5 Components of a Perfect Scene
A lot of writers sit down to write a scene with a general idea of what they want to have…
Is Your Premise Worth Your Time (or Anyone Else’s)?
Most fiction writers are clear about the inciting incident or initial disturbance that has to come near the start of…
A Late Call to Contribute to the Book “October 2020”
All month, nearly one hundred writers have been writing short pieces–prose, poetry, journal entries–that reflect their thoughts and feelings in…
How to Write When the World Has Broken Your Heart
Today’s guest post is by author Nancy Stohlman. It’s been a common theme in 2020: normally prolific writers finding themselves…
How to Launch a Book during a Pandemic
Today’s guest post is by Samuel Moore-Sobel. The coronavirus has brought much of what used to constitute daily life to…
4 Ways to Bring Out Theme in Your Story
Theme is such an important element of story, regardless of medium. Even visual arts, such as paintings or sculture, tell…
3 Ways to Counteract Self-Sabotage
Years ago I surveyed my mailing list and got back about 500 responses. My main question I posed was this:…
When You’re Not Motivated to Write
I’m reposting this post because I feel it’s so timely. Many are struggling with concentration and motivation, and maybe it’s…
Your Premise Determines Your Characters
When I think about the many novels I’ve written, I realize I don’t always start with a plot idea. Sometimes…