Inner monologue shows who characters are on the inside. Here’s three tips on building more well-rounded characters using their inner thoughts.
How to Create Character Depth Through Inner Monologue Read More »
A character you have already invented gets caught by the police spray-painting some graffiti. What did they write or draw? Why?
Know Justice, Know Peace Read More »
Give your readers strong verbal exchanges with this week’s tips on how to effectively use dialogue in your fiction.
How to Use Dialogue Effectively Read More »
Although Q1 wasn’t my best quarter, as a freelancer, the only easy day was yesterday. Q2 is waiting.
Adjusting My Freelance Editing Business Read More »
Your character has a favorite place they escape to whenever they feel stressed or need quality alone time. Describe this setting in 500 words including at least three of senses: smell, touch, sound, sight, or taste.
Prompt: Describe an action, or a person feeling strong emotion, focusing on the rhythm and movement of the sentences.
I Didn’t Want To Be Famous Read More »
Resting isn’t just for writers to put aside their manuscripts. Characters need to put aside their worries for a time, to remember why they’re in the fight in the first place.
Give Your Characters (and Yourself) A Break Read More »
Psychoanalysis isn’t just for the doctor’s office. Applying Freud’s theories can help you build stronger, more realistic characters.
Psychoanalyzing Your Novel’s Characters Read More »
Here’s a few questions to ask as you seek a writing critique partner to address the conflict problems you may be having with your own manuscript.
How to Use the Right Critique Partner Read More »
Organizing your story from the end to the beginning connects events in a way that your drafting (and especially your revising) stages become easier to reflect on one word at a time.
How to Write Your Story in Reverse Read More »
Your main character married their childhood sweetheart. But after an unexpected event, your character is forced to live without their true love (maybe temporarily). Oh, and they have a one-year-old to take care of on top of it.
This week, I cover the misunderstood title of “pantser” in fiction writing. More importantly, I provide a few tips on how you can “pants” your way to a first draft without the internal panic.
How to Write a Story from Start to Finish Read More »
Prompt: A woman wakes in the early morning to see her shadow sneaking out the bedroom door.
C/W: The dangers of drinking and driving are real. Don’t do it.
Prompt: An accident nearly kills a mother and child. Determine who’s really at fault.
Introducing a reader to your novel isn’t just about the character’s external journey taking place. Readers need an understanding of your protagonist beyond their external goals.
Ordinary Does Not Mean Boring Read More »
Prompt: Describe your bedroom through the eyes of an FBI agent who believes you have committed a crime.
Famous duos run through books, TV shows, movies, and all other forms of media and entertainment. Here’s just a few of those duos, why their connections run so deep, and how their roles should be replicated to your own fiction writing.
Use Supporting Characters to Help and Hinder Your Protagonist Read More »
Prompt: Remember a place that you have lived that has emotional significance. In the voice of a tour guide, introduce someone to this place.
Prompt: An elderly woman traps a telemarketer in conversation. The telemarketer unsuccessfully attempts to stick to their script. Write the dialogue.
(Not So) Smooth Signal Read More »
DNF’ing a book is a part of every reader’s life. There are foundational ideas that lower the chances of an author’s target reader closing their book for good.
Avoid the Dreaded DNF Read More »
Prompt: Your character is on a road trip when they discover an unusual museum. Describe the museum.
