The Rights and Wrongs of Backstory
In an article for Writer's Digest, Jenna Kernan suggests six ways to reveal backstory and six ways to avoid.
Don't put too much backstory...
It’s Ok to Throw Out Your First Draft
We've all been there: that moment where we're ready to toss a manuscript in the garbage. Most of the time, we overcome our momentary...
Another Way to Consider Setting
In a post on DIY MFA, Catherine Drake says that your setting can help define your character's identity and illuminate their goals.
"Simply put: the emotions...
Give Your Characters an Authentic Ache
In a new post on Writers Helping Writers, Angela Ackerman says there's one key element to creating reader connections with your characters. "Some characters...
10 Questions for an Airtight Plot
Do you struggle with plot? This editor does. In an article for Writer's Digest, writers Boyd Morrison and Beth Morrison share 10 questions that...
Yes, You Need Both Plot and Story
In a guest post on Jane Friedman's blog, Heather Davis says that writers often focus on plot points to the detriment of story. "In the...
Can Discovery Replace Conflict at the Heart of Your Story?
While stories need conflict, writers don't have to rely on adversarial relationships to make their stories work. In a post on the SFWA blog,...
When Your Gut Tries to Tell You Something, Listen
In a post on Nail Your Novel, Roz Morris urges writers to do a better job listening to their writing. "When we’re learning something – anything...
How Do You Fight When You Can’t…Fight?
In another in her series of articles for Writer's Digest, Carla Hoch talks about writing fight scenes when your characters aren't trained to fight.
Some...
Your Ideas About Writing are Less Important than Your Characters’
In an essay for Lit Hub, Colin Barrett says big ideas about the meaning of writing and art are less important than getting to...
