Using the Past as Historical Backdrop for Your Novel
In a post on Writer Unboxed, Donald Maass discusses the difference between the past and a character's back story.
"Back story is events, usually adverse, that...
Amor Towles: Historical Fiction Needs Backdrop, Not Hyper-Realism
In an interview with Lit Hub, writer Amor Towles discusses his process for creating realistic historical settings in his novels.
Towles approaches his settings as...
Characters Need Work? Look Them in the Eye
In a post on the Killzone blog, James Scott Bell says describing a character's eyes can reveal a lot about your viewpoint character and...
Which Character is “Too Many”?
"Too many characters" is a critique writers often hear about their work. A large cast can make it harder for readers to keep track...
When It’s Ok to Tell
Here's a refreshing article - suggestions for breaking the biggest writing rule of all: Show don't tell. In a post on Writers Helping Writers,...
Approach Your Characters as an Actor
In a post on Writers Write, Elaine Dodge says writers can pick up some creative tips about character from actors.
The key is the subtext...
Tips for Developing Your Story’s Unique Voice
According to no less an authority than the New York Times, the writer's voice "is the way his or her personality comes through on...
Memoir Advice That Can Help with Prose
Bad Redhead Media shares some writing exercises that can help you with your memoir, and with other creative projects. Plumbing your past for your...
How to Craft an Act III Surprise with the Act I...
In their latest podcast, the Writing Excuses hosts discuss how you can make something inevitable still feel surprising for the reader.
Kishōtenketsu: An Alternative to Conflict and Hero’s Journey
We hear a lot about the Hero's Journey in fiction - and we've shared a number of articles examples the concept and each step...
