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Mastering Turning Points in Relationship Plots

February 6, 2024

Mastering Turning Points in Relationship Plots

February 6, 2024

A turning point (also known as a “plot turn” or “plot point”) changes the direction of the story, through an action or a revelation. The protagonist was going one direction,…

Turn Your Readers into Detectives

January 16, 2024

Turn Your Readers into Detectives

January 16, 2024

Imagine inviting us into your protagonist’s house or whatever you deem to be their most sacred physical space. But while we’re so excited to meet your protagonist, they’re not actually…

Failure in Fiction

January 9, 2024

Writers need to have a sadistic streak to inflict pain—emotional or physical—on our beloved characters repeatedly, but failure is important in fiction. Without it, the story drags. Why to Include…

Scene Mastery: Navigating Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls

December 21, 2023

Scene Mastery: Navigating Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls

December 21, 2023

Goal-driven scenes are akin to the classic joke setup, “A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar …” A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar. The scene…

Five Top Tips To Smash Your Writing Goals

December 19, 2023

Five Top Tips To Smash Your Writing Goals

December 19, 2023

The start of a new year is a great time to put plans in place to ensure a terrific writing year. So to help you get your writing in this…

Strong Character Relationships: From Friendships to Romance

December 12, 2023

Strong Character Relationships: From Friendships to Romance

December 12, 2023

As a romance author, I’ve learned how to portray deep romantic relationships between my characters, focusing on techniques to make the relationship believable, healthy, and something readers will root for.…

Is Your Writing Ready for Readers?

November 30, 2023

Is Your Writing Ready for Readers?

November 30, 2023

Why it’s hard to judge your own writing Writing is a unique profession because people find their way to it from so many different careers. Sure, there are those who…

Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines

November 28, 2023

Five Elements of Relationship Plotlines

November 28, 2023

Whether you are writing romance, adventure, fantasy, or mystery, nearly every well-told story has a relationship plotline. Unfortunately, though, entertaining banter or fiery arguments alone aren’t enough to sustain that…

Finding Your Voice as a Writer

November 21, 2023

Finding Your Voice as a Writer

November 21, 2023

When I first started writing fiction, I desperately wanted to be Margaret Atwood. I read several of her novels and, consciously or not (probably consciously), my writing voice started…