Two Truths and One Lie: How to Use Real Experience to Write a Story
In:
Structure
Formulating a three-act structure by recycling traumatic memories.
Storyville: Living Vicariously Through Our Fiction
Some thoughts on how and why we live through our stories and protagonists.
Is It Really Such A Bad Thing To Give The Audience What They Want?
Fan service is seen as a four-letter word, but that doesn't mean it's actually a curse.
Writing a Novel With Save the Cat!
By Cina Pelayo
The Cat has had its way with the screenplay, and now it has turned its sights on novels.
What Joy Williams and Denis Johnson Can Teach Us About the Art of First Sentences
By Elle Nash
Some lessons from two masters of the sentence.
5 Lessons Fiction Writers Can Learn From Video Games
If you're a writer who likes games and needed an excuse to play more, here it is.
How to Write Edgy Fiction Without Being Obnoxious
In:
Abstracts
Edgy fiction is difficult to pull off - and requires a depth and understanding of history, literature, and yourself. It's not about repeating what's been done before. It's about expanding it.
The Great Game of Balancing Character and Plot
It's no secret many "Game of Thrones" fans were disappointed in the final season. But what lessons can writers take away from it?
10 Things Every Horror Writer Should Read
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
Given the limited amount of reading time in our lives, it's important not to waste time consuming material that won't help us progress and develop.
10 Tips for a Superb Reading
In:
Live Reading
Reading your work in public matters. A lot. Here's how to do it right.
Storyville: Sympathy for the Devil
In order for your bad guys to truly resonate, we need to care about them, and feel strong emotions. Even if that emotion is hate.
Storyville: What is Head-Hopping and Why Should You Avoid It?
Tips for avoiding head-hopping in your fiction.
Writing Horror Using All Five Senses
By Repo Kempt
In:
Word Play
How to effectively use sensory details to connect with readers and maximize the fear in your writing.
Improve Your Stories By Eliminating Agendas
By Joshua Isard
The agendas with which you approach your story might be holding the narrative back.
Storyville: Reading Broadly to Write Better
In:
Research
In order to write deep, layered, original fiction you MUST read broadly.
Tackling the Dreaded Rewrite
By Repo Kempt
In:
Rewriting
Here's five hard questions you need to ask yourself before tackling the dreaded rewrite.
Dirty Little Secrets, Part Three: Why the Agent Requested—and Then Rejected—the Full
Good news: The agent requested the full! Bad news: The agent said, “Thanks but no thanks.”
Dirty Little Secrets, Part Two: Why Your Beta Readers Never Finished Your Novel
In:
Character
You worked hard on that book, and your beta readers never even finished the damn thing. Why?
Dirty Little Secrets, Part One: Why No One Cares About Your Protagonist
In:
Character
Many an agent has rejected a novel with the phrase, “I’m just not in love with this protagonist.”
5 Unconventional Methods of Writing a Story
Instead of surrendering to writer's block, give these ideas a try.
10 Must-Know Tips For Outlining Your Novel
If you're struggling to get your novel off of the ground, an outline can potentially rescue you from all of your toils.
Narrative Detour: Rediscover Your Novel
By BH Shepherd
A fun exercise to help you push forward when writing your novel becomes a slog.
Instead of Joining a Book Club This Year, Subscribe To a Literary Podcast
In:
Research
Make it your New Year's Resolution to find and read more books through the literary world's secret weapon: podcasts.
Storyville: Method Writing
What is method writing, and how can it help breathe authenticity into your work?
