Category Archives: character development

Why Formulaic Writing Holds Your Readers

Discover why formulaic writing isn’t a flaw—it’s a storytelling strength. Using examples from CSI, NCIS, Eddie and Freddy’s Adventures and the upcoming Samantha Leary thriller series, author John Edward Nickerson explores how structure and creative freedom can coexist to keep readers hooked for years.

Writing Characters Who Hide Behind Their Fears

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.

Intimacy Without ClichĂ©: 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.

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.

How to Write Crime Stories That Haunt Your Readers

The most powerful crime stories don’t focus on the violence—they focus on the emotional cost. Learn how to write compelling crime narratives where the case changes the investigator and leaves a lasting mark on the audience.

Writing Characters Who Grieve: How Loss Changes Them

Learn how to write characters forever changed by grief. Explore examples from John Wick, Edge of Darkness, and Rabbit Hole to craft emotionally rich and authentic arcs.

When Giants Fall: Writing the Slow Decline of Powerful Characters

Explore how to write powerful characters whose slow decline reshapes the emotional balance of your story. Learn from examples in Foundation, The Godfather, and more.

Verbal Sparring & Smooth Flow: Why Banter Makes stories Unforgettable

Discover how banter in films like Jaws, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Ocean’s Eleven builds character chemistry, drives the story, and keeps audiences engaged. Learn why sharp dialogue is a writer’s secret weapon.

When Good People Collide: Writing Conflicting Desires Between Likable Characters

Learn how to write emotionally rich stories where even likable characters clash. Explore character-driven conflict in The Morning Show, Shrinking, and The Avengers, and discover how to craft tension rooted in values, not villains.

How to Use Health Struggles in Character Arcs

Learn how to write authentic character arcs shaped by illness, pain, or recovery—without falling into stereotypes or plot devices.