Five Ways You Can Explore Your MC’s Inner Conflicts
Conflict drives every good story, but how can a writer create conflict when there is no clear villain in the narrative or when your...
In Praise of Unlikeable Characters
In an essay for CrimeReads, John Copenhaver writes in praise of unlikeable characters.
"As a writer and enthusiastic consumer of unlikable characters, I’m often puzzled...
You’re Not the Worst and Who Cares If You Are?
In an excerpt from her book Maybe This Will Help: How to Feel Better When Things Stay the Same, Michelle Rial reminds us that...
Gwenda Bond: Don’t Hesitate to Write Your Passions
In a guest post on Chuck Wendig's blog, Gwenda Bond shares a few things she learned while writing her latest book Not Your Average Hot...
Your Theme is Your Message
Many writers struggle to demonstrate it, some have trouble identifying one, and a few proudly disdain the very concept: Theme.
While studying literary themes in...
Pace Your Mystery, Sustain Tension
Every story requires the writer to pay attention to pacing, but none more than the mystery novel. Your literary novel might get away with...
How to Create Multi-Layered Characters
In a guest post on C.S. Lakin's blog, Nina Schuyler examines a recent short story by ZZ Packer to show how to create nuanced...
The Best Characters are Problematic
One of the key tenets of fiction is that your characters must be well-rounded. Your protagonists must have strengths and flaws. Your villains should...
Let Your Story Tell You What It’s About
Many writers don't fret about theme. They might have a basic idea about moral, but rarely delve into the meatier element of theme, preferring...
Tie Setting to Character to Create an Immersive Experience
In a new post, Mary Carroll Moore offers advice for creating settings that allow your readers to get lost in your story world. "I...
