4 min read
Writing Team: Jun 23, 2025 8:00:00 AM
Every writer has experienced it: the moment a critique partner points to a random detail in chapter three and asks, "What happened to that gun?" or "Why did you mention the broken compass if it never comes up again?" Welcome to Chekhov's Gun—the...
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4 min read
Writing Team: Jun 23, 2025 8:00:00 AM
Most writers avoid horror because it feels too intense, too niche, or too lowbrow for serious literature. This misconception costs them access to one...
6 min read
Writing Team: Jun 16, 2025 9:00:00 AM
Romance novels are literature's comfort food—familiar, satisfying, and irresistibly addictive. This multibillion-dollar genre thrives on recognizable...
5 min read
Writing Team: Jun 16, 2025 9:00:00 AM
Every writer faces the same daunting question: what makes readers care about made-up people doing fictional things? The answer lies not in clever...
4 min read
Writing Team: Jun 9, 2025 3:30:55 PM
Here's a writing truth that might surprise you: readers notice bad rhythm before they notice good grammar. A sentence can be technically correct yet...
5 min read
Writing Team: Jun 9, 2025 3:27:27 PM
Every writer faces the same terrifying moment: staring at a blank page, wondering how random ideas transform into stories that make readers miss...
4 min read
Writing Team: Jun 5, 2025 1:13:03 PM
Most writers struggle with one genre, clinging to familiar territory like medieval serfs bound to their feudal plots. But the most successful authors...
4 min read
Writing Team: Jun 5, 2025 1:07:16 PM
Writers obsess over perfect beginnings, crafting elaborate world-building and character introductions like Victorian novels still ruled the literary...
7 min read
Writing Team: May 27, 2025 9:43:18 AM
The novella occupies literature's sweet spot—long enough to develop complex themes yet short enough to sustain perfect tension throughout. Ian McEwan...
5 min read
Writing Team: May 27, 2025 9:23:03 AM
The opening lines of your autobiography hold more weight than perhaps any other sentences you'll write. They're your handshake with readers, your...
10 min read
Writing Team: May 19, 2025 4:23:45 PM
When a work of literature employs an image or idea in repetition, that image or idea might be a motif. Literary motifs describe noteworthy...
5 min read
Writing Team: May 19, 2025 4:13:18 PM
Learning how to write a poem requires two things: a love of language, and a need for language to communicate more than it currently does. If this...
7 min read
Writing Team: May 19, 2025 4:09:09 PM
Writing a novel is easy. Writing a good novel is hard. That's just life. If it were easy, we'd all be writing best-selling, prize-winning fiction.
9 min read
Writing Team: May 8, 2025 3:01:33 PM
There's a delicious paradox in devouring nonfiction books about crafting fiction. Like a chef studying cookbooks to create meals that taste nothing...
6 min read
Writing Team: May 8, 2025 2:29:24 PM
In the quietude of a morning, before the world has fully awakened, a novelist sits at her desk. Her fingers hover over the keyboard. She takes a deep...
4 min read
Writing Team: Apr 14, 2025 4:33:42 PM
When we sit down to write, the blank page beckons with infinite possibility—and sometimes, infinite anxiety. We've all experienced that moment of...
4 min read
Writing Team: Apr 14, 2025 4:20:06 PM
A well-crafted setting isn't merely a stage where characters perform—it's the air they breathe, the ground they walk on, the very reality that shapes...
3 min read
Writing Team: Apr 10, 2025 11:32:21 AM
One of the great pleasures of fiction is its power to transport us into the shadowy corners of human nature—safely. We peer into minds we wouldn’t...
3 min read
Writing Team: Apr 10, 2025 11:27:28 AM
Story endings can be thrilling, rewarding, and, for many writers, intimidating. A strong ending must provide resolution, deliver emotional impact,...
4 min read
Writing Team: Mar 31, 2025 2:13:18 PM
Setting is far more than just a backdrop for your story. When used strategically, it becomes a powerful tool to increase tension, reveal character,...
6 min read
Writing Team: Mar 31, 2025 2:08:51 PM
As an adult, writing for teenagers can feel somewhat daunting. The vernacular seems to evolve constantly and rapidly, and before you know it, a...
3 min read
Writing Team: Mar 24, 2025 11:47:37 AM
Self-doubt stalks nearly every writer, regardless of experience or success level. Even those with thriving careers and multiple published works often...
2 min read
Writing Team: Mar 24, 2025 11:44:34 AM
Crime fiction offers writers an exciting playground where they can explore human nature, create suspense, and keep readers turning pages well past...
2 min read
Writing Team: Mar 24, 2025 11:37:00 AM
The term "Bildungsroman" might sound intimidating, but chances are you've read and loved several novels in this genre without realizing it. From...
3 min read
Writing Team: Mar 17, 2025 2:31:14 PM
For seasoned writers, creating atmosphere is more than just setting a scene—it’s about immersing readers so deeply in a story that they feel its...
7 min read
Writing Team: Mar 17, 2025 2:26:59 PM
Modern publishing, high-concept fiction continues to dominate bestseller lists, attract film options, and command impressive advances. As both...
8 min read
Writing Team: Mar 10, 2025 4:38:42 PM
Radio drama emerged in the early 20th century as a revolutionary storytelling medium that engaged audiences through sound alone. What began as live...
2 min read
Writing Team: Mar 10, 2025 4:29:17 PM
With advancements in artificial intelligence, writing tools like GPT-4 and other generative models can now create entire books, from fiction to...
5 min read
Writing Team: Mar 2, 2025 1:28:04 PM
Situational irony is one of the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal. You've likely encountered it in Alanis Morissette's lyrics or in countless...
3 min read
Writing Team: Mar 2, 2025 1:23:21 PM
The term women’s fiction is frequently used within publishing circles, but its definition remains elusive. While readers and booksellers increasingly...
3 min read
Writing Team: Feb 9, 2025 2:15:05 PM
If you're an aspiring novelist, you've likely heard the classic writing advice: "show, don't tell," "limit adverbs," and "watch your backstory."...
5 min read
Writing Team: Feb 9, 2025 2:11:58 PM
When crafting memorable characters, the devil is in the details. A character's small habits, unconscious gestures, and distinctive traits can...
3 min read
Writing Team: Feb 3, 2025 3:47:38 PM
Ebooks have revolutionized the publishing industry, offering authors an accessible way to share their stories or expertise with readers worldwide....
3 min read
Writing Team: Jan 19, 2025 2:20:08 PM
When crafting a short story, one of the first questions writers often ask is: How long should it be? The answer depends on your goals, audience, and...
3 min read
Writing Team: Jan 19, 2025 2:15:19 PM
Audiobooks have exploded in popularity, with demand growing for high-quality, professionally narrated recordings. For authors and narrators looking...
3 min read
Writing Team: Jan 19, 2025 2:10:42 PM
The question of whether to use a pen name has been debated by writers for centuries. Pen names, or pseudonyms, have been used for a variety of...
3 min read
Writing Team: Jan 19, 2025 2:04:32 PM
Sudowrite is a nifty tool, especially for professional writers seeking to enhance their productivity, creativity, and overall writing experience....
2 min read
Writing Team: Dec 17, 2024 3:28:47 PM
print on demand (POD) technology has revolutionized how writers can bring their work to market. This comprehensive analysis explores the advantages...
3 min read
Writing Team: Dec 17, 2024 3:22:44 PM
For professional writers, getting your book reviewed is one of the most effective ways to increase visibility, credibility, and ultimately sales. A...
2 min read
Writing Team: Dec 9, 2024 11:51:57 AM
In a bustling Belgian newsroom, a veteran reporter sits at his desk, ignoring the day's breaking news. While his colleagues frantically chase the...
2 min read
Writing Team: Dec 9, 2024 11:46:26 AM
StoryCorps, the acclaimed nonprofit that has been gathering personal stories since 2003, is now online, offering families the chance to connect and...
3 min read
Writing Team: Dec 3, 2024 11:44:11 AM
Every great love story starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether you're crafting your first romance novel or your fiftieth, fresh ideas can help...
1 min read
Writing Team: Dec 3, 2024 11:39:42 AM
Is your story drowning in plot twists? Does your novel feel weighed down by excessive subplots? Here's how to diagnose the problem and restore your...
3 min read
Writing Team: Nov 25, 2024 10:16:54 AM
Pacing is a critical element of storytelling, whether you're crafting a novel, short story, screenplay, or even creative nonfiction. The way your...
4 min read
Writing Team: Nov 25, 2024 9:58:54 AM
You’ve likely encountered the term “rising action” and wondered how to use it to craft compelling stories. While it may sound complex, rising action...
3 min read
Writing Team: Nov 18, 2024 9:30:00 AM
The blank page can feel particularly daunting when your brain works differently from what most writing advice assumes. For neurodivergent writers,...
2 min read
Writing Team: Nov 18, 2024 8:30:00 AM
Rhetorical devices are the tools that transform good writing into great writing. Like a master painter's brushstrokes or a composer's musical...
4 min read
Writing Team: Nov 11, 2024 4:02:03 PM
Plotting a story can be a challenge for any writer. It’s easy to get lost without a roadmap, and that’s where a plot diagram comes in handy. By...
2 min read
Writing Team: Nov 11, 2024 3:58:20 PM
The power of foreshadowing lies not in what is said, but in what is promised. Like a master magician who shows you the card before it disappears,...
3 min read
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:36:12 AM
Just as a hologram contains the complete image within each fragment, holographic narrative design creates stories where every scene, dialogue, and...
6 min read
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:31:38 AM
Ever wonder why some fictional conversations stay with you long after you've closed the book, while others fade faster than your morning coffee buzz?...
5 min read
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:24:15 AM
Storytelling is one of humanity's oldest art forms, captivating audiences across cultures and generations. Whether you're interested in live...
5 min read
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:19:29 AM
Participating in storytelling contests offers writers a platform to showcase their talents, gain recognition, and potentially earn rewards. Here are...
4 min read
Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:54:37 PM
In storytelling, chronesthesia—the mental ability to perceive and travel through time—is a powerful tool to manipulate a reader's sense of the past...
4 min read
Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:51:16 PM
Writers often look to nature for inspiration—whether for metaphors, settings, or character development. But what if we could take inspiration from...
4 min read
Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:47:17 PM
Crafting authentic dialogue in writing is an art that requires more than just a good ear for how people speak. Psycholinguistics, the study of the...
4 min read
Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:39:37 PM
Transmedia storytelling—a narrative technique that spreads a story across multiple platforms—has become an innovative way to engage audiences in more...
4 min read
Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 9:00:00 AM
Method actors are renowned for their commitment to fully embodying their characters, often living as them for extended periods. As writers, we can...
3 min read
Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:30:00 AM
Writers and narrative designers are constantly seeking fresh approaches to engage their audiences. One innovative method gaining traction is the...
3 min read
Writing Team: Oct 15, 2024 3:51:05 PM
Storytellers are increasingly turning to neuroscience to enhance their narrative techniques. Neurocinematics, the study of how film and other...
3 min read
Writing Team: Oct 15, 2024 3:47:39 PM
For professional writers seeking to enrich their storytelling techniques, the ancient practice of story circles from indigenous oral traditions...
2 min read
Writing Team: Oct 8, 2024 7:19:02 PM
Libraries are the cornerstone of information access in communities worldwide, providing a vast array of books and resources to the public. But have...
2 min read
Writing Team: Oct 8, 2024 7:13:40 PM
Narrative nonfiction is a genre of writing that uses the techniques of fiction—such as character development, storytelling, and scene-setting—while...
2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 30, 2024 9:15:00 AM
Tone in writing is the attitude or emotional character that the author conveys through their words. It's a crucial element that can dramatically...
1 min read
Writing Team: Sep 30, 2024 6:30:00 AM
Cliffhangers are powerful narrative devices that leave audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next. Whether you're...
5 min read
Writing Team: Sep 23, 2024 7:30:00 AM
Naivety is often perceived as a lack of experience or worldly wisdom, characterized by a certain innocence, credulity, or childlike simplicity. In...
4 min read
Writing Team: Sep 23, 2024 5:00:00 AM
The wind howled against the towering cliffs, whipping through the vast, open valley below. At the edge stood Mia, her heart pounding as she gazed...
2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 20, 2024 12:58:29 PM
Scrivener is a powerful tool for writers, offering a wide range of features to help you organize, write, and prepare your book for publication. This...
3 min read
Writing Team: Sep 20, 2024 12:55:09 PM
A book's cover is often the first point of contact between a potential reader and your work. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about conveying the...
3 min read
Writing Team: Sep 20, 2024 12:51:14 PM
Writing a novel while juggling a full-time job can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and dedication, it's entirely achievable. This guide...
5 min read
Writing Team: Sep 16, 2024 2:24:24 PM
When it comes to comedy, social commentary, and wordplay, few names stand as tall as George Carlin. His sharp wit, observational humor, and deep...
4 min read
Writing Team: Sep 16, 2024 10:30:00 AM
In storytelling, the concept of selective perception can play a pivotal role in shaping how readers interpret characters, plot points, and the...
2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 16, 2024 6:00:00 AM
This article explores the art of visualization and its impact on learning and storytelling and provides practical methods for leveraging this...
2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 10, 2024 11:23:07 AM
Fear, a primal emotion deeply ingrained in the human psyche, has been a central theme in literature throughout history. This article explores the...
2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 10, 2024 11:20:25 AM
Proofreading is an essential skill for writers, editors, and anyone who works with text. It involves meticulously reviewing content for errors in...
4 min read
Writing Team: Sep 6, 2024 2:13:05 PM
Goofus and Gallant is a beloved and enduring feature of Highlights for Children, a children’s magazine that has been around since 1946. The feature,...
4 min read
Writing Team: Sep 6, 2024 2:09:34 PM
Publishing a book is a dream for many writers, but the journey from manuscript to printed work can seem daunting. Whether you’re aiming for...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 26, 2024 5:45:00 AM
Each book has a central idea or theme that carries the story. This idea may be something abstract like love, faith, freedom, truth, or adventure. As...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 26, 2024 5:45:00 AM
It's not just what we choose to say, but what we choose not to say, that holds immense power. To illustrate this, watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 19, 2024 8:15:00 AM
Names are more than mere labels; they carry depth, history, and symbolism. As a writer, choosing the perfect name for your characters can be a...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 19, 2024 5:30:00 AM
Dialogue is easy to spot because it has those nifty little quotation marks, but not all text that isn’t dialogue can be lumped together. The...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 12, 2024 5:30:00 AM
Verb tense affects the narrative distance. This article is on verb tense and how that affects the viewpoint choices we make.
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 12, 2024 4:45:00 AM
As a novelist, crafting a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish is your ultimate goal. One of the most powerful tools at...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 6, 2024 6:54:17 PM
Imagine watching a thrilling movie that ends abruptly at the climax, leaving you hanging without any closure. Frustrating, right? This scenario made...
4 min read
Writing Team: Aug 6, 2024 6:48:41 PM
As a lyricist, Taylor Swift has enthralled audiences worldwide. But did you know she’s also woven a subtle tapestry of literary references throughout...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 5, 2024 5:33:51 PM
Imagine you're reading a novel, and suddenly, you come across a sentence that seems to go on forever, each phrase connected by "and" after "and"...
5 min read
Writing Team: Aug 5, 2024 5:30:17 PM
rnest Hemingway's writing is famously concise, powerful, and "true." Let's break down how he achieves this iconic style and explore how you can...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:55:55 PM
Bangsian fantasy is a unique sub-genre of fantasy literature named after John Kendrick Bangs, an American author who popularized this style in the...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:50:56 PM
As seasoned writers, we understand that the art of crafting compelling scenes is at the heart of engaging storytelling. Goal-driven scenes, in...
1 min read
Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:47:19 PM
Conflict is the engine that drives a story forward, captivating readers and keeping them engaged until the final page. But creating effective...
4 min read
Writing Team: Jul 26, 2024 10:00:19 AM
Being able to write realistic, consistent, multi-dimensional characters is vital to gaining reader interest. Doing so first requires we know a lot...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 22, 2024 5:33:01 PM
Storytelling is a powerful sales tool. Stories engage readers without feeling like a sales pitch. When done well, they lead prospects to convince...
1 min read
Writing Team: Jul 22, 2024 5:28:27 PM
Stories surround us 24/7, influencing every aspect of modern life. In our attention-driven economy, they're more crucial than ever for reaching an...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 15, 2024 5:32:48 PM
Portraying a character's embarrassment authentically can add depth and relatability to your storytelling. Here's a guide to help you effectively...
1 min read
Writing Team: Jul 15, 2024 5:26:16 PM
Capturing the emotion of disappointment in a character requires understanding its complex nature and varied expressions. Here’s how you can...
3 min read
Writing Team: Jul 10, 2024 12:07:51 PM
As writers, we know that the opening pages of a story are crucial - they're often the only chance we have to captivate readers and make them...
1 min read
Writing Team: Jul 10, 2024 11:54:42 AM
When internal strain becomes too much, rational thought and behavioral control can go out the window. While giving in to big feelings may provide...
7 min read
Joy Youell: Jul 6, 2024 10:31:47 AM
Among the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal are metaphors and similes. While these two literary devices share similarities, understanding...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 3, 2024 12:13:04 PM
If you’re writing a novel, you likely have a solid grasp of your main narrative arc. However, incorporating subplots can be crucial to make your...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 3, 2024 12:08:27 PM
In the fascinating world of AI and its integration into creative fields, Joanna Penn recently hosted an insightful interview with Rachelle Ayala, a...
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