Every novelist hopes to write a page-turner their readers can’t put down. One thing you need to create an irresistible story is interesting, engaging characters readers invest in emotionally. Well-developed characters make fiction feel more real. When the people you’re writing about have clear motivations, convincing flaws, and well-established backstories, your readers can connect with…
Writing a novel, essay, or even a blog post can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the blank page. As writers, we often struggle with the pressure of getting everything “perfect” from the start, the idea that we have to know every detail before diving into a new writing project. That’s where the concept of…
The number of people who are able to do something perfectly the first time—whether we’re talking about writing a book, playing a new sport, learning a musical instrument, or cooking a new recipe—is practically zero. No one is perfect, especially right out of the gate. There’s no reason to expect that your first draft will…
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…
The memoir genre has taken off in the past several decades. And between personal essays in online magazines, lifestyle blogs, and even social media, we’re revealing more of ourselves to each other than ever before. Writing about your personal life has become the norm. Regardless of the medium, knowing what to include and what to…