In this episode of the Heart of Writing Podcast, we explore what makes characters unforgettable: ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Host J.E. Nickerson dives into how fear, love, and morality shape character decisions, why the moral gray zone drives tension, and how writers can create emotionally rich, human characters. Plus, discover a free Character Profile Checklist to deepen your own storytelling and bring your characters to life.
Tag Archives: Storytelling
Heart of Writing S2 E7 Writing Characters with Quiet Strength
Exploring characters with quiet strength—the ones who act with courage, resilience, and subtle power, shaping their worlds in ways big and small. Dive into the psychology, the storytelling, and what makes these understated heroes unforgettable.
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.
The Reader’s Contract: Suspense, Trust, and Reward
Every story begins with an unspoken promise to the reader. Learn how to create suspense, plant fair clues, and reward your audience with satisfying reveals—featuring lessons from Insomnia, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Bone Collector, Se7en, and When Time Ran Out.
Heart of Writing S2 E4 The power of Subtext
Subtext is the hidden heartbeat of a story—the thoughts, feelings, and tensions that simmer beneath the surface. In this episode, we explore how writers use what’s unsaid to create depth, suspense, and emotional power.
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.
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.
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.
We Are Wise Thinkers 