Overcoming Object Love: How to Write Female Leads Who Are People
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!
Storyville: Dissecting "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates
One of the most talked about, published and taught stories, I dissect "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: Amnesia
In:
Cliche, Literary Devices
Everything you need to know about memory loss, amnesia, and SCIENCE!
Different Ways to Tell the Truth: A Primer on Creative Nonfiction Subgenres
In:
Theme
There are many ways to tell a true story--here are just a few.
The Pen and the Sword: Ten Books That Instigate Conflict and Promote Peace
In:
Theme
Books are not always innocent creations. Time and again, the written word has helped to both inflame and resolve human conflicts.
5 Reasons A Good Writing Group Can Save You
What can a good writing group do for you? Almost everything.
Remember To Wear Pants: Tips for Surviving NaNoWriMo with Your Dignity Intact
In:
Research
NaNoWriMo can be a hectic time, even if you're not trying to juggle writing with a job, family, going to the gym, and occasionally breathing.
Storyville: 10 Hot, Emerging, and Underappreciated Genres
In:
Voice
Looking for something new to write? Here are ten hot, emerging, and underappreciated genres.
Dystropia: How The Damsel in Distress Has Evolved
By Troy Farah
In:
Cliche
From ancient Greek myths to Snow White to today, Dystropia looks at the trope of the Damsel in Distress.
UPDATED WITH WINNER: LitReactor's Flash Fiction Smackdown: October Edition
In:
Theme
I dare you to scare me. 25 words. 2 sentences. Endless opportunity for horror and pre-Halloween fright.
Symbolism: Storytelling and the Invisible Hand
In:
Literary Devices
Symbolism allows writers to get themselves off the page and lets their words do the talking.
