How to effectively use dialogue tags in fiction
Here’s why editors frown upon overly creative dialogue tags – and why you should, too. Read More “How to effectively use dialogue tags in fiction”
Fiction
From the Front Lines: Finding the perfect pacing for your prose
The secret to good writing that never confuses, bores, or leads the reader astray? It’s all in the timing. Read More “From the Front Lines: Finding the perfect pacing for your prose”
Tips for writing for a global audience
Small changes can make a big difference in making your writing more accessible to readers from outside the United States. Here’s how to start. Read More “Tips for writing for a global audience”
Ask The Writer: When is it OK to use multiple points of view in a novel?
“Writers are often instructed to use only one point of view in a novel. However, I note that some authors use multiple points of view – often in the same chapter. Are multiple points of view OK if transitions are not jarring and the reader isn’t overloaded?” Read More “Ask The Writer: When is it OK to use multiple points of view in a novel?”
Pro tips for writing and publishing speculative fiction
Seasoned writers explain what speculative fiction is, and literary agents share how you can get it published. Read More “Pro tips for writing and publishing speculative fiction”
The art of suspenseful fiction
Keep readers on the edge of their seats with these eight pro tips. Read More “The art of suspenseful fiction”
The Tree of Black Humor
A handy reference chart for the many forms of dark comedy. Read More “The Tree of Black Humor”
How to fix your boring characters
Dull, flat characters make for boring narratives: here’s how to fix them and prevent your story from flatlining. Read More “How to fix your boring characters”
Understanding irony in fiction
Learn the differences between the three basic kinds of irony, verbal, dramatic, and situation, and how to incorporate them in your writing. Read More “Understanding irony in fiction”
Untangling threads: Four questions to help you separate stories within stories
Pinpointing the heart and soul of your story can take several steps. You might start off with an overall idea of how you want to … Read More “Untangling threads: Four questions to help you separate stories within stories”
Featured Posts
Announcing the winners of our 2020 Best Writing Conferences in America survey
Your votes are in! Here are the 2020 winners of our annual Best Writing Conferences in America survey. Read More “Announcing the winners of our 2020 Best Writing Conferences in America survey”
What I learned about craft from analyzing one year of ‘Modern Love’
Even the column’s editor says it’s easier to get into Harvard 20 times than for a writer to get an essay accepted for the exclusive essay series. So how can a writer get published in “Modern Love?” Read More “What I learned about craft from analyzing one year of ‘Modern Love’”
Don’t let your story pitches die a premature death
Keep at it and you’ll get one over the plate. Here’s how. Read More “Don’t let your story pitches die a premature death”