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…
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…
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…
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.
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,…
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,…
There’s something powerful about putting emotions into words. When we write stories or poetry, we aren’t just expressing feelings—we’re transforming them. Whether creating a character who struggles like we do or crafting a metaphor that captures something too difficult to…
A writing retreat is a dedicated period of time and space set aside specifically for writing. During a retreat, you can focus entirely on your creative projects without the usual interruptions from everyday life. This focused time can lead to…
At its core, a story bible serves one purpose: to keep your story consistent. It’s where you track character descriptions, relationships, settings, world-building rules, plot timelines, and more. Whether you’re writing a standalone novel, a trilogy, or an entire fictional…
Obsession in literature refers to a character’s persistent and intrusive focus on a particular person, idea, or goal—often at the expense of their well-being, relationships, or even sanity. This intense preoccupation can drive plots forward, create compelling conflicts, and offer…
Meta writing allows us to layer depth into our narratives and encourage readers to think critically about the text. It draws attention to the fact that a story is, in fact, a construct. Done well, it invites readers to engage…
As a writer, it’s essential to have a distinct author voice. It’s what sets you apart from other writers and makes your work unique. Your author voice is your personality and your style that comes through your writing. It’s not…
If you’re a writer, managing your time effectively is crucial to achieving your goals and maintaining a consistent output. One of the most effective tools to help you stay organized and on track is an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar…
Anthologies are collections of short stories or poems that are curated around a common theme. This could be anything from speculative fiction to stories centered around a specific time period or emotion. Writing for an anthology requires writers to balance…
As you work to develop your writing habits, remember that consistency is key—but so is flexibility! Life can be unpredictable, and maintaining a writing routine that adapts to the ebbs and flows of your schedule will help you stay energized…
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, affection, and connection. As a writer, it’s an opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of love through your craft. Whether you’re aiming to pen a heartfelt poem, a short story, or a personal…
In recent years, the audiobook market has experienced explosive growth, with millions of listeners turning to audiobooks as a convenient and immersive way to experience stories. For authors, this presents an exciting opportunity to reach a wider audience and enhance…
Starting a writing career and aspiring toward becoming an author later in life might feel intimidating, but it’s a thrilling, rewarding adventure. You don’t have to follow a conventional path to become an author. Whether you’ve spent years honing your…
Creating young characters that feel real is a delicate balance. While it’s tempting to make them stand out by adding unique qualities, it’s important to resist making them overly precocious or stereotypical—doing so can strip them of their genuine, relatable…
Rewriting is often described as the heart of writing—where the real magic happens—yet it’s also one of the most daunting phases of the creative process. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern not just in my own rewriting journey but…