The Morally Gray Hero
Explore the morally gray hero trope, including its history, why readers love complex protagonists, where the trope appears across genres, and tips for writing compelling, flawed characters.
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A Story Bible for Characters
Tracking characters in your story bible is crucial no matter what genre you write in. It’s especially important in long running series and books with large worlds. So here are some tips to keep your characters consistent and stories immersive.
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Understanding Dark Romance
Today I’m exploring the dark romance trope, including its history, why it’s so popular, why it’s controversial, and tips for writing emotionally intense, morally complex love stories.
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Tracking Plot and Structure in Your Story Bible
Today I’m discussing how to track plot and structure in your story bible, including story beats, subplots, and cause-and-effect chains to write stronger, more cohesive stories.
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Romance Tropes: Second Chance Stories
Why do readers love the second chance romance trope so much? Maybe it’s because this romance story setup includes emotionally powerful reunions that feel earned and satisfying. Too bad they’re so hard to write!
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April’s Rough Draft Challenge
I can’t believe it’s time for another Spring Rough Draft Challenge. I’m not worried about perfection or word count, and I’ve included a list of writing tools and meal plans to help you prep a story and your life for its (very) rough draft stage.
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Track Settings in Your Story Bible
Tracking setting in your story bible is crucial no matter what genre you write in. Settings include locations, geography, world rules, and continuity tips to keep your story consistent and immersive.
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Enemies to Lovers: Why We Crave the Fire Before the Fall
Enemies to Lovers is one of the most beloved romance tropes, but it’s also one of the hardest to write. And at the core, it’s all about trust and understanding.
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Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Birthday: A Poet of Devotion
Let’s celebrate Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s birthday with a reflection on her enduring love poetry and the full text of “How Do I Love Thee?”
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Why Forced Proximity Makes Us Swoon
Why does the One Bed trope still make readers swoon? Because forced proximity stories force characters to face their vulnerabilities and stretch a writer’s romance craft.
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Why Winter Makes Romance Inevitable
Snowed in with unresolved tension? This is why the Snowed-In romance trope creates intimacy, emotional stakes, and irresistible chemistry. making it a reader fan favorite.
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When You Didn’t Plan the Theme
Didn’t plan your story’s theme? Don’t worry. Here’s an essay to help you uncover and strengthen your novel’s emotional core during revisions.
