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Using a Novel Journal for Writing Breakthroughs

September 5, 2017

Using a Novel Journal for Writing Breakthroughs

September 5, 2017

I was at a Bouchercon some years ago and did a panel with some other thriller authors. Before it began we were interacting with some people in the audience, and…

How to Keep a Short Story Short

August 22, 2017

How to Keep a Short Story Short

August 22, 2017

Part of constraining a short story to its simplest form is to observe the convention of its length. Edgar Allen Poe said it should aim for a single effect on…

Struggling with (and Regaining) Confidence in Your Writing

August 15, 2017

Struggling with (and Regaining) Confidence in Your Writing

August 15, 2017

Every writer’s toolbox is unique, containing the techniques, reference books, personal library, and lessons or “best practices” we’ve acquired over time. But there’s one tool that all writers need despite…

Making Characters Stuck in the Background Pop Out

August 8, 2017

Making Characters Stuck in the Background Pop Out

August 8, 2017

Maybe you have had some of the experiences I’ve had when writing a manuscript, one of which is finding yourself with a character–could be a side character, a secondary character,…

Angela Looks Back: Why We Must Invest If We Want a Writing Career

July 13, 2017

Angela Looks Back: Why We Must Invest If We Want a Writing Career

July 13, 2017

One thing I am terrible at is taking the time to glance back at this writing journey of mine. Usually, my gaze is fixed ahead on whatever is next and…

Suspense in Stories: the Big Tease

July 11, 2017

Suspense in Stories: the Big Tease

July 11, 2017

Suspense is one of the storyteller’s biggest teases. It’s a state of waiting, of growing unease in the reader. Most stories consist of raising questions and delaying the answers. Suspense…

How to Add Meaningful Subplots to Your Novel

July 5, 2017

How to Add Meaningful Subplots to Your Novel

July 5, 2017

Many people are familiar with subplots. They are those side stories that give a novel’s plot depth. A subplot may involve the main character or minor characters, but they enrich…

Keep It Fresh: 10 Ways To Show Your Character’s Emotions

June 22, 2017

Keep It Fresh: 10 Ways To Show Your Character’s Emotions

June 22, 2017

Years ago, Becca and I grumbled about how our characters always expressed emotion the same way. My big thing? Frowning. Did my characters EVER know how to frown. They were…

How to Boost Your Self-Editing Superpowers

June 20, 2017

How to Boost Your Self-Editing Superpowers

June 20, 2017

A vast number of writers are afraid of their own power. They fall prey to listening to what other people think their story should be—writing friends, Twitter pals, critique partners,…

How to Build a Realistic Story World

June 15, 2017

How to Build a Realistic Story World

June 15, 2017

As a fantasy writer, one of my absolute favorite parts of the writing process is worldbuilding. I love creating new worlds, cities, and people groups from scratch. I probably either…