How to find good sources
You’ve landed the assignment. Now what? Read More “How to find good sources”
research
Preparing to write: Research and the art of narrative nonfiction
The role of research in narrative nonfiction. Read More “Preparing to write: Research and the art of narrative nonfiction”
On self-assignment: Turn research into an adventure
Sometimes our writing asks us to step away from the page and into the real world. Read More “On self-assignment: Turn research into an adventure”
6 Ways Research Can Turn into Plagiarism (and One Surefire Way to Avoid It)
Becoming a word thief is easier than you think. Read More “6 Ways Research Can Turn into Plagiarism (and One Surefire Way to Avoid It)”
Down in history
One writer’s love of the past led to an unforeseen future. Read More “Down in history”
Eight rules for writing historical short stories
What one writer learned from a decade of trying to write historical short fiction. Read More “Eight rules for writing historical short stories”
Hate to outline? “Date-line” instead.
Outline-haters of the world unite. Read More “Hate to outline? “Date-line” instead.”
How to structure a premise for stronger stories
“A big-city cop moves to a small coastal town…” Developing a carefully structured premise can arm you with a strong story and a solid pitch line. It’s something agents can sink their “jaws” into. Read More “How to structure a premise for stronger stories”
How to conduct, manage, & cull research in fiction
Research is just as essential in contemporary novels as it is in historical ones. Read More “How to conduct, manage, & cull research in fiction”
Research in historical fiction
“Research can send me down the rabbit hole, and, like Alice, I might not come up for air for hours as I wander and ponder and fill my basket with the historical jewels I want to use.” Read More “Research in historical fiction”