THE BLOG

How to Develop Side Characters that Enhance Your Story's Depth characters writing Mar 28, 2025

After you've created the most relatable protagonist that readers will root for, and after you've created your antagonist that readers will love to hate - you're done, right? 

Wrong. 

Side characters...

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How to Write a Character Readers Root For characters Mar 14, 2025

Although creating epic protagonists can sometimes be intimidating (how do I know someone will like the character I make???) there are a few ways we can guarantee your character will ROCK and carry the...

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How to Avoid Creating Flat Characters ask rachel characters Feb 26, 2025

Welcome back to Ask Rachel, a blog column dedicated to answering your writing questions. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in upcoming blog posts. 

This week's st...

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What is a Mary Sue Character, and How Do I Avoid Writing One? ask rachel characters Feb 19, 2025

Welcome back to Ask Rachel, a blog column dedicated to answering your writing questions. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in upcoming blog posts. 

This week's st...

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Mastering POV Shifts: How to Switch Characters Without Confusing Your Readers characters writing Jan 09, 2025

Switching points of view (POV) in a story is a powerful tool for adding depth, perspective, and nuance to your narrative. When done well, it can bring readers closer to your characters, offering fresh...

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A Complete Guide to the Hero’s Journey: How to Use It in Your Writing characters writing Nov 14, 2024

The Hero’s Journey is one of the most popular storytelling structures, used in everything from ancient myths to modern blockbusters. It outlines a universal story arc that resonates with audiences acr...

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The Power of Vulnerability in Character Development: Why Flaws Make Characters Relatable characters Nov 11, 2024

Creating memorable characters is at the heart of effective storytelling. Whether it’s the protagonist we root for, the anti-hero we love to hate, or the villain we secretly empathize with, the most un...

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Writing Complex Characters with Secrets: Unraveling Your Protagonist’s Dark Side characters Oct 21, 2024

One of the most compelling elements in storytelling is creating protagonists who aren’t just heroes on the surface but carry deep, dark secrets beneath. These characters feel real because they reflect...

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Plotting Your Novel Using the Fall of the Hero’s Journey: How to Plan a Spooky Character Arc characters Oct 10, 2024

As the air cools and leaves fall, October sets the perfect stage for crafting dark and chilling narratives. In this post, we’ll explore how to plot your novel using the fall of the Hero’s Journey, gui...

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How to Write Terrifying Villains that Give Readers Chills characters Oct 07, 2024

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into the dark and twisted world of villain creation. A well-crafted villain can leave an imprint on readers, making them feel uneas...

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How to Write Dialogue for Character Development characters dialogue Sep 09, 2024

Dialogue is a cornerstone of storytelling, offering a direct window into your characters' minds, personalities, and relationships. When used effectively, dialogue not only moves the plot forward but a...

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Villain Redemption Arcs: Turning Bad to Good characters Aug 29, 2024

 Villain redemption arcs are a compelling narrative device that can add layers of complexity and emotional depth to your story. When executed well, they can transform a once-hated antagonist into a ch...

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