Fiction

Guest post by K.M. Weiland “Cut this scene. It doesn’t move the plot.” That is my most frequent comment on manuscripts I edit for others. It causes most writers to groan. Not only am I telling you to cut your beloved scenes (perhaps even your… [Continue reading below]

Guest post by C.S. Lakin You know how complex writing a novel can be. You not only have to come up with a great premise, engaging characters, high stakes, and conflict that pushes the protagonist toward his goal, but you must also learn how write… [Continue reading below]

NaNoWriMo 2020 is right around the corner. This wildly popular phenomenon, National Novel Writing Month, starts November 1, and you’re urged to write an entire novel by the end of the month. Wouldn’t it be great to actually finish a 50,000-word novel in 30 days? Since… [Continue reading below]

Need fast, practical help getting readers to care about your main character? Enjoy this blog by my friend and colleague, an award-winning, bestselling novelist. JJ Guest post by Brandilyn Collins Regardless of genre, novelists must create empathy for protagonists at their first appearance. Mere action isn’t… [Continue reading below]

Nothing makes your hero more heroic than a worthy opponent. So don’t shortchange your villain. Spend every bit as much time crafting him as you do your lead character, if you want your story to work. (Though I will use male pronouns throughout, this applies… [Continue reading below]