Category Archives: Uncategorized
There Will Be Blood
This is something I say to almost every writer: Make no mistake, there WILL be blood! No, I’m not referring to the movie. Or even to literal blood. But to the fact that if what happens in your plot doesn’t … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Nightclub Bouncer
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero
Great treat for you today–Piper Bayard (of Bayard & Holmes) is digging into what an espionage character should look like. And she should know, because her co-author, Jay Holmes…well, read on to find out! James Bond, Jason Bourne, Sydney Bristow, … Continue reading
How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?
A good book, once finished, often leaves you with that feeling of something more. I like to think of it as the book’s essence. It kind of hangs around like a ghost, occasionally prodding you with reminders of the realization … Continue reading
How To “Level Up” Your Character’s Wound
Every writer who has spent time studying the craft writing knows of the character wound, and that they are the foundation of a strong, memorable character. Why? Because they make characters complex, authentic (I challenge you to find me a … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus: Ethical Hacker
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
Critiques 4 U!
Welp, here in New York, we finally made our way to summer vacation. Also known as Becca’s Annual Transition From Working In A Quiet House To Trying To Get Stuff Done With Two Kids Underfoot. Maybe you can relate. Luckily, … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus: Wedding Planner
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Business Tycoon
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
Watch Out! Avoiding Sneaky Plot Holes
When judging a story’s quality, one of the first questions we might measure against is “Are there any plot holes?” Plot holes can cause a loud *record scratch* “Wait, what?” reaction in readers, pulling them out of a story, sometimes … Continue reading