BLOGS
Fostering Literary Adventures: Good Book Ideas Fiction Writers Pursue
As artists, we're always searching for inspiration to fuel our next creative projects. Whether brainstorming short stories or plotting a novel, it's important to explore diverse themes, settings, and characters that captivate the imagination. Here are some good book...
Spark Your Imagination: Fictional Story Ideas to Inspire Your Writing
As writers, we rely on our imagination to transport readers to other worlds through intriguing characters, compelling plots, and vivid settings. However, inspiration doesn't always strike when we need it most. That's where fictional story ideas come in - they can...
Igniting Creativity: Fictional Writing Ideas for Your Next Project
As writers, we know the struggle is real when it comes to getting inspired for our next creative project. Those blank pages can seem daunting, and it's easy to get stuck in a rut. But fear not - creativity doesn't have to be hard. There are plenty of prompts,...
Unveiling Genres of Prose: A Guide to Different Styles of Writing
Whether you're just starting out or refining your craft, deciding on a genre for your prose can seem daunting. With so many options, from literary fiction to young adult, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. However, focusing your work on a particular...
From Heroes to Villains: 10 Intriguing Character Actions Examples in Literature
Character actions are among the most powerful storytelling tools a writer can use. A character’s choices, behaviors, and reactions can completely alter readers’ perceptions and drive compelling narratives in unexpected directions. Some of the most memorable figures in...
Crafting Compelling Characters: Understanding What Makes a Good Character in Writing
As authors, one of our most important jobs is bringing characters to life on the page. Characters are what make stories resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. But crafting characters that feel three-dimensional and true to life is no easy feat. It takes an...
Decoding Character Actions: A Dive into Literary Behavior
What motivates the creatures of fiction to act in certain ways? Though imaginary, characters' behaviors carry real emotional impacts. By delving deeper into the motivations behind actions, readers gain insight into what it means to be human. Let's examine some...
Exploring the Divide: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Books
Whether you prefer immersing yourself in fantastical stories or learning about real events and people, books offer a wealth of entertainment and knowledge. However, fiction and non-fiction books aren't always as different as they seem. In this article, we'll explore...
Communication Breakdown: Strategies for Overcoming Unresolved Issues in Love
We've all experienced heartbreaks throughout our journeys in relationships. While painful at the time, lingering emotional wounds can impede the forming of healthy bonds if unaddressed. Many hold onto anger, trust problems or unrealistic expectations due to unresolved...
Resilience Amidst Adversity: Coping with the Strains of a Broken Family
Growing up, our families are meant to be places of unconditional love, comfort, and security. However, for some children, their home lives are rocked by divorce, estrangement, addiction, mental illness or other dysfunctions that split apart the unit meant to nurture...
Breaking the Chains: Healing from the Impact of Toxic Parenting
Growing up, all children experience formative moments that shape who they become as adults. For some, these developmental years are filled with caregivers' love, guidance, and support—providing a stable foundation for healthily navigating life's challenges....
Heartfelt Harmony: Tips for Rekindling Hope and Connection After Relationship Struggles
It's normal to feel discouraged after a breakup or period of unrest. However, remember that you have overcome tough challenges and become stronger each time. Reflect on qualities like compassion, humor, and drive that will see you through hardship again. Maintaining...
The Art of Moving On: Embracing New Beginnings in Search of a Companion
Ending an unhealthy attachment allows us to rediscover our independence, self-worth and zest for life again. However, moving on fully and opening our hearts to new connections is not always easy. In this post, we will discuss letting go of the past, recovering...
The Ripple Effect: How Alcoholism Impacts Individuals and Their Loved Ones
Alcohol is ingrained in many social and cultural customs worldwide. For most, drinking in moderation does not pose serious problems. However, for some individuals, alcohol dependency develops into a paralyzing addiction with wide-reaching consequences. This blog will...
From Hurt to Healing: Strategies for Coping with the Aftermath of Emotional Abuse
Every day, countless people endure the invisible wounds of emotional abuse, having their confidence and self-worth chipped away bit by bit over time. While the scars of such prolonged trauma cannot be erased overnight, with compassion and determination, even the...
Hidden Scars: Exploring the Impact of Emotional Abuse on Mental Health
Emotional abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to control, humiliate, and manipulate the victim. It includes acts like constant criticism, gaslighting, threats, and the withholding of affection. Unlike physical abuse, which leaves visible marks, emotional abuse...
Page-Turning Suspense: A Dive into the Best Mystery Thriller Novels of All Time
The mystery thriller genre has long captivated readers worldwide with page-turning tales of suspense, intrigue and surprise endings. Since Edgar Allan Poe set the template with lurid stories of murder and deduction in the 19th century, mystery masters have pushed the...
Characters that Resonate: Building Believable and Memorable Protagonists
Every great story contains one enduring element: the protagonist. While the circumstances, settings and supporting characters may shift endlessly, a story lives or dies on how deeply readers connect with the central figure leading the narrative charge. Crafting a...
Crafting the Perfect Plot: A Comprehensive Guide to Story Development
A story begins with a single thought - an elusive wisp of an idea that, with nurturing, grows into something far more significant. But how does one cultivate literary magic from that first uncertain spark? For any writer, the path from initial inspiration to finished...
Navigating Two Worlds: Growing Up with Separated Parents
No child expects to experience their parents separating or divorcing. For many kids, the romanticized notion of growing up within a stable, happy family ends abruptly when mom and dad call it quits. Up until then, the family dynamic had always consisted of cozy...
The Power of Love in Dark Times: How Connections Between People Can Brighten Even the Darkest Of Days
When life hands you difficult situations, you often feel alone and hopeless. However, our connections with others can brighten even our darkest days. Through love and community, we find the strength to face any challenge, especially in times of loss, illness, fear or...
The Fiction Writer’s Toolkit: Techniques for Crafting Engaging Narratives
As a fiction writer, your most valuable tool is the ability to craft compelling narratives that transport readers to new worlds. A well-told story can educate, inspire, and bring people together. While story ideas may come in flashes of inspiration, the narrative arc...
The Magic of Dialogue: Crafting Authentic Conversations in Fictional Writing
Conversations make up the backbone of any fictional story. They advance character development and plot progression and help immerse readers in the world you've created. However, crafting authentic dialogue that sounds natural yet meaningful is challenging for any...
In the Writer’s Workshop: Tips and Tricks for Polishing Your Fictional Prose
Mastering the art of polished prose is a lifelong pursuit for any fiction writer. While putting pen to paper and bringing initial story ideas to life is exciting, the true challenge lies in refining raw talent into a finessed final product. More revisions and editing...
7 Interesting Books to Put on Your Christmas Wishlist
The holiday season is upon us, and as the festive spirit fills the air, what better way to celebrate than by diving into the enchanting worlds that books offer? Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking to embark on a literary adventure, here's a curated list...
Healing Hearts: A Guide to Addressing Abandonment Issues in Relationships – Charles Dennis’ Approach
Many of us carry some level of abandonment issues from past relationships or childhood experiences that can negatively impact our current partnerships if left unaddressed. Feelings of fear, anxiety, distrust, and the constant worry that our partner will leave often...
Journey Back in Time: Why Reconnecting With Your Past Matters
Ever caught yourself drifting into the realms of nostalgia, wondering about the "good old days" or the moments that shaped who you are today? Well, you're not alone. Revisiting your past can offer new insights, closure on old wounds, and a sense of grounded identity....
The Art of Suspense: Exploring the Allure of Cliffhanger Endings
Have you ever found yourself at the end of a book chapter, an episode, or a movie, desperately wanting to know what happens next? That feeling is the magic of a well-crafted cliffhanger. But why are cliffhangers so compelling? What makes us keep coming back for more,...
Family Dysfunction Unveiled: Exploring Riveting Novels That Dive Into Turbulent Relationships
Family dynamics, with all their intricacies and complexities, have been a rich source of inspiration for storytellers throughout history. Novels that delve into the heart of family dysfunction offer readers a voyeuristic glimpse into the tangled web of relationships,...
Laughter, Tears, and Broadway Dreams: A Journey Through ‘Balm of Angels’
Presenting the Wordsmith For over 50 years, Charles Dennis has captivated readers with his vivid imagination and masterful storytelling. Whether crafting intricate spies or following colorful theatrical characters, Dennis has a gift for drawing the audience into his...
The Blank Page Dilemma: A Writer’s Guide to Busting Through Creative Stagnation
All writers hit dry spells. Those periods when the well of inspiration runs dry and getting words on the page feels like the most challenging task in the world. It's discouraging to feel creatively stuck, but it's also a shared experience, even for accomplished...
Breaking Down the Bookshelf: Understanding the Many Faces of Genres
If you've ever wandered through the aisles of a bookstore or scrolled through an online library, you're likely familiar with the diverse landscape of literary genres. From the heart-pounding suspense of a thriller to the whimsical world-building of fantasy, genres...
What Is Rising Action in a Story? 7 Storytelling Tips from the Top-Rated Author
What is rising action in a story? Picture this: a tale gradually building in intensity, drawing you closer to its core, and leaving you on the edge of your seat, eager for what’s to come. This pivotal element is the rising action, a crucial ingredient in crafting...
9 Best Books for People Who Don’t Like to Read
Are you someone who hasn't quite caught the reading bug yet? Or maybe you used to love it but lost touch along the way? Fear not! Whether you're diving into the world of books for the first time or reigniting an old flame, there's a treasure trove waiting for you....
What Is Passion in a Relationship: Writing Tips From Charles Dennis
What Is Passion in a Relationship? Is It Fiery or Subtle? Is It the Same as Love? Romantic relationships are the cornerstone of many best-selling novels, regardless of their primary genre. Portraying human connection correctly can be a hit or miss, as can deciding the...
Thematic Writing: Why Charles Dennis’ Latest Book Is Called Balm of Angels
The title of Charles Dennis' newest novel, "Balm of Angels," holds profound significance for understanding the story's themes and characters. A "balm" soothes or heals, while angels are often associated with blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. So, the title hints that...
8 Must-Read Books About Family Secrets
No family is perfect. Behind even the most ordinarily idyllic facade often lies secrets, mysterious untold stories that shape relationships and lives in ways never fully revealed. These masked realities have inspired many gripping works of fiction delving into the...
5 Books About Dysfunctional Families: A Reading List
Books can uniquely help us see into worlds and experiences different from our own. For those who did not grow up in a dysfunctional family environment, specific works of fiction provide a window into comprehending the complex dynamics, pain, and trauma that can...
Incorporating Elements of Love, Betrayal, and Abandonment in Crafting a Dynamic Story
When stirring up intense emotions and interpersonal conflict in our stories, few themes are more potent than love and betrayal. Examining relationships tested by unfaithfulness or deceit can create angst and catharsis while teaching profound lessons. If handled...
Understanding Human Psychology to Craft Compelling Characters
So, you want to create characters that readers will remember long after finishing your story. To make your characters come alive on the page, it helps to have a basic understanding of human psychology. What makes people tick? What motivates their actions and...