Every writer has their own process when it comes time to put pen to paper. While your approach is unique, it can be helpful to study the writing processes of writers similar to you. This will help you discover new tools and tricks to enhance your writing. Understanding the difference between the two main categories…
One of the most critical elements in fiction writing is dialogue. Realistic dialogue brings characters to life, adds depth to the story, and engages readers. Crafting dialogue that sounds natural can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can master this essential skill. Crafting Realistic Dialogue: My Top Tips Here are some actionable tips…
If you’re a writer who wants to publish their work, you’re going to face a lot of rejection. Whether you’re pitching your novel to agents or submitting short stories to magazines, there will inevitably be editors and publishers who turn you down. I started submitting my novel to agents and small presses in April of…
Whether you’re crafting a thriller or just want to keep readers on the edge of their seats, incorporating a bit of suspense into your writing can go a long way. After all, nothing drags readers in quite like a strong emotional reaction, and the anxiety that suspense creates certainly qualifies! If you’re struggling to produce…
Interviews are useful in a variety of types of writing, especially journalism and creative nonfiction. Whether you want your brother’s take on an important piece of family lore for your memoir or you need to pick the brain of an industry leader for a profile, knowing how to write from an interview is a vital…
Outlining is a typical part of the writing process. Whether you’re working on a fictional project, like a novel or a short story, or you’re writing a long academic essay, having an outline to work from is useful. It can help keep you on track so you don’t leave out anything important. That said, outlining…
Craft books are useful tools to keep on hand. Whether you want to use them as references while writing or revising, or you’re looking for some inspiration from accomplished writers, they’re valuable resources for your writer’s toolbox. Below, I’ve shared my thoughts on my favorite craft books. I’ll keep this list updated and add to…
To outline or not to outline is one of the biggest questions you have to answer when developing your writing process. Personally, I’ve always found it beneficial to do at least a little bit of planning before putting pen to paper. Learning about outlining in Scrivener has been a huge help to me in keeping…
When I’m writing on my laptop, I often find myself reaching for a pen and the journal I keep handy. This is especially true if I’m feeling stuck and can’t work out what should happen next or how to craft the next line of dialogue. I also usually do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work…
When I first starting taking creative writing classes, I was told by multiple professors that I would need to learn to “read like a writer”. I’d been an avid reader my whole life, so it didn’t seem like a particularly difficult goal. However, this somewhat vague directive can be more challenging than it seems. Even…