Angela Ackerman

As a therapist, the section on how positive traits develop (which, in turn, applies to negative traits as well) was the most interesting and thought-provoking.

I’d also recommend that you come to this book with a character in mind—you know, the one that interrupts your sleep and begs to be written.

, I run a business where I profit from analyzing fictional characters,

With millions of books being published worldwide every year, readers have a landslide of stories to choose from.

Although eye-catching covers, professional editing, and a well-directed marketing campaign contribute to how well a title will do,

Creating realistic, never-before-seen characters who take readers on an emotional journey should be the goal of every writer,

Flaws not only humanize the story’s cast, they also give them something to overcome so they can achieve self-growth. Positive attributes are equally as important, because while human nature causes us to hone in on people’s flaws, it is a person’s strengths we admire most.

As a result, authors must learn how to hook readers quickly, and hook them hard.

Engaging the reader starts with a clever or intriguing first line and never lets up.

First and foremost, we want to thank readers of The Bookshelf Muse and Writers Helping Writers for their support, encouragement, and kind words.