Why Do We Choose the Jobs We Have?
Most people work, with a business or at home. Even most of the idle rich do something with their day. While our stories might...
Navigating a Story Within a Story
In their latest podcast, the Writing Excuses hosts discuss the "story within a story" approach to structure, with guest Peng Shepherd.
Are Your Supporting Actors Oscar-Worthy?
In another recent article on secondary characters, Writer Unboxed's Barbara Lyn Probst offers advice on giving your supporting characters a purpose and arc of...
Does Your Flashback Jerk Your Reader Out of the Story?
In a guest post on Jane Friedman's blog, Tiffany Yates Martin offers advice for weaving flashbacks into your story without breaking your narrative.
"Authors often...
Your Characters Ring True, but Do Their Relationships?
In an article for Writer's Digest, Kris Spisak offers tips for making your characters' relationships zing. "Sure, your characters exist next to each other...
Using Diaries and News Articles to Liven Up Your Prose? Don’t...
Many writers like to play with narrative form. Rather than rely on straight prose, they use diary entries, letters, text messages, or phone messages...
Historical Fiction Needs Equal Parts Fact and Fiction
Writing historical fiction requires you to strike the right balance between fact and fiction. In an article on Writer's Digest, Angela Petch offers her...
Structural Tools for Telling a Story Out of Order
In their latest podcast, the Writing Excuses hosts are joined by Peng Shepherd, who continues to lead their exploration of sub- and micro-structures. They...
What Makes a Great Opening Line?
In a lengthy article for Lit Hub, Allegra Hyde examines some great opening lines to find out what makes them work. "A great first...
Outside the Funny Pages, Kids Don’t Talk Like Adults
In a guest post on Jane Friedman's blog, Jessi Rita Hoffman offers advice for writing dialogue for children. Pro tip: they don't sound like...
