism, which brings self-doubt to the surface. Find people who are genuine about wanting to help you and don���t be afraid to tell them this is your first experience with critiques. When feedback comes in, remember their goal is to help you strengthen this story, not hurt your feelings.

At this early stage, paying for editorial help may not be the best choice. Workshopping your story via critiques helps you save yourself money by doing as much of the work yourself as you can. Here are six tips for finding a great critique partner.

Wondering when it might be time to outsource to an editor? Read this .10. Refining

After you���ve had a few people provide feedback, you���ll have more ideas on what needs to be strengthened. Sort through the advice, and take your time, doing as many rounds as you need to get your story and characters to where they need to be.

11. Editing

Once you���ve workshopped your novel and you feel the story is solid, you���ll want to turn your focus to description, dialogue, and language choices. At the sentence level, strengthen your verbs, look for words or actions you may overuse, tighten your writing, deepen symbolism, and make sure your pacing is strong. Look for opportunities to strengthen every word.

These tip sheets & checklists can be a big help.12. Polishing

When you feel confident about the shape of your story, it’s time to polish it up. Proofread for typos, missing words, repeated language, repeats, and make sure everything is consistent. If you changed names, places, or other elements, make sure you’ve caught any old bits hanging around. Read your story aloud as it will help you find the little things.

13. Final Read

Just as you did with your first read, you���ll want to do a final one, too. By now, you might be sick of this story. If so, take a break before the final read.

If there���s anything that bothers you as you read, make a note of it. You can also ask others to read it as well to get second opinions before you take the next step toward publication.

Before turning to a publishing route, you want to feel confident that this is your best work. At any time, if you need to, go back, revise again, seek out more feedback, or even look into hiring an editor to help you work through a problem. You can also work your way through this Storyteller���s Roadmap if you would like step-by-step help:

Storyteller’s Roadmap Remember, it���s not a race. You���ve got this!

Don���t rush. Strong stories take time, so give yourself the freedom and space to create the best story possible. And remember you aren���t alone in this; help is everywhere. Search this blog for keywords to read articles that can help you. Ask other writers for resources and advice. Chances are, any challenge you encounter is one others have faced, and they���ll have ideas on how to help!

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