How to Write Believable Relationships that Make Readers Care
Readers don’t care about relationships just because you tell them two characters are close. They care because of what they…
What’s the Worst That Can Happen? Taking Bigger Creative Risks
Fear of failure keeps a lot of writers inside the story they first imagined. Asking “what’s the worst that can…
Freedom and Focus: How Authors Can Balance Imagination and Structure
Too much structure stifles ideas, and too little leaves them adrift. This article shows authors how to balance freedom and…
What to Say When You Have Nothing Nice to Say
For writers, sharing an opinion about another person’s finished or published work can be complicated—especially when your reaction is negative.…
Take Yourself Seriously—and Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Authors are so good—and so bad!—at taking ourselves seriously. On the one hand, we are Making Art, that noblest of…
The “Smart Dog” Fallacy: Why You Don’t Need to Master Every Part of Writing
Writing isn’t one skill. It’s a collection of skills—character, dialogue, description, structure, pacing, voice, plot, point of view, tension, scene-setting,…
Add Meaning and Impact to Your Stories with Stealth Context
Good storytelling gives readers the context they need without making them stop to process an explanation. Learn how to weave…
On Grapes and Raisins and Wine
It’s so easy to get hung up on the sorrows and struggles and frustrations and failures of a creative career:…
Breaking Up with Your Story
Not every story is meant to be finished. Learn how writers can recognize when a difficult draft simply needs more…
Before You DNF: The Case for Finishing a Book That Doesn’t Immediately Grab You
Should writers finish books they don’t immediately love? Here’s why reading past the urge to DNF can make you a…
Arguing with AI—Beware of Seduction and Lies
How reliable is AI for research and writing, and how can writers avoid misinformation from AI when it can be…
How to Create a Writing Community (and Why You Must)
Building a writing community can help writers overcome isolation, stay accountable, improve their craft, find feedback, and create meaningful professional…