Gift Ideas for Writers
The bestselling Emotion Thesaurus, often hailed as “the gold standard for writers” . Credited with transforming how writers craft emotion
Becca Puglisi (Author),
Angela Ackerman (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 3,840 ratings
One of the biggest struggles for writers is how to convey emotion to readers in a unique and compelling way. When showing our characters’ feelings, we often use the first idea that comes to mind, and they end up smiling, nodding, and frowning too much.
The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Attributes (Writers Helping Writers Series Book 3
Becca Puglisi (Author),
Angela Ackerman (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars - 1,544 ratings
To forge realistic characters, we must hobble them with flaws that set them back while giving them positive attributes to help them achieve their goals. So how do writers choose the right blend of strengths for their characters—attributes that will render them admirable and worth rooting for.
The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws
Becca Puglisi (Author),
Angela Ackerman (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars - 1,819 ratings
Crafting likeable, interesting characters is a balancing act, and finding that perfect mix of strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. Not only does a well-drawn protagonist need positive attributes to help him succeed, but he must also have flaws that humanize him and give him something to overcome.
The same is true of villains and the rest of the story’s supporting cast. So how can writers figure out which flaws best fit their characters? Which negative traits will create personality clashes and conflict while making success difficult?
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Psychological Trauma
Becca Puglisi (Author),
Angela Ackerman (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars - 2,112 ratings
Readers connect to characters with depth who have experienced life’s ups and downs. To deliver key players that are both realistic and compelling, writers must know them intimately—not only who they are in the present story, but also what made them that way.
None of the formative experiences in a character’s past are more destructive than emotional wounds. The aftershocks of trauma can change who they are, alter what they believe, and sabotage their ability to achieve meaningful goals, all of which will affect the trajectory of your story.
The Psychology Workbook for Writers: Tools for Creating Realistic Characters and Conflict in Fiction
by Darian Smith (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars - 724 ratings
Writers know that their characters and stories should be multi-layered and believable. This simple workbook uses the same knowledge that gives therapists insight into human behaviour to create fiction that hits the mark.
Each chapter outlines an aspect of psychological theory as it can be used for writing and provides two worksheets to translate it into action – one to develop characters, one to develop the story. Darian Smith is a prize-winning fiction writer with a degree in psychology, and a Diploma of Counselling, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.
Romancing the Beat: Story Structure for Romance Novels
by Gwen Hayes
What makes a romance novel a romance? How do you write a kissing book? Writing a well-structured romance isn’t the same as writing any other genre—something the popular novel and screenwriting guides don’t address. The romance arc comprises its story beats, and the external plot and theme need to be braided to the romance arc—not the other way around. Told in conversational (often irreverent) prose, Romancing the Beat can be read like you are sitting down to coffee with romance editor and author Gwen Hayes while she explains story structure.
The beats don’t care if you plot or outline before you write, or if you pants your way through the drafts and do a “beat check” when you’re revising. Pantsers and plotters are both welcome.
How to Write a Cozy Mystery: Step by Step: A Proven System to Create Reader-Favorite Cozies
by Natasha C. Sass (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars - 70 ratings
Natasha C. Sass takes the mystery out of the writing process, using proven methods developed in her Cozy Novel and Novella workshops.
This book will walk you step-by-step through writing a cozy mystery, including developing your sleuth, building a cast of supporting characters and identifying a solid suspect list that will keep your readers guessing until the very end.
There’s no guesswork for you, the writer. Inside you’ll discover a solid four-act structure and how it applies to cozies. Natasha breaks down the story into chapters and scenes that will keep the pace and tension high enough to keep readers turning the page.
The Screenwriter's Workbook: Exercises and Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Successful Screenplay
by Syd Field (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars - 717
Syd Field's timeless manual on visual storytelling is your own, hands-on master class with the man The Hollywood Reporter called "the most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world." Field was the first person to dissect thousands of films and scripts to find the essential narrative structure and shared functional elements underlying screenwriting success.
Chock full of easy-to-follow exercises and step-by-step instructions honed by Field in packed seminars across the globe, The Screenwriter's Workbook guides you through the common processes utilised by beginners and working professionals alike when crafting emotionally satisfying scripts for film, television, streaming... and beyond.
Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition: The Art of Crafting Funny Love Stories for the Screen
4.7 out of 5 stars - 166 ratings
Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from “meet cute” all the way to “joyous defeat.”
You’ll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that get sparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more.
How to Publish a Book on Amazon in 2024: Real Advice from Someone Who’s Doing it Well
4.3 out of 5 stars - 483 ratings
You could spend $1,000 on a publishing course. OR you could read this book and get everything you need.
If you’ve been dreaming of publishing a book, but don’t know where to start—or if you’ve already published but can’t find success—this may be the book you’ve been waiting for.
Why not take the first step toward your publishing career and download it right now? I promise you won’t find any fluff or useless information in it. Just an actionable guide that answers the questions no one else will.
Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice
4.7 out of 5 stars - 577 ratings
Writing great song lyrics requires practice and discipline. Songwriting Without Boundaries will help you commit to routine practice through fun writing exercises. This unique collection of more than 150 sense-bound prompts helps you to develop the skills you need to:
• tap into your senses and inject your writing with vivid details
• effectively use metaphor and comparative language
• add rhythm to your writing and manage phrasing