Hero’s Journey or Save the Cat? (How About Neither?)
In the first of an 8-part series, the Writing Excuses hosts take a fresh look at story structure. During this episode, they discuss story...
At Some Point, You Have to Choose
In a post on the Stage 32 blog, Evelyne Gauthier offers advice on getting started writing even when you don't feel like it. We've...
Be Your Villain’s Best Friend
The only thing greater than a reader's love for a good villain is a writer's love for creating one. In a post on CrimeReads,...
Don’t be too Nice to Torture Your Heroes
In a guest post on Chuck Wendig's blog, writer Delilah Dawson suggests ways to ratchet up the tension in your novel by making your...
Breaking the Rules of Story Openings
Writers are told that the success of their story depends on hooking their reader in the first few pagers. But is that true in...
When Characters Chase the White Whale: Tips for Writing Obsession
Whether it involves a passionate romance gone dangerously awry or a one-legged ship captain hunting a white whale, obsession is a mainstay of powerful...
Portraying Women in Historical Fiction – part 3
In the third part of her series on creating women characters in historical fiction, MK Tod discusses the final elements in her list: plot,...
Can Your Characters Pass the Test for Sentience?
A common method for building character is the tried and true interview technique. You sit down with a list of 20 or 40 or...
The First Million Words are Practice
In a guest post on Chuck Wendig's blog, Richard Swan shares a few lessons he learned writing his novel, The Justice of Kings.
The...
Everyone Has to Eat
Showing your characters eating is something most writing advice tells you to skip. Like showering, bathroom needs, and driving to work, it's something readers...
