Author: weszvanderheide
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Toxic Masculinity And Its Consequences In Fiction
(Photo by Afta Putta Gunawan) Unpacking Toxic Masculinity in How to Understand Him: How It Shapes Characters and Relationships Toxic masculinity—a set of cultural expectations that pressures men to conform to rigid notions of dominance, emotional suppression, and traditional gender roles—is a central theme in How to Understand Him. In this post, we’ll be exploring…
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How to Build Characters with Complex Emotional Arcs
Creating characters with deep, complex emotional arcs is one of the most rewarding parts of storytelling. It’s what makes characters feel real, like people we know (or even parts of ourselves). A strong emotional journey draws readers in, makes them feel something, and keeps them invested. So, how do you build characters with emotional depth…
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How Characters Like Aron Can Empower Queer People
Aron’s Boldness and What It Represents in LGBTQ+ Stories In How to Understand Him, Aron is unapologetically himself. He’s vibrant, fearless, and refuses to shrink himself to fit into anyone’s expectations. But his boldness isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a statement. Aron represents resilience, self-love, and the courage to defy restrictive norms. He’s the kind…
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5 Powerful Books on Mental Health That Saved My Life and Transformed My Writing
As a writer and a counsellor, I’m always seeking books that deepen my understanding of the human psyche and inspire my storytelling. Over the years, certain books about mental health have profoundly shaped my personal journey and influenced the characters and themes in my work. These 5 powerful books not only changed my life but…
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How to Recognise and Overcome Manipulation
What Duncan Teaches Us About Navigating Manipulation In How to Understand Him, Duncan finds himself torn between two very different relationships: one with Tristan, a controlling and emotionally manipulative older man, and the other with Aron, a lively co-worker who encourages him to embrace his true self. Duncan’s journey highlights how manipulation works, how it…
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Understanding Internalised Homophobia: Its Impact and How to Heal
Internalised Homophobia: A Silent Struggle Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: internalised homophobia. It’s sneaky, it’s persistent, and it can be one of the toughest battles an LGBTQ+ person faces. At its core, internalised homophobia is when we absorb society’s prejudices and turn them inward, leading to feelings of…
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Why Writing Vulnerability is the Key to Authentic Storytelling
The Emotional Impact of Writing About Vulnerability Vulnerability is at the heart of powerful storytelling. When we write about our characters’ deepest fears, joys, and insecurities, we open a window to their humanity. We create something real. Something that resonates. But writing about vulnerability isn’t just about the characters; it’s about us as writers, too.…
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The Life-Changing Impact of LGBTQ+ Fiction: Representation and Hope
How LGBTQ+ Fiction Transforms Lives: Representation, Empathy, and Empowerment LGBTQ+ fiction has the power to change lives. By offering representation, fostering empathy, and challenging societal norms, these stories play a pivotal role in shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us. As both a writer and a reader of queer fiction, I’ve witnessed…
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How Writing Fanfiction Made Me a Better Writer
How Writing Fanfiction Laid the Foundation for My Creative Journey Let’s talk about fanfiction. Some people look down on it, but honestly? It was the foundation of my writing journey. Even though I still get a little embarrassed thinking about my old fics (and yes, if you’re tech-savvy, you might just find my old username),…
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Discovering Your Authentic Writer Identity: Tips for Finding Your Unique Voice
How to Find Your Identity as a Writer Figuring out who you are as a writer is one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. In this post, I want to share how I found my own voice and give you some tips to help you do the same. Embracing my true…