“The Day the Towers Fell” is a moving 9/11 book about courage, loss, and resilience. Discover the stories behind September 11 in this powerful read.
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Category Archives: articles
5 Lessons Writers Can Learn from Legal Thrillers
Learn 5 storytelling techniques from legal thrillers like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Firm, and The Judge. Explore how personal stakes, moral gray zones, and secrets can elevate your writing.
When Good Characters Are Pushed to the Edge: Family, Fear, and Morally Grey Choices
A powerful look at characters who make morally complex decisions in the name of protecting their families. Featuring insights from No Escape, Ransom, and Taken, this article explores how fear, love, and desperation shape unforgettable storytelling.
Balancing Self-Care with Writing Deadlines
Writers wear many hats—content creator, tech support, social media manager. In this article, discover practical and compassionate strategies for balancing self-care with writing deadlines so you can stay creative, consistent, and grounded.
Telling the Truth Even When It’s Ugly
Not all stories are meant to comfort. Some are meant to confront. In this bold article, J.E. Nickerson explores why writers must sometimes tell hard, unsettling truths—and how storytelling can become a voice for those the world refuses to hear.
Heart of Writing S1 E2 Why Every Digital Creator Should Watermark Their Work
In this episode, we break down the basics of watermarking—what it is, why it matters, and how you can use it to protect your creative work online. A watermark is a visible mark, such as a logo, text, or signature, added to photos, videos, or documents to claim ownership. While it doesn’t prevent someone from sharing or downloading your work, it ensures that your name or brand is always attached. We’ll cover best practices for watermarking, common mistakes to avoid, and simple tools you can use to add watermarks without hurting the quality of your content. If you’re an author, photographer, artist, or content creator, watermarking is a smart way to safeguard your work while building your brand identity.
August/ September round up
Join J.E. Nickerson’s August/September roundup for authors—exploring character development, crime fiction insights, and writing guides. Discover tips, worksheets, and new site features to grow your craft.
💔 The Wounded Hero: Writing Characters Who Bleed and Still Stand
Learn how to write compelling wounded heroes by exploring two unforgettable characters: Rambo and Jason Bourne. This article breaks down how trauma, pain, and reluctant strength can shape your protagonist’s emotional arc — making them feel raw, real, and unforgettable.
Writing the Moral Dilemma: How to Build Tension Between What a Character Can Do and What They Should Do
Explore how to write moral dilemmas that grip readers—where characters must choose between what they can do and what they should do.
✨ Thought of the Day: Staying Focused When You’re Run Down ✨
When you’re feeling run down, staying focused can feel impossible. This short thought of the day reminds you that focus isn’t about doing everything—it’s about taking the next small step with courage and grace.
We Are Wise Thinkers 