Ax to Grind
The perils of settling scores in your writing. Read More “Ax to Grind”
Fiction
Atmosphere
On setting in horror. Read More “Atmosphere”
Gigi Will Know: How can I know if a prologue is the right way to open my novel?
“I have a short prologue written, but I’m not sure if it adds to the story or takes away from my opening chapter.” Read More “Gigi Will Know: How can I know if a prologue is the right way to open my novel?”
How to write thematic horror
A guide to successfully weaving themes into your spine-chilling fiction. Read More “How to write thematic horror”
True scares: Three writers reveal the psychology behind horror writing
How to craft a compelling horror narrative that haunts readers long after the story has ended.
Read More “True scares: Three writers reveal the psychology behind horror writing”
Insider: Horror Writers Association
Whether you’ve been writing spine-tinglers for years or are brand-new to the genre, this organization has a lot to offer horror lovers. Read More “Insider: Horror Writers Association”
How to structure your novel chapters
Chapters are the all-important building blocks of a novel. But how exactly should a first-time novelist develop and structure them in a manuscript? And what makes for a successful chapter, anyway? We asked veteran authors to share their best advice. Read More “How to structure your novel chapters”
Plotting vs. pantsing: The definitive guide
Which writing style is right for you? Read More “Plotting vs. pantsing: The definitive guide”
Gigi Will Know: Can I write novels about an older, defunct television or movie series?
What are the prospects for an individual to acquire the rights for these properties? Read More “Gigi Will Know: Can I write novels about an older, defunct television or movie series?”
Gigi Will Know: When writing a series, is it OK if the first novel is more complex than the second?
And if I choose to write flash fiction set in the same world of the series, is it problematic to use these stories in my series? Read More “Gigi Will Know: When writing a series, is it OK if the first novel is more complex than the second?”
Featured Posts
Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions
February 2023 Calls for Submissions These are the writing opportunities and contests that caught our eye and are published in the February issue of The … Read More “Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions”
Consistency across your YA series
The key to writing a great YA series (or MG series) is knowing your characters and plotlines inside and out – while giving yourself the flexibility to modify things when needed. Here are four things to live by when writing a series, based on tips from middle grade and young adult authors who have been there. Read More “Consistency across your YA series”
25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description
By most accounts, there are more than five senses. Some experts say there are seven, some as many as 20. But narrowing in on at least the five classical senses can lend a much-needed “sense” of detail to your writing. Here are five prompts for each of those five classic senses. Read More “25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description”