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Colleen McCracken

Fantasy & Sci-fi Author

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Writing Tips

Character design, and how to make it up as you go

colleenmccrackenJune 24, 2024June 10, 2024

Recently I did a post on my method of doing character profiles, and it was… kind of a lot. Or

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Writing Tips

How to write a character profile that actually helps

colleenmccrackenJune 10, 2024June 10, 2024

Well, hey there – it’s been a while! Due to life circumstances, I just took an extended and entirely unplanned

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Writing Tips

How to start writing for the very first time

colleenmccrackenNovember 1, 2023May 18, 2025

I realized recently that most of the advice on this blog is geared towards people who’ve been writing for a

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Writing Tips

How to prepare for revising a novel

colleenmccrackenJuly 3, 2023May 18, 2025

It’s July, which means it’s time for Camp Nanowrimo! This month I’m attempting to add at least 30,000 words to

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Writing Tips

Goal setting for people who hate goals

colleenmccrackenJanuary 1, 2023October 11, 2023

Happy new year! And happy New Year’s resolution season to those who celebrate. I, for one, do not. But this

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Warmup Wednesday

Warmup Wednesday: Get ready for the Now What? Months!

colleenmccrackenNovember 30, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Warmup Wednesday

Warmup Wednesday: the Wikipedia method of worldbuilding

colleenmccrackenNovember 23, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Story Structure Sunday

Story Structure Sunday: How to write the climax of a novel

colleenmccrackenNovember 20, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Warmup Wednesday

Warmup Wednesday: Let’s fix your dialogue

colleenmccrackenNovember 2, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Writing Tips

Nanowrimo advice that will actually help you win

colleenmccrackenOctober 31, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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About Me

Hi, I'm Helen! I write fantasy and sci-fi under the pen name Colleen McCracken. I'm a bookworm and literary analysis junkie from the Pacific Northwest heading down the road toward publication, and sharing advice, analysis, and updates along the way. My debut fantasy novel, Hunter of Seals, comes out October 28th, 2025!

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Recent Posts

  • Hunter of Seals is AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER!
  • Big HUNTER OF SEALS Update: Cover reveal, release date, & ARC signups are live!
  • So you need to pick an editor… now what?
  • So you got some feedback… now what?
  • The magic and terror of sharing your writing

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