Using Stakes and Fears to Build Story
In this week's podcast, the Writing Excuses hosts continue their conversation about the lens of who, focusing on tension in the form of a character’s...
Techniques for Pushing Your Hero Off the Grid
In a post on CrimeReads, Laura McCluskey suggests ways to believably isolate your mystery character in our increasingly connected world. "Once upon a time, you...
Conceiving the Inconceivable
In a post for Lit Hub, Karen Thompson Walker says that conceiving the inconceivable can help you unlock your imagination and create compelling characters...
Techniques for Speeding Up Narrative Time
In a new post, C.S. Lakin identifies ways writers can speed up time for their readers.
One way is through narrative tricks, like sentence fragments...
Techniques for Opening with Stakes
In an article for Writer's Digest, Bob Johnson shares five tips for revealing the stakes in your story. "Many writers strive to suggest a...
Can you Find the Telling Detail?
In an article for Writer's Digest, Marion Lougheed says telling moments in your narrative are like the garnishes in your martini - elements that add...
Should You Add That Subplot?
In a post on Writers in the Storm, Janice Hardy suggests five questions you should ask before adding that subplot. "Subplots can add depth...
How Well Do You Listen to Your Characters?
In a post on Writers in the Storm, Jenny Hansen identifies seven kinds of listening that can help you craft strong characters. The seven...
Nine Tips for Writing What You Know
In an article for Writer's Digest, Natali Simmonds shares advice for writing what you know. "Writing what you know is about writing with soul—drawing...
Good Fiction is Filled with Bad Decisions
In a post on the Killzone blog, Kay DiBianca says the best stories are full of bad decisions. "Sometimes a disaster isn’t the result of...
