Library Love: America’s Athenaeums
In:
Research
Today's athenaeums are based on a four-thousand-year-old idea: that reading can be a social activity, and one that is necessary for the advancement of civilization.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: The Vacuum Of Space
In:
Research
Everything you need to know about the vacuum of space, its effects on the human body, and SCIENCE!
The Eternal Duel: A History of Commas
In:
Grammar
The Oxford comma has been a highly divisive issue within the literary community for many years. But how did it come to be this way, and is one side actually correct?
Storyville: Kill Your Darlings—How 'Game of Thrones' Can Change Your Writing
We can learn some valuable lessons about plotting, characters, and expectations from watching (or reading) 'Game of Thrones.'
Is Print the Popular Kid Again?
In:
Research
Print was supposed to die with the new millennium, but a number of digital publications have recently opted to go against the grain and begin production of hard copy editions.
Ask the Grammarian: How "snuck" sneaked in...
In:
Grammar
How "snuck" sneaked into the English language and we totally let it.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: Guns And Bullet Ballistics
Everything you need to know about firearms, the physics of bullets, and SCIENCE!
Shelving a Fear of Romance
In:
Theme
Trade romance sales make up the largest share of the U.S. consumer book market, yet they carry a lot of negative associations. Does romance deserve a second chance?
Storyville: Three Essential Books On Writing
Three essential books on writing by Stephen King, Donald Maas and Jeff VanderMeer.
Overcoming Object Love: How to Write Female Leads Who Are People
By Robbie Blair
In:
Character
"Object love" is a painfully common writing disease that leads us to write two-dimensional women who are more object than person. This article explores how you can overcome the sickness.
Ask the Grammarian with Taylor Houston - Now Taking Your Questions
In:
Grammar
I'm like your personal editor, so ask me a grammar or usage question!
Beautiful Void: The Importance of Implied Narrative
By BH Shepherd
In:
Literary Devices
Details are important, but so is what you leave out. A look at the subtle art of untold stories.
UPDATED WITH WINNER - LitReactor's Flash Fiction Smackdown: January Edition
In:
Plot
New year, new rules. This month, write about something "new" in 14 words or less.
Screenwriting: Speed Dating The First Five Pages
In:
Voice
A screenplay should always have the reader at 'Hello'. Find out how techniques developed chatting up strangers at speed dating events can make your first five pages sing.
Storyville: How to Write a Book Review
In:
Research
Some tips on how to write a compelling book review.
How Journalism Can Help Polish Your Fiction
By Troy Farah
In:
Workshop
Journalism is an often ignored way to develop strong writing skills. When applied to fiction, the results can be outstanding. Just ask authors like Hemingway and Palahniuk, who were once reporters.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: Aliens
Everything you need to know about aliens, the biological definition of life, and SCIENCE!
Dystropia: No More Mr. Vice Guy!
By Troy Farah
In:
Cliche
In this month's Dystropia, we look at Mr. Vice Guy, a character with obvious flaws, addictions and weaknesses. Mr. Vice guy is more dimensional, sure, but as you'll learn, it's not always that easy.
Storyville: Editor Interviews—Shock Totem, Shimmer, and The Dark
In:
Research
Some quick questions with three editors of contemporary, dark fiction.
Want To Be A Better Writer? Take Acting Classes
From basic games to complex script analysis, actors have a thing or two to teach writers.
Wassailing with Wenceslas - Christmas Carol Origins
In:
Word Play
What does it mean 'to wassail'? Why did King Wenceslas go out on Boxing Day? Why does figgy pudding come with a lighter? Find out the origins of these and other odd Christmas Carol lyrics.
Magical Thinking and Santa Claus: How Holidays Help Create Writers
In:
Research
Magical thinking, including an early belief in Santa Claus, may play a role in how imagination and creativity develop.
Storyville: My Ten Favorite Short Stories of 2013
In:
Voice
Here are my ten favorite short stories for 2013.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: Evolution
In:
Research
Everything you need to know about evolution, natural selection, and SCIENCE!
