Stately, plump June
There’s no dismissing the powerful effect of Ulysses on the literary canon – and on countless writers. Read More “Stately, plump June”
Fiction
John Katzenbach: Profile of a killer
John Katzenbach on writing suspense: Who do you kill? Where do you put the bodies? Who are you as a writer? Read More “John Katzenbach: Profile of a killer”
Hot spots
Working on your first sex scene? Here are three simple steps to writing erotica. Read More “Hot spots”
Character profile
If you’re stuck developing a character, don the journalist hat and set up an interview – with your character. Read More “Character profile”
High-five structure
Creating narrative tension isn’t only about storytelling. It’s about the nuts and bolts that incrementally build a tale. Read More “High-five structure”
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: 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?”
Is it ever appropriate to kill off or maim a character in the first sentences of a short story?
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?”
Do I italicize the title of a short story? What about poem titles?
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?”
Acting out: Two exercises help fiction writers get in character
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”
The pleasures and perils of prologues
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”
Featured Posts
5 things a personal essay needs to succeed (and sell)
Here are the five components that should be in any truthteller’s toolkit. Read More “5 things a personal essay needs to succeed (and sell)”
Gigi Will Know: Are editors sick of COVID-19 pitches yet?
“I want to write about the COVID-19 pandemic, but I’m worried literary journal editors are saturated with similar submissions.” Read More “Gigi Will Know: Are editors sick of COVID-19 pitches yet?”
Virtual learning opportunities for writers
Since conferences aren’t back on the table for most writers just yet, here are some online learning resources for craft-hungry scribes. Read More “Virtual learning opportunities for writers”