Q: How do I begin a story that needs a lot of explanation? For example, when it takes place in another time or if the … Read More “How do I begin a story that needs a lot of explanation? For example, when it takes place in another time or if the character has an extraordinary skill?”
Q: Is it ever appropriate to kill off or maim a character in the first sentences of a short story? A: Conflict of this nature has … Read More “Is it ever appropriate to kill off or maim a character in the first sentences of a short story?”
And what happens if you write a poem about a poem? Read More “Do I italicize the title of a short story? What about poem titles?”
Actors use all kinds of exercises to help develop their characters for various roles. For example, actors create what they call a “morgue,” a large … Read More “Acting out: Two exercises help fiction writers get in character”
Here are some tips on how to use one skillfully—and when not to use one at all Read More “The pleasures and perils of prologues”
An experienced writer of short fiction offers a broad range of entry points that can get you started. Read More “5 ways into a story”
What goes on in their minds is a valuable tool of fiction you can use to reveal people, build tension, and more Read More “Make your characters’ thoughts dramatic”
There’s nothing like a ‘there is’ phrase to suck the energy out of a sentence Read More “Expletives deleted”
To write a compelling story, you must thwart your character’s desire. These questions will keep you on the right track. Read More “Target character and conflict with a handy checklist”
Is blogging still a writer’s best friend? Or is it a waste of time in an overcrowded blogosphere? Read More “So you want to start a blog in 2020? Read this first.”
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”
Taking a trip behind enemy lines reveals an ally in a crazy professional world. Read More “Freelance Success: What editors want freelance writers to know”
