The deepest fears of your characters don’t have to be shouted from the page—in fact, they’re often most powerful when hidden. People rarely announce their insecurities; they cover them with jokes, distractions, or silence. By writing characters who mask what terrifies them, you create tension, emotional depth, and a powerful connection with your readers.
Category Archives: articles
Heart of Writing S2 E2 Writing Wounded Characters
Explore the art of crafting wounded characters in fiction. Learn how to create emotionally complex, flawed, and compelling protagonists that stay with readers long after the story ends.
Now Available on Amazon—Murder House
Experience Murder House, the first book in the Samantha Leary psychological thriller series, now available on Apple Books. A dark, gripping journey into human motives and buried secrets.
Creating Tension by Putting Your Character Where They Don’t Belong
One of the most effective ways to create tension in fiction isn’t with physical danger—it’s by putting your character in a situation where they don’t fully belong. This guide explains why displacement generates suspense, provides examples across professions and social situations, and offers practical exercises to help writers craft scenes that keep readers on edge.
Not Your Stereotypical Character: Avoiding Common Stereotypes in Character Development
Dive into the art of character development without relying on clichés or stereotypes. Using examples from CSI, Criminal Record, and Criminal Minds, this guide explores how to create nuanced, compelling characters. Includes hands-on exercises and a worksheet to help you apply these techniques to your own writing.
Learn how to build the website of your dreams for your book—new book out now!
Are you an author who wants to promote your books but doesn’t have the budget for a web designer? Build Your Author Website with WordPress is your step-by-step guide to creating a professional, reader-friendly website using WordPress.
Learn how to choose themes, set up pages, showcase your books, and connect with readers—all without spending a fortune. This book gives practical tips for writers at any level to make their online presence as polished and compelling as their stories.
Take control of your author brand, amplify your voice, and bring your vision to life—one WordPress page at a time.
How to reset when you’re facing writer’s block
Struggling with writer’s block? Learn practical strategies to reset your mind, regain creativity, and keep your writing flowing.
Intimacy Without Cliché: How to Write Emotional Connection in Romance
Discover how to create believable emotional intimacy in romance stories using examples from popular films and practical writing exercises.
The Role of Vulnerability in Romance: Opening Up, Fear of Rejection, and Trust
Discover how vulnerability shapes romantic stories and deepens character connection. Learn from films like Sweet November, Serendipity, and The Switch, and practice exercises to strengthen emotional arcs in your writing.
Writing the Moment Everything Changes – How to Craft Emotional Turning Points
Discover how to write emotional turning points — the quiet, powerful moments where characters change forever. Learn how to earn these shifts, craft subtle choices, and make your story unforgettable.
We Are Wise Thinkers 