This Can't Be: Realism and Genre vs. Reality
In:
Literary Devices
How current trends in realism and genre have failed to prepare us for our disheartening reality.
Storyville: Eight New, Mashed Up Sub-Genres
Some new hybrid narratives to breathe life into your writing.
Avoiding Stereotypes When Writing Place (Even If That Place Is Home)
In:
Setting
Knowing your setting doesn't mean you'll avoid stereotyping it.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the Shitty First Draft
In:
Rewriting
Sometimes it will be good, sometimes it will be bad, and sometimes it will be down right ugly, but writing a shitty first draft will give you a finished book.
Writing the Crime Scene: Murder or Suicide?
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
Writing a crime scene where a murder is made to look like a suicide? Here's a guide to doing your research and getting the forensic details right.
Beneath the Terminus Stone: Borderlines as a Theme
By Jeff Noon
In:
Theme
The final installment of Jeff's 10 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
The World in the Skull: A Story’s Environment
By Jeff Noon
In:
Setting
Part 9 of Jeff's 10 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
Through the Labyrinth: Plotting the Story
By Jeff Noon
In:
Plot
Part 8 of Jeff's 10 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
Moods in White, Black and Grey: Finding a Style
By Jeff Noon
In:
Voice
Part 7 of Jeff's 10 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
Populating the Nightmare: Creating Characters
By Jeff Noon
In:
Character
Part 6 of Jeff's 10 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
A Madman Scattering Dust: Time as a Theme
By Jeff Noon
In:
Theme
Part 4 of Jeff's 6 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
Return of the Son of Twilight Zone: Dusk as a Theme
By Jeff Noon
In:
Theme
Part 3 of Jeff's 6 part series on the writing of his new novel, "A Man of Shadows."
How to Take Edits 101
In:
Rewriting
I explain what editing is (it's not just proofreading!) and how to take edits.
A Head Full of Tropes: Finding New Life in Dead Ideas
In:
Theme
Some horror tropes refuse to die. And that's a good thing.
Storyville: Young Protagonists—MG vs. YA vs. Adult
Some advice for writing young protagonists for Middle Grade, YA, and adult fiction.
Inspiration vs. Influence: Using What We Know
In:
Research
A discussion of how writers take, steal and borrow content, and why.
Brace Yourselves: A Breakdown of the Game of Thrones Pilot, "Winter is Coming"
The Game of Thrones pilot, "Winter is Coming," packs a sprawling, fantasy epic into a tight sixty-one minutes featuring distinct and interesting settings and characters.
Storyville: The Proper Use of Violence in Fiction
Violence in fiction—when to use it, and when to avoid it.
Cannibalizing Yourself: 9 Reasons You Should Mine Your Life for Ideas
In:
Research
Strange experiences, new situations, and faraway galaxies are all great, but sometimes looking inside yourself and revisiting your memories is the best thing you can do for your writing.
Storyville: Avoiding Purple Prose in Your Fiction
How to avoid writing purple prose.
Storyville: Adding Diversity to Your Fiction
Some tips on how to be more inclusive in your writing.
The Leftovers Pilot: Television Turns Literary
In:
Literary Devices
The Leftovers pilot is packed with literary flourishes that carry throughout the entire series. Fred Venturini breaks down the techniques that power one of the best shows on television.
Storyville: Are You Unique or Just Difficult with Your Fiction?
Make sure you're not being difficult and vague when trying to write unique stories. Here are some tips.
These 4 Popular Reading Spots Are Actually Awful
In:
Character
Your favorite place to read is probably terrible.
Want a Masterclass in Character Development? Better Call Saul!
In:
Character
Better Call Saul's pilot, "Uno," focuses on building characters in surprising and patient ways, emphasizing the creation of curiosity over providing the audience with exposition.
