Storyville: 20 Things I've Learned About Writing
Column by Richard Thomas April 24, 2013 (18) comments
Over the past five years I've learned a lot of things about writing — here are 20 of them.
Storyville: Ten Ways to Avoid Cliches and Stereotypes
Column by Richard Thomas April 11, 2013 (6) comments
Ten tips to avoid clichés and stereotypes in your fiction.
Top 10 Storytelling Cliches Writers Need To Stop Using
Column by Rob W. Hart April 5, 2013 (107) comments
There are certain storytelling clichés writers go back to again and again. And they shouldn't. Because they are terrible, and they need to be destroyed.
On Writer's Constipation, The Sophomore Slump and Zombies
Column by Dana Fredsti April 3, 2013 (3) comments
Author Dana Fredsti talks about the trials and tribulations of writing the sequel to her hit book, 'Plague Town,' and all the anxiety and lessons that came with it.
'Fifty Shades' Author EL James To Publish Writing Guide
News by Rob W. Hart March 12, 2013 (24) comments
Erotica writer EL James will publish a guide offering advice to writers. This is not an Onion story.
Storyville: Writing the Grotesque
Column by Richard Thomas March 11, 2013 (7) comments
Damaged, deformed, and dysfunctional characters—we still have compassion for them. This is the grotesque.
Storyville: Breaking Hearts
Column by Richard Thomas February 12, 2013 (3) comments
In order to break a reader's heart, you first must get them to care.
Storyville: Researching The Best American Short Stories Anthology
Column by Richard Thomas February 5, 2013 (5) comments
When you are looking to do research on literary short fiction, start with the Best American Short Stories anthology.
7 Strategies to Outsmart Writer's Block
Column by Rob D. Young January 16, 2013 (7) comments
A brief look at the neuroscience and psychology of writer's block, along with seven strategies for how you can outsmart this adversary of writers around the world.
Storyville: Writing Dialogue
Column by Richard Thomas January 14, 2013 (13) comments
What is the function of dialogue, and how do you make it sing?
Storyville: NaNoWriMo and Free Writing
Column by Richard Thomas November 2, 2012 (9) comments
Whether it's during NaNoWriMo or on your own, free writing can help you channel your visions.
Storyville: Dynamic Settings
Column by Richard Thomas October 25, 2012 (9) comments
Setting is one of the most important aspects of your story; don't overlook it.
The 3 Most Popular Editorial Services and Do You Need Them?
Column by Erin Reel October 24, 2012 (6) comments
Writers have more professional support available to them now than ever before. Erin Reel, The Lit Coach, breaks down the 3 most popular editorial services, giving you the benefits, red flags and more.
Storyville: Story Dissection - Maker of Flight
Column by Richard Thomas October 4, 2012 (8) comments
Richard dissects another of his short stories, this time, the contest winning, "Maker of Flight."
10 Words You Literally Didn’t Know You Were Getting Wrong
Column by Taylor Houston October 3, 2012 (53) comments
Thanks to Joe Biden's mega-gaffe last month at the DNC, we were reminded that "literally" literally means you are being "literal". Here are a few more words you might want to revisit.
Getting Over It, Getting It Out: On Embracing A Bad First Draft
Column by Jon Gingerich September 26, 2012 (10) comments
Let's face it: the first draft of anything is going to be awful. That's okay. In fact, here's why it's encouraged.
The Secret Lives Of Little Words
Column by Kimberly Turner September 26, 2012 (8) comments
What's that word doing there? When it comes to spoken language, nothing is accidental. Linguists are working on finding meaning in every 'oh,' 'um,' 'well,' and 'okay.' The results might surprise you.
Storyville: Narrative Hooks
Column by Richard Thomas September 19, 2012 (8) comments
Writing a great narrative hook isn't easy, but it's one way to grab your audience and never let them go.
Storyville: Writing About Sex
Column by Richard Thomas September 5, 2012 (11) comments
How do you write a good sex scene? By utilizing the right language, all five senses, and empathetic characters, you can seduce the reader into living the moment.
Storyville: Endings, Twisted and Otherwise
Column by Richard Thomas August 16, 2012 (3) comments
A beginning, a middle, and an end. Let's talk about the end. Make it resonate.
What I Learned From My Kickstarter Campaign
Column by Kelly Thompson August 6, 2012 (6) comments
Two weeks after a successful Kickstarter campaign for my novel, 'The Girl Who Would Be King,' I'm here to tell you about my experiences - what worked, what didn't, and a few things I'd recommend.
Some Practical Writing Advice From Douglas Coupland
Column by Douglas Coupland August 3, 2012 (19) comments
The Bestselling author of "Generation X" and "Girlfriend In A Coma" gives some simple advice picked up during his 25 years as a writer.
New Essay by Joshua Mohr - 'An Unreliably Narrated Essay'
News by Dennis Widmyer
An essay by Joshua Mohr, critically acclaimed author of 'Damascus.' This essay was featured in Josh's sold-out class with us, 'Plotlines' and is being offered exclusively now for Workshop Members.
The Escaping Character
Column by Jon Gingerich June 13, 2012 (11) comments
A unique, compelling character must always possess the ability to confront — and ultimately confuse — readers’ expectations at every turn.
Seriously Though, Do I Really Need An MFA?
Column by Rob W. Hart June 12, 2012 (47) comments
It's a tough question many writers struggle with: Is it worth it to get an MFA? On one hand, you get intense instruction. On the other, you pay A LOT of money. Can we talk about this?
