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....
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...
