Eldred "Bob" Bird shares his thoughts on motivating characters by using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a vehicle for change.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow developed a theory about what each human needs. The hierarchy, shown below as a five-tier pyramid, attempts to explain the connection between our basic human needs and our motivation. But we are writers. Our needs might differ a bit from the average human. We are mighty beings formed of stubbornness, creativity and […]

Christina Delay I recently watched a talk about the drive to survive; how every organism (including us) on the planet has this most basic force driving all decision-making. It is always on the lookout for danger AND always assessing how to meet its most basic needs—food, shelter, procreation, etc. Applied to our writing, that explains […]

by Laura Drake Some of my best ideas come to me while I’m riding my bicycle.  I had an epiphany during a gorgeous Southern California ride yesterday.  Several pieces fell in place at once; a major “Aha” moment. I love it when that happens! Piece 1: For anyone who is not familiar with Maslow, here’s […]