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…
When Writing Feedback Feels Personal
Receiving tough feedback on your story can sting, but if the editorial insights are good, sometimes the hardest feedback to…
Does Your Character Really Want What They Think They Want?
A character’s stated goal isn’t always what truly drives them. False wants and hidden or unconscious desires can shape richer…
Be Honest with Yourself: Auditing Your Writing Habits
Most writers already know, on some level, why they aren’t making the progress they want. Maybe too much time is…
Reframe your relationship with the publishing industry
Publishing success starts long before your book reaches readers—it begins with your author mindset. Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or…
Story Transitions and Connective Tissue: Techniques for Creating Seamless Narrative Flow
Seamless narrative flow comes from more than strong scenes—it depends on the connective tissue between them. Effective transitions show how…
You Don’t Need Permission to Invest in Your Writing
Writers often feel pressure to justify spending money, time, or energy on their craft unless it promises a financial return.…