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: Happy, Not Sappy
Column by Richard Thomas December 13, 2012 (10) comments
It's not easy to write a happy story that is not melodramatic, but here are some tips on how to get there.
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.
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."
The Benefits of Free Indirect Discourse
Column by Jon Gingerich August 23, 2012 (6) comments
Writers who find themselves wrestling with point-of-view problems may want to consider a technique that combines the best of two narrative modes.
Overcoming “Voice Anxiety”
Column by Jon Gingerich August 15, 2012 (1) comments
Writers stress themselves out over the idea of devising a unique, compelling voice in their writing. Here's why a lot of that anxiety is underserved.
Narrative and the Moving Image: What Film Can Teach Us About Fiction Writing
Column by Jon Gingerich July 11, 2012 (7) comments
Fiction writers can learn a great deal about craft by examining some of the common storytelling techniques used in modern film.
Storyville: Writing Horror Stories
Column by Richard Thomas June 6, 2012 (8) comments
What does it take to write a terrifying story? Every tool in your writer's toolbelt.
Writing with Authority: A Primer
Column by Jon Gingerich May 24, 2012 (4) comments
A few simple tips to bolster narrative authority in your writing.
Me, Myself, and I: First Person Narratives in Fantasy
Column by Rajan Khanna May 16, 2012 (7) comments
A look at some examples of first person narratives in fantasy fiction and what makes them work.
Storyville: Dissection
Column by Richard Thomas May 2, 2012 (13) comments
Richard Thomas dissects one of his short stories, the Pushcart Prize nominated "Twenty Reasons to Stay and One to Leave."
