Tag Archives: fiction writing

S2 E5 just because they can doesn’t mean they should

Heart of Writing S2 E5 – Just Because They Can Doesn’t Mean They Should
In this episode of Heart of Writing, we explore the fine line between what characters can do and what they should do in storytelling. Learn how thoughtful choices, consequences, and moral tension can make your fiction more compelling and believable. Perfect for writers looking to deepen character motivation and craft stories that resonate.

Heart of Writing S2 E3 Five Lessons Writers Can Learn from Legal Thrillers

Heart of Writing S2 E3 – Five Lessons Writers Can Learn from Legal Thrillers
In this episode of Heart of Writing, we dive into the gripping world of legal thrillers and uncover five key lessons writers can apply to their own storytelling. From crafting tension and high-stakes drama to creating compelling characters and plot twists, discover techniques that keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. Perfect for fiction writers looking to sharpen their suspense, pacing, and narrative skills.

Every World Has Rules: How to create worlds that feel real to your characters

Writers know that characters and plot aren’t enough to make a story feel real. Every story world operates under its own rules, and breaking them without explanation pulls your audience right out of the story.

In this article, we explore how two very different franchises—Law & Order: SVU and John Wick—show us the power of rules in storytelling. From moral codes to universe-specific logic, we break down why rules anchor characters, guide audience expectations, and make tension meaningful.

Plus, we give you practical exercises to define the rules of your own story worlds and ensure your characters stay consistent, believable, and compelling.

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.

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.

Heart of Writing S2 E1 Character growth

In this premiere episode of Season 2, we dive deep into one of the most essential elements of storytelling: character growth. I break down how to make your characters evolve in ways that feel authentic, compelling, and emotionally resonant. From subtle internal shifts to dramatic turning points, we explore techniques to show, not just tell, the transformation of your characters. Whether you’re writing a thriller, romance, or literary fiction, this episode gives you practical strategies to make your characters’ journeys feel alive on the page.

🕯 The Quiet Warnings: How Side Characters Reflect the Hero’s Path

Not every side character is a warning—some reflect hidden strengths, emotional wounds, or future outcomes. Learn how to use supporting characters to deepen your protagonist’s arc and raise the emotional stakes in your fiction.

Writing Emotional Closeness Between Characters

Want to write deeper character relationships? This free emotional closeness worksheet helps writers build believable, emotionally rich connections—romantic, platonic, or complex.

Ending Well: Creating a Compelling Ending in Fiction Writing

Discover how to write a powerful and satisfying ending in your fiction. Learn the 5 types of strong story conclusions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for crafting an ending that stays with your reader.