Navigating the Complex Landscape of Inner Conflict
Fiction writers (and readers!) love conflict. Conflict is story. Conflict keeps readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages,…
Crafting Unforgettable Character Arcs
Character arcs are the backbone of compelling fiction. They give readers a reason to invest in the characters, to care…
How to Be a Clever Writer
Has anyone ever told you how clever you are? No? Or maybe they said that to you but didn’t mean…
Why a Manuscript Critique Is a Critical Step for Writers
Critique. Does this word make you cringe? Perhaps it sounds too much like another word that has a negative connotation:…
Curiosity – The Writer’s Magic
Today’s guest post is by DiAnn Mills. Curiosity is the magic ingredient that keeps readers turning pages. The reader’s mind…
5 “Success” Tips for Fiction Writers
Have you ever asked: “What on earth possessed me to want to be a novelist?” Are you starting to realize…
Setting – The Versatile Tool for the Fiction Writer
Settings in fiction are often in the background—literally. Characters are talking and doing things, but readers get merely a glimpse…
The Important Role Secondary Characters Play
Every character in a fictional story needs to play a role, whether a strong antagonist standing in the way of…
How to Determine the Age of Your Target Reader
I wrote this post many years ago, but I continue to see a lot of problems with manuscripts that appear…