Nobel Laureate Wisława Szymborska on Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Writing
For many years, Polish poet and recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Literature Wisława Szymborska dispensed anonymous writing advice in a regular column...
Why Body Horror Grips Readers (and How to Write It)
Caitlin Starling continues making the rounds to promote her book The Death of Jane Lawrence, most recently appearing in CrimeReads with an article about...
Top 10 Writing Lessons from Joan Didion
You could fill a book - or several - on what writers could learn from the brilliant Joan Didion. Sara Davidson picks her top...
Why Historical Mysteries May Require Careful Research
Writing historical fiction presents creative challenges distinct from other types of fiction. Adding genre elements - such as a mystery - can complicate your...
Your Novel’s SWAG: MacGuffins
The Maltese Falcon. The plans for the Death Star. The money in Pulp Fiction and Psycho. The Ark of the Covenant, sought by Nazis...
Caitlin Starling: Listen to Your Critique Partners but Don’t Be Afraid to Lean Into...
Sometimes, the story in your head isn't what comes out on the page. That's what makes early readers and feedback so important, as Caitlin...
Good Writing Takes Time
More than one writer has fallen victim to Second Book Syndrome" - the problem of writing a book that lives up to the expectations...
Andrew Martin on the Fine Line Between Autofiction and Autobiographical Fiction
During a conversation with Lit Hub Radio's Thresholds podcast, Jordan Kisner, author of the new essay collection Thin Places, discusses the difference between autobiographical...
Does Your Magic System Have Rules?
Everyone loves magic but not everyone understands the rules. It's easy to write about wizards who pull spells out of the air higgledy-piggledy, but...
The Secret of Creating a Strong, Passive Character
Writers are frequently advised to ensure their protagonists are active - driving the action, fighting to reach a goal, exercising their ability to choose....
