Writing Better Stories

Tricks of the Psychological Trade

Characterization and Conflict: Using Psychological Tests to Improve Your Writing

Increasing Your Creativity

The Spark: Scientist David Perkins believes that creativity can be fostered, if not taught, by increasing the use of six psychological traits.

Using Archetypes in Your Stories

A Primer on Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious

Writing Better Romantic Relationships

This series looks at the Anima/Animus archetype, which is most often seen in romantic relationships, and how to use it to create more compelling romantic relationships, regardless of genre. Looks at what the anima and animus are, how they're formed, and why fiction writers need to understand them. There's also some and what makes love grow - and how happily ever afters really work.

Creating Riveting Romances: The Anima/Animus Archetype Defined

Writing Romance: Three Influences on the Anima/Animus Archetype

The Perfect Hero and the Perfect Heroine: Dark and Light Sides of the Anima & Animus

What Does it Really Take to Live Happily Ever After? - A look at the psychological research on what makes or breaks romantic relationships.

Creating Better Antagonists

Three-Dimensional Villains: Finding Your Character’s Shadow - Using Jungian archetypes and hands-on exercises, this article teaches fiction writers to tap their own dark sides to create realistic villains who will really challenge the hero/es and keep tension high.

The Other in Fiction: Creating Wonderfully Wicked Villains - The kinds of villains that keep us riveted to a story tap the darkest aspects of the human heart; learn about what those aspects are and how to use them in your fiction.