I started writing when I was seven or eight years old. I’d always enjoyed reading, and I always had my own story ideas tumbling around my head. For years, I wrote short stories but put writing aside to focus on music as a young adult. Later, I rediscovered my love of reading and writing, steering me onto my path as an author.
Christopher Hawkins is the Booklife Prize and IndieReader Discovery Award-winning author of Downpour and the short story collection Suburban Monsters. His work has appeared in numerous anthologies and podcasts, including Cosmic Horror Monthly, Shortwave Magazine, and Tales to Terrify. He is currently the co-chair of the Chicagoland chapter of the Horror Writers Association. He lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two sons. His new novel, I Contain Multitudes, was released in April 2025.
While the book will reflect my understanding of good and evil and my general fatalism, it’s meant as a fun, escpaist read for people who find fart jokes and the end of the world cathartic. Save it for a treat after you finish something edifying, like Evan O’Connell’s Mrs. Bridge or Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge.
What fascinates Chris most are the machinations of modern-day human frailty, and his debut adult novel is underpinned by significant research into the condition of covert narcissism. Although the book is pure fiction, a key motivator for writing it was the prospect of helping anyone in a current or past traumatic relationship where psychological abuse and control are, or were, all too real. In those situations, “why” is perhaps the one question that remains unexplained.
Brandon Lennon is a 23-year-old novelist raised in Dublin, based in London. He started writing novels at the age of fourteen out of an intrinsic need to express himself through storytelling in all things. Most recently, he has been working on his MA degree from London while wrapping up his manuscript, June Gloom, his strongest vision to date. Lennon’s influences range from cyberpunk to literary fiction, from prestige television to experimental horror flicks, and from classic rock to new-age witch-house. His writing is fuelled by the many weird and wonderful realms of art that he has embedded himself in across his life, and he promises this unique synthesis in his story.
Barbara Hoffbeck Scoblic (born July 1939 in Ortonville, Minnesota) is an American writer. In 1964, she began her writing career as a reporter for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader (a national award-winning newspaper). In 1965, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, she traveled to Thailand, where she taught English as a second language.
During his travels as an internationally recognized photojournalist, Charlton saw many incredible sights. He explored the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, was the podium for a Barbary Ape on the Rock of Gibraltar, and even kissed a kangaroo in Australia. Maybe he was just monkeying around, or maybe these were wild experiences that will stay with him forever.
I’m a storyteller, maker, and believer in the quiet power of words. I write books that help people, especially kids, grow in self-awareness, emotional strength, and faith. Whether crafting a whimsical children’s tale or a reflective Christian journal, I aim to create something meaningful that whispers truth in a noisy world.
Amy Safford’s articles and essays have appeared in Soul Magazine, Mythology Journal, Mind Prose, Write a Catalyst, and other publications. Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place is her debut novel. She taught English composition at the University of New England and was a contributing writer to Coastal Fish of Southern Maine and New Hampshire, published by Wells Reserve & Laudholm Trust. Her alma maters include Boston University’s College of Communication and University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast MFA program. She is the former executive director of the Maine Psychological Association and lives in Southern Maine.
It’s a surreal feeling to hold your own book in your hands for the first time. To see the result of your dream in the form of your own book cover is absolutely wonderful; I hope that every aspiring author gets to have that experience!
Let’s explore essential techniques to help you build dystopian worlds that feel vivid and believable, create characters readers care deeply about, and weave themes that provoke thought long after the final page. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid foundation to write dystopian fiction that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact!
There’s something about true crime that grips the imagination. Maybe it’s the high-stakes mystery, the dark window into human behavior, or the relentless pursuit of justice… Whatever the draw, learning how to write true crime is not for the faint of heart! It demands accuracy, empathy, persistence, and, above all, a deep respect for the real lives behind every story.
The 1-3-1 Rule offers guidance at every stage of the writing journey, from crafting your initial draft to navigating the publishing landscape. Understanding how to apply this framework effectively can transform a scattered collection of ideas into a cohesive, purposeful narrative that resonates with readers!
Most writing advice focuses on familiar models like three-act structure or the hero’s journey, but structure is far more than just a plot template. The right structure acts as a bridge between your story and your reader’s emotions. It can transform a simple tale into an immersive experience that resonates long after the final page.
Space opera isn’t just science fiction with lasers. It’s a genre all its own—defined as much by tone and scope as setting. While the science can be soft, the stakes are rarely anything less than galactic.
These seven elements—character, plot, setting, point of view, theme, style, and structure—form the bones of any solid narrative. Whether you’re outlining your first draft or deep into revisions, understanding how these components work together can help you craft a more compelling, cohesive, and publishable story.
Finding your way into writing—whether it’s the first project or the fiftieth—can feel strangely difficult. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the writing itself, but the getting started. What helps most is having a few steady tools, a bit of structure, and a mindset that keeps the pressure low while the momentum builds. With the right approach, that overwhelming blank page can start to look a lot more inviting!
Writing for blogs is not the same as writing a book, a short story, or even an academic article. It requires a unique approach, tone, and strategy to capture the online reader’s attention. The key is to understand the art of writing blogs, what makes them stand out, and how to maximize your reach in an oversaturated digital landscape.
While memoir, middle grade, and YA may not be the most popular genres to write in today, they offer a wealth of opportunity for authors who are willing to take on the challenge. These genres are ripe for fresh voices, authentic stories, and new perspectives that resonate with readers in meaningful ways.
Phill Webster is a writer, actor, and spiritual teacher. He has appeared in movies alongside Sylvester Stallone, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Elle Fanning to name a few. Letting Glow and Glowing Deeper are the first two instalments of the Letting Glow Trilogy. He lives in Richmond, UK.