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The Key Components of a Compelling Character (According to Psychology)

January 23, 2019

The Key Components of a Compelling Character (According to Psychology)

January 23, 2019

We’re fascinated by our fellow humans. In fact, we have a profound desire to try and understand the thoughts and feelings bouncing around other people, the characters on TV…the hero…

Want Readers to Fall in Love With Your Hero? Create The Perfect Hero Lens

January 8, 2019

Want Readers to Fall in Love With Your Hero? Create The Perfect Hero Lens

January 8, 2019

We writers worry about all sorts of things: traits, arcs, themes, motives etc. But even when we’ve got all of those things sorted, bridging the gap between the black ink…

Context, Text, and Subtext: What They Are and How They Help Storytelling

November 13, 2018

Context, Text, and Subtext: What They Are and How They Help Storytelling

November 13, 2018

In writing tips, we talk about text a lot. But I feel like we don’t talk enough about context and subtext in this industry. Both are vital to good storytelling…

A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages

November 1, 2018

A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages

November 1, 2018

As many of you know, I run a monthly critique contest here at the blog, where I offer to read first pages and share my feedback. People are so grateful…

On The Quest for Knowledge, Writers Must Show Courage

October 4, 2018

On The Quest for Knowledge, Writers Must Show Courage

October 4, 2018

When we step onto the writing path, we know there will be a lot to learn. We see the mountain ahead and sure, it’s intimidating. But hey, we’re head over…

Crafting a “Body Language Voice”

August 14, 2018

Crafting a “Body Language Voice”

August 14, 2018

You’ve probably heard about “voice”–that elusive quality that so many editors, agents, and readers are drawn to. Years ago, I did a couple of posts about character voice, arguing that…

Writing By Design Part 4: Contrast, or Light versus Dark

August 7, 2018

Writing By Design Part 4: Contrast, or Light versus Dark

August 7, 2018

In earlier installments of this “Writing by Design” series, we’ve discussed how to use the constraints of space to lend a shape to your story, and we also looked at…

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Mr. Miyagi: Wax On, Wax Off (Karate Kid) Most writers are familiar with the saying, “You only get one chance to impress,” and there is no industry where this holds…

Dive Deep with Emotion

April 19, 2018

Don’t you just love feedback from beta-readers or your critique partners that goes something like this: “I think you feel the emotion here, but the reader? Not so much.” Or…

Quieter Protagonists: 3 Ways to Help Them Steal the Stage

March 20, 2018

Quieter Protagonists: 3 Ways to Help Them Steal the Stage

March 20, 2018

While readers love to see larger-than-life characters with passion, take-charge attitudes, and heaps of boldness and daring, not every protagonist wears an extrovert skin. In fact, looking at real-life demographics…