Helping Writers Become Authors

By K.M. Weiland

Listen to a podcast, please open Podcast Republic app. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Image by K.M. Weiland

Category: Arts

Open in Apple Podcasts


Open RSS feed


Open Website


Rate for this podcast

Subscribers: 499
Reviews: 3
Episodes: 662


 Mar 24, 2022

jen
 Feb 16, 2021
thoughtful, stirring, helpful, comforting, nearly perfect

A Podcast Republic user
 Jul 25, 2018

Description

Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!

Episode Date
S16:E13: Checklist for Beginning Your Story: Plot Considerations
Apr 15, 2024
S16:E12: How to Choose Story Settings: The 4 Basic Types of Setting
Apr 01, 2024
S16:E11: From Lead to Gold: The Alchemy of Character Arc With Carl Jung
Mar 25, 2024
S16:E10: Checklist for Beginning Your Story: Introducing Your Characters
Mar 18, 2024
S16:E9: Announcing the Shadow Archetypes Course! (+Giveaway)
Mar 11, 2024
S16:E8: 6 Tips to Write Deeply Emotional Fiction
Mar 04, 2024
S16:E7: How to Use Antagonists in Your Story: The Right Way and the Wrong Way
Feb 26, 2024
S16:E6: Writing 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Backstory
Feb 19, 2024
S16:E5: Burned Out on the Business of Writing? 6 Insights to Rediscover Joy and Passion in Your Work
Feb 05, 2024
S16:E4: 5 Reasons Marketing Is Hard for Writers
Jan 29, 2024
S16:E3: Writing Multiple Plotlines: Everything You Need to Know
Jan 22, 2024
S16:E2: Lessons From 2023: 5 Reflections on "Flat Arc" Periods
Jan 08, 2024
S16:E1: Top 10 Writing Posts of 2023
Jan 01, 2024
Ep. 647: My Top Books of 2023
Dec 18, 2023
Ep. 646: How to Market a Book: 6 Steps From a Full-Time Author
Dec 11, 2023
Ep. 645: 14 Do's and Don'ts of Time Management for Writers (from a Recovering Over-Achiever)
Nov 27, 2023
Ep. 644: "There and Back Again": The Lord of the Rings and the Power of Despair in Fiction
Oct 30, 2023
Ep. 643: How to Use Archetypes in a Series
Oct 09, 2023
Ep. 642: How Meditation Can Inspire Your Next Story
Oct 02, 2023
Ep. 641: Announcing Archetypal Character Guided Meditations! (+Giveaway)
Sep 25, 2023
Ep. 640: What Are Antagonistic Proxies? And How Can They Help Your Story?
Sep 18, 2023
Ep. 639: Where Should You Start Plotting Your Story?
Sep 11, 2023
Ep. 638: Hot Tip for Character Relationships: The Relationship IS a Character
Aug 28, 2023
Ep. 637: How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing
Aug 21, 2023
What Are Plot Devices? (Why You Should Be Cautious)
Aug 14, 2023
Ep. 635: How to Write Interesting Happy Scenes? 6 Tips
Jul 31, 2023
Ep. 634: 8 Different Types of Scenes
Jul 24, 2023
Ep. 633: How to Discover What Your Character Fears
Jul 10, 2023
Ep. 632: A New Way to Think About the Lie the Character Believes
Jul 03, 2023
Ep. 631: What Does Your Character Want? Desire vs. Plot Goal vs. Moral Intention vs. Need
Jun 26, 2023
Ep. 630: What's the Difference? Your Character's Ghost vs. Wound vs. Lie vs. Weakness
Jun 19, 2023
Ep. 629: The Daily Routine of a Full-Time Writer
Jun 12, 2023
Ep. 628: Imposter Syndrome for Writers Is a Real Thing (+ the Key to Slaying It)
Jun 05, 2023
Ep. 627: 5 Ways to Use Your Character's Shadows to Power Your Story
May 29, 2023
Ep. 626: How to Create Insanely Complex Characters Using "Shadow Theory"
May 21, 2023
Ep. 625: Why There's No Such Thing as "Just a Story"
May 15, 2023
Ep. 624: Tips on Hiring and Working with a Book Cover Designer (And New Cover Reveal for Dreamlander!)
May 08, 2023
Ep. 623: The Backstory Drip (Backstory Techniques, Pt. 3 of 3)
May 01, 2023
Ep. 622: Backstory-as-Story vs. Alternating Timelines (Backstory Techniques, Pt. 2 of 3)
Apr 24, 2023
Ep. 621: Prologues vs. Flashbacks (Backstory Techniques, Pt. 1 of 3)
Apr 17, 2023
Ep. 620: How Archetypes Changed My Life and My Writing
Mar 27, 2023
Ep. 619: Here Are Two Ways to Write Organic Themes
Mar 20, 2023
Ep. 618: Genre Tips: How to Write Literary Fiction
Mar 06, 2023
Ep. 617: Genre Tips: How to Write Mystery
Feb 27, 2023
Ep. 616: Genre Tips: How to Write Historical Fiction
Feb 20, 2023
Ep. 615: Genre Tips: How to Write Romance
Feb 13, 2023
Ep. 614: Genre Tips: How to Write Fantasy
Feb 06, 2023
Ep. 613: 5 Tips for How to Return to Writing After a Long Break
Jan 30, 2023
Your Story Isn't Working? Here Are 6 Problems to Troubleshoot
Jan 23, 2023
6 Lessons Learned From 4 Years of Writer's Block
Jan 16, 2023
Ep. 610: Looking Back on 2022: 5 Reflections on a Year of Healing
Jan 02, 2023
Ep. 609: 15 of My Favorite Books in 2022
Dec 12, 2022
Ep. 608: What Are the Best Places to Write? 15 Tips to Create the Perfect Writing Space
Dec 05, 2022
Ep. 607: 8 Tips for Dealing With Negative Reviews of Your Book
Nov 07, 2022
Ep. 606: Top 14 Tips and Tools for Creating Unique Character Voices
Oct 31, 2022
Ep. 605: 9 Negative Character Arcs in the Enneagram
Oct 17, 2022
Ep. 604: 9 Positive Character Arcs in the Enneagram
Oct 10, 2022
Ep. 603: Do You Need Personal Experience to Write About Something?
Sep 05, 2022
Ep. 602: 7 Tips for How to Add Complexity to Your Story
Aug 29, 2022
Ep. 601: Is Your Story Too Complicated? Here Are 9 Signs
Aug 22, 2022
Ep. 600: How to Write Emotional Scenes (Without Making Them Cringey)
Aug 15, 2022
Ep. 599: How Perfect Does Your Story's Structural Timing Have to Be?
Aug 08, 2022
Ep. 598: 13 Rules to Be a Better Beta Reader
Aug 01, 2022
Ep. 597: How to Structure Stories With Multiple Main Characters?
Jul 25, 2022
Ep. 596: 7 Tips for Opening Your Story In Medias Res
Jul 18, 2022
Ep. 595: Clearing Up Some Misconceptions About In Medias Res
Jul 11, 2022
Ep. 594: 8 Ways to Avoid Cardboard Characters (and Plot Contrivances While You're At It)
Jun 27, 2022
Ep. 593: Understanding the New Normal World of a Story's Resolution
Jun 20, 2022
Ep. 592: Understanding the Underworld of a Story's Third Act
Jun 13, 2022
Ep. 591: Understanding the Adventure World of a Story's Second Act
Jun 06, 2022
Ep. 590: Understanding the Normal World of a Story's First Act
May 30, 2022
Ep. 589: Deepening Your Story's Theme With the Thematic Square
May 23, 2022
Ep. 588: 6 Ways to Find Your Best Ideas Before You Start Writing
May 16, 2022
Ep. 587: The Role of the Antagonist in Story Structure, Pt. 2 of 2
May 09, 2022
Ep. 586: The Role of the Antagonist in Story Structure, Pt. 1 of 2
May 02, 2022
Ep. 585: Do You Have to Write Every Day? 10 Pros and Cons
Apr 25, 2022
Ep. 584: The 6 Challenges of Writing a Second Novel
Apr 18, 2022
Ep. 583: 14 Tips for Dealing With the Passage of Time in a Story
Apr 11, 2022
Ep. 582: 6 Ways to Craft Spectacular Set-Piece Scenes
Mar 28, 2022
Ep. 581: How to Know When You're a Successful Author?
Mar 14, 2022
Ep. 580: Should You Take a Break From Writing? 5 Red Flags
Feb 28, 2022
Ep. 579: 9 Ways to Approach Relationship Dynamics in Fiction
Feb 21, 2022
Episode #578: Archetypes and Story Structure: How They're Connected
Feb 14, 2022
Ep. 577: Making Story Structure Your Own
Feb 07, 2022
Ep. 576: Conflict in Fiction: What It Really Is and Why It's Important to Plot
Jan 31, 2022
Ep. #575: The Writer's Inner Critic: 10 Ways to Tell if Yours Is Healthy
Jan 24, 2022
Ep. 574: A Writer's New Year Reflections: The 6 Gifts I Gave Myself in 2021
Jan 10, 2022
Ep. 573: The Two Halves of the Climactic Moment
Dec 13, 2021
Ep. 572: The Two Halves of the Third Plot Point
Dec 06, 2021
Ep. 571: The Two Halves of the Midpoint
Nov 29, 2021
Ep. 570: The Two Halves of the First Plot Point
Nov 15, 2021
Ep. 569: The Two Halves of the Inciting Event
Nov 08, 2021
Ep. #568: 6 Questions to Help You Avoid Repetitive Scenes
Oct 25, 2021
Ep. 567: Archetypal Antagonists for the Mage Arc: Evil and the Weakness of Humankind
Oct 11, 2021
Ep. 566: Archetypal Antagonists for the Crone Arc: Death Blight and Tempter
Oct 04, 2021
Ep. 565: Archetypal Antagonists for the King Arc: Cataclysm and Rebel
Sep 27, 2021
Ep. 564: Archetypal Antagonists for the Queen Arc: Invader and Empty Throne
Sep 20, 2021
Ep. 563: Archetypal Antagonists for the Hero Arc: Dragon and Sick King
Sep 13, 2021
Ep. 562: Archetypal Antagonists for the Maiden Arc: Authority and Predator
Sep 06, 2021
Ep. 561: Archetypal Antagonists for Each of the Six Archetypal Character Arcs
Aug 30, 2021
Ep. 560: The Main Reason Your Story's Premise Is Important
Aug 23, 2021
Ep. 559: 3 Things to Know About the Ending of a Story
Aug 09, 2021
Ep. 558: How the Antagonist Functions in Different Types of Character Arcs
Aug 02, 2021
Ep. 557: Should You Edit As You Go?
Jul 26, 2021
Ep. 556: Why Everyone Should Write (Even if You Think You Stink)
Jul 19, 2021
Ep. 555: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 22: How to Use Archetypal Character Arcs in Your Stories
Jul 05, 2021
Ep. 554: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 21: The Flat Archetype of the Mentor
Jun 28, 2021
Ep. 553: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 20: The Flat Archetype of the Elder
Jun 21, 2021
Ep. 552: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 19: The Flat Archetype of the Ruler
Jun 13, 2021
Ep. 551: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 18: The Flat Archetype of the Parent
Jun 07, 2021
Ep. 550: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 17: The Flat Archetype of the Lover
May 31, 2021
Ep. 549: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 16: The Flat Archetype of the Child
May 24, 2021
Ep. 548: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 15: Introduction to the 6 Flat Archetypes
May 17, 2021
Ep. 547: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 14: The Mage’s Shadow Archetypes
May 10, 2021
Ep. 546: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 13: The Crone’s Shadow Archetypes
May 03, 2021
Ep. 545: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 12: The King’s Shadow Archetypes
Apr 26, 2021
Ep. 544: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 11: The Queen’s Shadow Archetypes
Apr 19, 2021
Ep. 543: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 10: The Hero’s Shadow Archetypes
Apr 12, 2021
Ep. 542: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 9: The Maiden’s Shadow Archetypes
Apr 05, 2021
Ep. 541: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 8: Introduction to the 12 Shadow Archetypes
Mar 29, 2021
Ep. 540: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 7: The Mage Arc
Mar 22, 2021
Ep. 539: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 6: The Crone Arc
Mar 15, 2021
Ep. 538: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 5: The King Arc
Mar 08, 2021
Ep. 537: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 4: The Queen Arc
Mar 01, 2021
Ep. 536: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 3: The Hero Arc
Feb 21, 2021
Ep. 535: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 2: The Maiden Arc
Feb 15, 2021
Ep. 534: Archetypal Character Arcs, Pt. 1: A New Series
Feb 08, 2021
Ep. 533: An Introduction to Archetypal Stories
Feb 01, 2021
Ep. 532: Story Theory and the Quest for Meaning
Jan 25, 2021
Ep. 531: 3 Character Arcs in the Karpman Drama Triangle
Jan 18, 2021
Ep. 530: 7 Writing Lessons Learned in 2020
Jan 04, 2021
Ep. 529: What Is Dreamzoning? (7 Steps to Finding New Story Ideas)
Nov 29, 2020
Ep. 528: 7 Steps to Stop Overthinking Your Writing
Nov 23, 2020
Ep. 527: 5 Questions About Scene Sequences
Nov 16, 2020
Ep. 526: Are You Growing as a Writer? (Here's the Only Way to Tell)
Nov 09, 2020
Ep. 525: The Power of Chiastic Story Structure (Especially in a Series)
Nov 02, 2020
Ep. 524: The Midpoint as the Swivel Point of Your Story's Linked Structure
Oct 26, 2020
Ep. 523: The Link Between Your Story's Pinch Points
Oct 12, 2020
Ep. 522: The Link Between Your Story's First Plot Point and Third Plot Point
Oct 05, 2020
Ep. 521: The Link Between Your Story's Hook and Resolution
Sep 28, 2020
Ep. 520: The Crucial Link Between Your Story's Inciting Event and Climactic Moment
Sep 14, 2020
Episode #519: 15 Steps to Self-Publish Your Book
Sep 07, 2020
Episode #518: 7 Considerations for Your Antagonist's Motivations (Which Will Save You SOOO Much Trouble)
Aug 31, 2020
Ep. 517: Afraid to Let Anyone Read Your Writing? 5 Steps to Move Past Fears
Aug 24, 2020
Ep. 516: 5 Exercises for Honing Your Story Instincts
Aug 17, 2020
Ep. 515: Critique: 4 Ways to Write Sequel Scenes That Grip Readers
Aug 10, 2020
Ep. 514: 5 Ways to Help Writers During the Pandemic (+Giveaways to Get You Started)
Aug 02, 2020
Ep. 513: 7 Misconceptions About Being a Writer
Jul 26, 2020
Ep. 512: 4 Questions to Prevent Plot Holes
Jul 20, 2020
Ep. 511: How to Get Stuff Done as a Writer (or How This INTJ Leverages Her Te)
Jul 05, 2020
Ep. 510: The 3 Acts of a Writer's Life--Or How Your Age Affects Your Writing
Jun 29, 2020
Ep. 509: Using All Four Cognitive Functions as a Writer
Jun 22, 2020
Ep. 508: 11 Exercises to Enhance Your Visual Thinking
Jun 01, 2020
Ep. 507: Editing Your Novel Q&A
May 24, 2020
Ep. 506: Creativity vs. Distraction: 13 Tips for Writers in the Age of the Internet
May 18, 2020
Ep. 505: 7 Possible Hooks for Your Opening Chapter
May 11, 2020
Ep. 505: 15 Productive Tasks You Can Still Do Even When You Don't Feel Like Writing
Apr 27, 2020
Ep. 503: 4 Ways Writing Improves Your Relationship With Yourself
Apr 20, 2020
Ep. 502: How to Get Some Writing Done: Discipline vs. Enthusiasm
Apr 13, 2020
Ep. 501: 7 Ways Writing Saves Us When Life Is Hard
Apr 06, 2020
Ep. 500: 8 Challenges (and Solutions) When Writing From Home
Mar 30, 2020
Ep. 499: The Power of Hopeful Stories in a Stressful Time
Mar 22, 2020
Ep. 498: 5 Questions About How to Balance Multiple POVs in Your Story
Mar 15, 2020
Ep. #497: Critique: 6 Tips for Introducing Characters
Mar 08, 2020
Ep. 496: Creativity vs. the Ego (Or, the Value of Unpublishable Stories)
Mar 01, 2020
Ep. 495: The Professional Writing Resources I Use for All Parts of the Writing and Publishing Processes
Feb 23, 2020
Ep. 494: Thoughts on How to Be Critical of Stories in a Way That Makes a Difference
Feb 17, 2020
Ep. 493: 6 Steps to Create Realistic (and Powerful) Scene Dilemmas
Feb 04, 2020
Ep. 492: 2 Different Types of the Lie Your Character Believes
Jan 20, 2020
Ep. 491: 3 Life-Changing Rules for Finding More Writing Inspiration This Year
Jan 13, 2020
Ep. 490: My Top Books of 2019
Jan 06, 2020
Ep. 489: Critique: Supporting Characters and Theme: 6 Important Questions to Ask About Your Story
Dec 16, 2019
Ep. 488: Critique: 10 Ways to Write a Better First Chapter Using Specific Word Choices
Dec 09, 2019
Ep. 487: How to Choose the Right Antagonist for Any Type of Story
Nov 25, 2019
Ep. 486: How to Overcome Fear as a Writer and Embrace Your Profound Courage
Nov 18, 2019
Ep. 485: 23 Tips for a Zero Waste Home Office
Nov 04, 2019
Ep. 484: How to Know Which Parts of Your Story Readers Will Like Best
Oct 28, 2019
Ep. 483: A Writer's Guide to Understanding People
Oct 21, 2019
Ep. 482: This Is How to Transform Info Dumps Into Exciting Plot Reveals
Oct 14, 2019
Ep. 481: A Challenge to Write Life-Changing Fiction
Oct 07, 2019
Ep. 480: 5 Questions for Choosing a Protagonist Who Represents Theme
Sep 30, 2019
Ep. 479: Are You Struggling to Be Creative? This Might Be Why
Sep 23, 2019
Ep. 478: Critique: 10 Ways to Write Excellent Dialogue
Sep 16, 2019
Ep. 477: Creating Your Character's Inner Conflict: Want vs. Need
Sep 02, 2019
Ep. 476: How to Use a Truth Chart to Figure Out Character Arc
Aug 26, 2019
Ep. 475: How to Tell if Your Story Has Too Much Plot, Not Enough Character
Aug 19, 2019
Ep. 474: Learn 5 Types of Character Arc at a Glance, Pt. 2: The 3 Negative Arcs
Aug 05, 2019
Ep. 473: Learn 5 Types of Character Arc at a Glance, Pt. 1: The 2 Heroic Arcs
Jul 29, 2019
Ep. 472: How to Make Your Plot a Powerful Thematic Metaphor
Jul 22, 2019
Ep. 471: Taking Your Writing to the Next Level: Whole-Life Art
Jul 01, 2019
Ep. 470: Critique: 4 Ways to Write Gripping Internal Narrative
Jun 24, 2019
Ep. 469: 5 Ways to Earn Audience Loyalty
Jun 17, 2019
Ep. 468: 6 Requirements for Writing Better Character Goals
Jun 10, 2019
Ep. 467: How to Write Interesting Scenes
Jun 03, 2019
Ep. 466: 4 Challenges of Writing for a Modern Audience
May 27, 2019
Ep. 465: Helping Authors Become Artists
Apr 22, 2019
Ep. 464: How to Use Your Outline When Writing Your First Draft
Apr 15, 2019
Ep. 463: What Is the Relationship Between Plot and Theme?
Apr 08, 2019
Ep. 462: 5 Ways to Use Theme to Create Character Arc (and Vice Versa)
Apr 01, 2019
Ep. 461: 4 Pacing Tricks to Keep Readers' Attention
Mar 25, 2019
Ep. 460: How to Find Your Thematic Principle
Mar 18, 2019
Ep. 459: Plot, Character, and Theme: The Greatest Love Triangle in Fiction
Mar 11, 2019
Ep. 458: 7 Things to Try When Writing Is Hard
Feb 25, 2019
Ep. 457: How to Use Paragraph Breaks to Guide the Reading Experience
Feb 11, 2019
Ep. 456: 10 Advantages of Writing a Single-POV Story
Feb 04, 2019
Ep. 455: My 9 Writing Goals for the New Year
Jan 28, 2019
Ep. 454: How to Create the Perfect Writing Process for You
Jan 21, 2019
Ep. 453: My Top Books of 2018
Dec 17, 2018
Ep. 452: The 10-Step Checklist to Writing an Above-Average Novel
Dec 10, 2018
Ep. 451: The 10 Rules of Writing Large Casts of Characters
Dec 03, 2018
Ep. 450: How to Choose Your Story's Plot Points
Nov 19, 2018
Ep. 449: 5 Ways to Successfully Start a Book With a Dream
Nov 12, 2018
Ep. 448: When Writing, How Do You Know When Enough Is Enough?
Nov 05, 2018
Ep. 447: 5 Lessons From a Lost Novel
Oct 29, 2018
Ep. 446: Words Are Radical! (or, How to Cherish Language)
Oct 15, 2018
Ep. 445: Story Structure Q and A: 6 Outstanding Questions About Structure
Oct 01, 2018
Ep. 444: 3 Tips for Improving Show, Don't Tell
Sep 24, 2018
Ep. 443: Do You Have Sloppy Writing Habits? (And 4 Things to Do About It)
Sep 03, 2018
Ep. 442: 5 Ways to Use the Enneagram to Write Better Characters
Aug 27, 2018
Ep. 441: Writer's Envy--And 3 Thoughts on What to Do About It
Aug 20, 2018
Ep. 440: How to Market Your Book When You Hate Marketing
Aug 13, 2018
Ep. 439: 4 Ways to Choose a Better Theme for Your Book
Aug 06, 2018
Ep. 438: 4 Steps for How to Turn an Idea Into a Story That Rocks
Jul 23, 2018
Ep. 437: How to Write Unique Themes
Jul 16, 2018
Ep. 436: Never Let Anybody Tell You How to Write: 8 Tips for Learning Responsibly
Jul 09, 2018
Ep. 435: Judge Yourself Less, Trust Yourself More, and Write Better Stories
Jul 02, 2018
Ep. 434: Writing as the Art of Thinking Clearly: 6 Steps
Jun 25, 2018
Ep. 433: How to Intertwine Plot, Character, and Theme in Every Scene
Jun 18, 2018
Ep. 432: 5 Steps to Writing Great Character Chemistry
Jun 11, 2018
Ep. 431: 4 Ways to Write a Better Antagonist
Jun 04, 2018
Ep. 430: How the Truth Your Character Believes Defines Your Theme
May 28, 2018
Ep. 429: How to Grow as a Writer: 5 Logical Steps
May 21, 2018
Ep. 428: 5 Lies Writers Believe That Are Holding Them Back
May 14, 2018
Ep. 427: Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 64: POV Problems
May 07, 2018
What Should Your Characters Talk About?
Apr 30, 2018
Your Ultimate First Chapter Checklist, Pt. 3: Introducing the Story
Apr 23, 2018
Your Ultimate First Chapter Checklist, Pt. 2: Writing the Opening Chapter
Apr 16, 2018
Your Ultimate First Chapter Checklist, Pt. 1: Hooking Readers
Apr 09, 2018
How to Decide Between Plain Prose and Beautiful Prose
Apr 02, 2018
Learn 5 Ways to Take Risks With Your Writing
Mar 19, 2018
How to Spot and Avoid Self-Indulgent Writing
Mar 12, 2018
Don't Write Scenes--Write Images
Feb 26, 2018
Cohesion and Resonance! Cohesion and Resonance! Cohesion and Resonance!
Feb 12, 2018
4 Tips for Writing to the Right Audience
Feb 05, 2018
4 Ways for Writers to Become Better Readers
Jan 29, 2018
The Words That Changed Your Life: Discovering What Made You a Writer
Jan 22, 2018
4 (Possible) Reasons Why We Write
Jan 15, 2018
The 5 Secrets of Good Storytelling (That Writers Forget All the Time)
Jan 08, 2018
4 Life-Changing New Year's Lessons for Writers
Jan 01, 2018
My Top Books of 2017
Dec 11, 2017
How to Write Funny
Nov 27, 2017
Tips for How to Choose the Right Sentences
Nov 20, 2017
5 (Not-So-Little) Additions to the Great Novel-Writing Checklist
Nov 13, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 63: Purple Prose
Nov 06, 2017
The Great Novel-Writing Checklist
Oct 30, 2017
4 Ways to Prevent Formulaic Story Structure
Oct 23, 2017
The Only Good Reason to Write
Oct 16, 2017
4 Reasons You're Confused About Scene Structure (With Examples)
Oct 09, 2017
6 Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Protect Creativity
Sep 25, 2017
5 Tips for Organizing Subplots
Sep 18, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 62: Head-Hopping POV
Sep 04, 2017
7 Ways to Write Thematically-Pertinent Antagonists
Aug 28, 2017
4 Questions You Should Never Ask About Your Book
Aug 21, 2017
4 Ways to Write a Thought-Provoking Mentor Character
Aug 14, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 61: 5 Types of Clunky Dialogue
Aug 07, 2017
5 Tips for Writing a Likable "Righteous" Character
Jul 31, 2017
16 Ways to Make Your Setting a Character in Its Own Right
Jul 24, 2017
Writing Voice: 6 Things You Need to Know to Improve It
Jul 17, 2017
How to Ace the First Act in Your Sequel
Jul 10, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 60: Flat Plots
Jul 03, 2017
How to Calculate Your Book's Length Before Writing
Jun 26, 2017
Learn How to Make the Most of the 5 Stages of the Writing Process
Jun 19, 2017
5 Ways to Write a Perfect First Draft (or Nearly)
Jun 12, 2017
Are You a Writer or a Storyteller?
Jun 05, 2017
5 Misconceptions About Writing That I Used to Believe
May 22, 2017
When Does Writing Get Easier? The 4 Steps to Mastery
May 15, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 59: Overly Complex Plots
May 01, 2017
3 Ways to Make Your Writing More Visual
Apr 24, 2017
3 Ways to Test Your Story's Emotional Stakes
Apr 17, 2017
How to Benefit From the Biggest Reason for Storytelling
Apr 10, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 58: Too Much Description
Apr 03, 2017
The 7 Stages of Being a Writer (How Many Have You Experienced?)
Mar 27, 2017
9 Tips for How to Write Opening and Closing Lines Readers Will Love to Quote
Mar 20, 2017
5 Rules for How to Write a Sequel to Your Book
Mar 13, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 57: Dead-End Relationships
Mar 06, 2017
The Lazy Author's 6-Question Guide to Writing an Original Book
Feb 27, 2017
Learn How to Pace Your Story (and Mind-Control Your Readers) in Just 8 Steps
Feb 20, 2017
8 Ways to Troubleshoot a Scene--and 5 Ways Make It Fabulous
Feb 13, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 56: Unfulfilled Foreshadowing
Feb 06, 2017
How to Find Exactly the Right Story Hook
Jan 30, 2017
How to Outline a Series of Bestselling Books
Jan 16, 2017
Top 10 Ways to Rivet Readers with Plot Reveals
Jan 09, 2017
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 55: Beginning Your Story Too Late
Jan 02, 2017
Deepen Your Story With Character Misdirection
Dec 26, 2016
The #1 Way to Write Intense Story Conflict
Dec 19, 2016
A New Way to Think About Scene Structure
Dec 12, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 54: Story Events That Don't Move the Plot
Dec 05, 2016
How to Write a Scene Outline You Can Use (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 9)
Nov 28, 2016
Making the Most of Character Interviews (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 8)
Nov 21, 2016
How to Structure Your Story's Outline (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 7)
Nov 14, 2016
3 Tips for Weaving Together Your Story's Pieces (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 6)
Nov 07, 2016
4 Ways to Write Backstory That Matters (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 5)
Oct 31, 2016
How to Find and Fill All Your Plot Holes (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 4)
Oct 24, 2016
3 Steps to Find the Heart of Your Story (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 3)
Oct 17, 2016
Start Your Outline With These 4 Questions (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 2)
Oct 10, 2016
How to Outline for NaNoWriMo: Should You Outline Your Novel?
Oct 03, 2016
7 Questions You Have About Scenes vs. Chapters
Sep 26, 2016
The Secret to Writing Dynamic Characters: It's Always Their Fault
Sep 19, 2016
The Only 5 Ingredients You Need for Story Subtext
Sep 12, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 53: No Contractions in Dialogue
Sep 05, 2016
6 Reasons You Need to Make Way More Writing Mistakes
Aug 29, 2016
How to Find the Right Critique Partner: The 6-Step Checklist
Aug 15, 2016
15 More Reasons Writing Is Important (in Your Own Words)
Aug 08, 2016
How to Use Scrivener to Edit Your Novels
Aug 01, 2016
5 Reasons Writing Is Important to the World
Jul 25, 2016
4 Ways to Verify Your Story Concept Is Strong Enough
Jul 18, 2016
7 Reasons You Need Story Theory
Jul 11, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 52: Stagnant Story Conflict
Jul 04, 2016
5 Secrets of Complex Supporting Characters
Jun 27, 2016
How to Plot a Book: Start With the Antagonist
Jun 20, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 51: One-Dimensional Characters
Jun 13, 2016
6 Tips for How to Organize Your Novel's Edits
May 29, 2016
How to Write Faster (and Why Maybe You Shouldn't)
May 15, 2016
Planning Your Story: What George Lucas Can Teach You (Not) to Do
May 08, 2016
6 Tips to Help You Finish Your Book
May 01, 2016
Do You Have a Writing Superpower? (And Why You Shouldn't)
Apr 24, 2016
Everything You Need to Know About Writing a 3rd-Person POV
Apr 17, 2016
Novel Research: 12 Ways to Ace Your Book
Apr 10, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 50: Info Dumps
Apr 03, 2016
How to Know When to Write The End
Mar 27, 2016
5 (More) Ways to Trim Your Book's Word Count, Pt. 2 of 2
Mar 20, 2016
5 Ways to Trim Your Book's Word Count, Pt. 1 of 2
Mar 14, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 49: Weak Conjunctions
Mar 07, 2016
How to Create Awesome Scene Arcs That Surprise Readers
Feb 28, 2016
5 Important Ways Storytelling Is Different in Books vs. Movies
Feb 15, 2016
The 4 Tweaks to Writing Truly Original Stories and Characters
Feb 01, 2016
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 48: No Conflict Between Characters
Feb 01, 2016
Your NaNo Novel Is a Hot Mess! How to Edit Your Book
Jan 25, 2016
The Re-Readability Factor: Does Your Book Have It? 5 Ways to Make It Happen
Jan 11, 2016
Most Common Mistakes Series, Pt. 47: Ineffective Setting Descriptions
Jan 04, 2016
How to Study Plot and Character in Your Favorite Stories: 5 Easy Steps
Dec 28, 2015
Coincidences in Fiction: What You're Doing Wrong
Dec 21, 2015
Not Feeling Creative? 4 Ways to Reignite the "Wonder" in Your Writing
Dec 14, 2015
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 46: Anticlimactic Endings
Dec 07, 2015
How to Choose the Right POV (What I Learned Writing Storming)
Nov 30, 2015
How to Write Multiple Antagonists (What I Learned Writing Storming)
Nov 23, 2015
How to Write Can't-Look-Away Chapter Breaks (What I Learned Writing Storming)
Nov 16, 2015
6 Steps to Create a Fantastic Narrative Voice (What I Learned Writing Storming)
Nov 09, 2015
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 45: Avoiding "Said"
Nov 02, 2015
How to Win NaNo Using Totally Doable Daily and Weekly Writing Goals
Oct 26, 2015
7 Ways to Keep Writing During NaNo When You Only Want to Watch Football
Oct 19, 2015
6 Tasks You'll Love Yourself for Checking Off Your NaNo Pre-Writing List
Oct 12, 2015
7 Ways to Use NaNoWriMo to Make You a Better Writer All Year Long
Oct 05, 2015
Your Fiction May Be Failing for One Simple Reason: You're Not Being Honest
Sep 28, 2015
How to Edit Fiction: Watch Me Correct My Own Story in Real Time
Sep 21, 2015
8 Paragraph Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making
Sep 14, 2015
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 44: Too Many Participle Phrases
Sep 07, 2015
How to Write a Sequel That's BETTER Than the First Book
Aug 31, 2015
Protagonist and Main Character- Same Person? The Answer May Transform Your Story!
Aug 24, 2015
New Story Ideas Distracting You From Your Book? Find Out What You Should Do
Aug 17, 2015
4 Methods to Invigorate Your Prose With Surprising Sentences
Aug 09, 2015
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 43: Too Many Exclamation Points!
Aug 02, 2015
4 Ways to Write a Likable Protagonist at the Start of His Character Arc
Jul 26, 2015
Whom Should You Be Writing For? Yourself or Your Readers?
Jul 19, 2015
The Hardest Part of Writing Good Character Arcs-and How You Can Make It Look Easy!
Jul 12, 2015
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 42: When Your Story Stakes Aren't High Enough
Jul 05, 2015
3 Ways to Make Writing Your Novel Easier
Jun 28, 2015
Ep. 266: What Every Writer Ought to Know About the Omniscient POV
Jun 21, 2015
Ep. 255: Never Confuse the Key Event and the First Plot Point in Your Book Again!
Jun 14, 2015
Ep. 254: Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 41: Inferring Non-POV Characters' Thoughts
Jun 07, 2015
Ep. 256: A Reactive Protagonist Doesn't Have to Be a Passive Protagonist! Discover the Difference
May 31, 2015
Ep. 255: Stories That Matter: 5 Necessary Factors for Weighty Fiction
May 24, 2015
Ep. 254: How the Perfect Midpoint Moves Your Protagonist From Reaction to Action
May 17, 2015
Ep. 253: Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 40: Unnecessary Scenes
May 03, 2015
Ep. 252: Find Out if Your Prologue Is Destroying Your Story’s Subtext
Apr 26, 2015
Ep. 251: My Writing Process, Pt. 2 of 2: How I Use Scrivener to Write My First Drafts
Apr 19, 2015
Ep. 250: My Writing Process, Pt. 1 of 2: How I Use Scrivener to Outline My Novels
Apr 12, 2015
Want Readers to Adore Your Book? Learn How to Ace Your Climactic Moment
Apr 05, 2015
Ep. 248: What Are Pinch Points? And How Can They Make Your Book Easier to Write?
Mar 29, 2015
Ep. 247: Your Book’s Inciting Event: It’s Not What You Think It Is
Mar 22, 2015
Ep. 246: Want to Know More About the Structure of Your Favorite Books and Movies? Announcing the Story Structure Database!
Mar 15, 2015
Ep. 245: For Writers on the Verge of Writing Spectacularly Complex Characters
Mar 08, 2015
Ep. 244: Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 39: Referencing Characters by Title Rather Than Name
Mar 01, 2015
Ep. 243: Do You Know the 6 Must-Have Elements of a "Wow" Story Premise?
Feb 22, 2015
Ep. 242: The Crucial Way to Figure Out How Much Time Your Story Should Cover
Feb 15, 2015
Ep. 241: The 5 Secrets of Choosing the Right Setting for Your Story's Climax
Feb 08, 2015
Ep. 240: Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 38: Irrelevant Book Endings
Feb 01, 2015
Ep. 239: The Lazy Author's Way to Identify and Overcome Writing Weaknesses
Jan 25, 2015
Ep. 238: Get Rid of On-the-Nose Dialogue Once and For All
Jan 18, 2015
Ep. 273: Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 37: Unnecessary Filler
Jan 04, 2015
Ep. 275: How to Pitch Your Novel: What's the Difference Between Your Story's Hook and Your Story's Heart?
Dec 28, 2014
A Quick Guide to Beta Reader Etiquette
Dec 21, 2014
What's the Difference Between Your Story's Theme and Its Message?
Dec 14, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 36: Too Much Introspection, Not Enough Interaction
Dec 07, 2014
What Is the Role of Theme in a Story's Climax?
Nov 23, 2014
Want a Powerful Theme for Your Novel? Play Devil's Advocate!
Nov 23, 2014
Don't Know Your Story's Theme? Take a Look at Your Character's Arc
Nov 16, 2014
How Much Realism Does Your Novel REALLY Need?
Nov 09, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 35: Random Story Elements
Nov 02, 2014
Why Your Character's Goal Needs to Be 1 of These 5 Things
Oct 26, 2014
Story Concept and Story Premise: Do You Know the Crucial Difference?
Oct 19, 2014
FAQ: How to Write Character Arcs in a Series
Oct 12, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 34: Repetitive Dialogue
Oct 05, 2014
What if Your Story Has No Character Arc?
Sep 28, 2014
You've Been Writing Sentences Wrong All Your Life! Find Out Why
Sep 21, 2014
How to Use Rewards and Punishments to Get Your Character to Change
Sep 14, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 33: Telling Important Scenes, Instead of Showing
Sep 07, 2014
Should All Your Minor Characters Have Arcs?
Aug 31, 2014
The Impact Character: Why Every Character Arc Needs One
Aug 24, 2014
Can a Character's Arc Be a Subplot?
Aug 17, 2014
How to Figure Out WHAT Your Character's Arc Should Be
Aug 10, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 32: Boring Opening Lines
Aug 03, 2014
How to Write a Negative Character Arc, Pt. 3: The Third Act
Jul 27, 2014
How to Write a Negative Character Arc, Pt. 2: The Second Act
Jul 20, 2014
How to Write a Negative Character Arc, Pt. 1: The First Act
Jul 13, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 31: One-Dimensional Conflict
Jul 06, 2014
Why Every Story You Write Is a Guaranteed Failure
Jun 29, 2014
How to Write a Flat Character Arc, Pt. 3: The Third Act
Jun 22, 2014
How to Write a Flat Character Arc, Pt. 2: The Second Act
Jun 15, 2014
How to Write a Flat Character Arc, Pt. 1: The First Act
Jun 08, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 30: Describing Character Movements
Jun 01, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 15: The Resolution
May 25, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 14: The Climax
May 18, 2014
Crafting Character Arcs, Pt. 13: The Third Act
May 11, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 12: The Third Plot Point
May 04, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 11: The Second Half of the Second Act
Apr 27, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 10: The Midpoint
Apr 20, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 9: The First Half of the Second Act
Apr 13, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 8: The First Plot Point
Mar 30, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 7: The First Act
Mar 23, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 6: The Normal World
Mar 16, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 5: The Characteristic Moment
Mar 09, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 4: Your Character's Ghost
Mar 02, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 3: The Thing Your Character Wants vs. The Thing Your Character Needs
Feb 23, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 2: The Lie Your Character Believes
Feb 16, 2014
Crafting Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 1: Can You Structure Character?
Feb 09, 2014
Most Common Writing Mistakes: Stories That Begin Too Early
Feb 02, 2014
Warning Signs! Your Character Is Acting Out of Character
Jan 26, 2014
How Minor Characters Help You Discover Theme
Jan 19, 2014
How to Successfully Kill a Character: The Checklist
Jan 12, 2014
Eight and a Half Character Archetypes You Should Be Writing
Dec 22, 2013
How the Antagonist Affects Character Arc
Dec 15, 2013
Most Common Writing Mistakes: Weak Character Voice
Dec 01, 2013
How to Double Your Story's Conflict in Seconds
Nov 24, 2013
Top 25 Ways to Write an Awesome Book
Nov 17, 2013
7 Ways to Decide Which Story Idea You Should Write Next
Nov 10, 2013
Most Common Mistakes: Under-Explaining
Nov 03, 2013
3 Signs You Should Give Up on Your Story
Oct 27, 2013
5 Signs You're Hiding Behind Your Writing - and 5 Ways to Use It as a Mirror Instead
Oct 20, 2013
Most Common Mistakes: Characters Who Lack Solid Story Goals
Oct 06, 2013
The Evolution of a Scene: From Outline to First Draft
Sep 29, 2013
10 Ways to Make Readers Loathe Your Antagonist
Sep 22, 2013
How Not to Be a Writer: 15 Signs You're Doing It Wrong
Sep 15, 2013
Most Common Mistakes: Animate Body Parts
Sep 08, 2013
Have You Chosen the Wrong Tone for Your Story?
Aug 25, 2013
6 Must-Know Tricks for Getting to Know Your Characters
Aug 18, 2013
Is Your Prose Too Complex?
Aug 04, 2013
5 Ways to Write a Killer Plot Twist
Jul 28, 2013
When Your Scene Focuses on What Isn't Happening
Jul 07, 2013
8 Promises You're Making to Readers - and Then Breaking
Jun 30, 2013
Exclusive Dialogue: When Readers Don't Know What Your Characters Are Talking About
Jun 23, 2013
Are You Over-Thinking Your First Draft?
Jun 16, 2013
How I Self-Edit My Novels: 15 Steps From First Draft to Publication
Jun 09, 2013
A Surefire Sign You're Over-Explaining
Jun 02, 2013
What if Your Antagonist Isn't a Person?
May 26, 2013
5 Reasons You Should Stop Writing
May 19, 2013
17 Steps to a Reader-Grabbing Title
May 12, 2013
The Do's and Don'ts of Dialect
May 05, 2013
How to Use Foreshadowing
Apr 28, 2013
Be a Better Writer: Get Organized
Apr 21, 2013
Why "Suddenly" Is a Four-Letter Word
Apr 07, 2013
Why You Need to Be Excited About Every Single Thing You Write
Mar 31, 2013
Why the Reader Is Your Co-Writer
Mar 24, 2013
Top 10 Sentence Slip-Ups
Mar 17, 2013
Motivation-Reaction Units: Cracking the Code of Good Writing
Mar 10, 2013
Incidents and Happenings: Scenes That Aren't Actually Scenes
Mar 03, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions About Scene Structure
Feb 24, 2013
Variations on the Sequel
Feb 17, 2013
Options for Decisions in a Sequel
Feb 10, 2013
Options for Dilemmas in a Sequel
Feb 03, 2013
Options for Reactions in a Sequel
Jan 27, 2013
The Three Building Blocks of the Sequel
Jan 20, 2013
Variations on the Scene
Jan 13, 2013
Options for Disasters in a Scene
Jan 06, 2013
Options for Conflict in a Scene
Dec 30, 2012
Options for Goals in a Scene
Dec 23, 2012
The Three Building Blocks of the Scene
Dec 16, 2012
Mastering the Two Different Types of Scene
Dec 09, 2012
6 Types of Courageous Characters
Nov 25, 2012
Why Non-Writers Give the Best Critiques
Nov 18, 2012
Why Writers Should Never Hit Delete
Nov 11, 2012
Your Must-Have Book Checklist: From Idea to Publication
Nov 04, 2012
10 Stories With (Brilliant) Loose Ends
Oct 28, 2012
How to Tell if Your Book Is a Success
Oct 21, 2012
What's Your Writing Personality?
Oct 14, 2012
Are You Skipping the Best Parts?
Oct 07, 2012
Professional Resources for Writers
Sep 30, 2012
Why Story Beginnings and Endings Must Be Linked
Sep 23, 2012
Why Your Story's Conflict Isn't Working
Sep 16, 2012
10 Excuses for Not Writing - and How to Smash Them
Sep 09, 2012
Most Common Mistakes Series: Does Your Character Lack Purpose?
Sep 02, 2012
5 Ways You're Preventing Readers From Suspending Disbelief
Aug 26, 2012
Add Muscle to Your Fiction With Unity and Contrast
Aug 19, 2012
6 Ways to Pull off Dual Timelines in Your Novel
Aug 12, 2012
How You May Be Killing Your Story's Tension
Aug 05, 2012
5 Reasons to Write Your Scenes in Order (and 3 Not to)
Jul 29, 2012
What's the Purpose of Your Scene?
Jul 22, 2012
10 Questions Your Readers Shouldn't Have to Ask
Jul 15, 2012
Talent vs. Learning: Do You Have to Be Born a Writer?
Jul 08, 2012
Why Do Bad Books Get Published?
Jul 01, 2012
Are You Writing Your Novel Too Fast?
Jun 24, 2012
The Top 25 Ways to Blow a Book
Jun 17, 2012
How to Spot and Fix Non-Reactive and Over-Reactive Characters
Jun 10, 2012
The Two Conflict-Creating Needs of Every Character
Jun 03, 2012
How Routines Save (and Ruin) Your Writing
May 27, 2012
Why Self-Conscious Writers Are Doomed
May 20, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 12: Your Questions Answered
May 13, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 11: The Resolution
May 06, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 10: The Climax
Apr 29, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 9: The Third Act
Apr 22, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 8: The Second Half of the Second Act
Apr 15, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 7: The Midpoint
Apr 08, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 6: The First Half of the Second Act
Apr 01, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 5: The Inciting Event and the Key Event
Mar 25, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 4: The First Plot Point
Mar 18, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 3: The First Act
Mar 11, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 2: The Hook
Mar 04, 2012
The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 1: Why Should Authors Care?
Feb 26, 2012
A Wordplayer's Manifesto
Feb 19, 2012
The Writer's Guide to Punctuation
Feb 12, 2012
The Case of the Vanishing Setting
Feb 05, 2012
Don't Let Multiple-Character Scenes Run Away With You
Jan 22, 2012
How I Learned to Write - And How You Can Too
Jan 15, 2012
Don't Drown Your Readers in Explanations
Jan 08, 2012
12 Writing Resolutions for the 12 Months of 2012
Jan 01, 2012
The Christmas Gifts I'm Most Thankful For This Year
Dec 25, 2011
How Do You Decide Which Story You Should Write?
Dec 18, 2011
25 "Under $25" Christmas Gifts for Writers
Dec 11, 2011
Are Your Flashbacks Flashy or Flabby?
Dec 04, 2011
Action/Reaction - The Pistons Powering Your Story
Nov 27, 2011
4 Reasons to Mimic the Masters - and 4 Reasons Not to
Nov 20, 2011
How Do You Know Which Rules to Break?
Nov 13, 2011
Do Readers See Your Characters the Way You Want Them To?
Nov 06, 2011
10 Fear Busters for Writers
Oct 30, 2011
5 Elements of a Resonant Closing Line
Oct 23, 2011
5 Fun and Easy Ways to Lengthen Your Word Count
Oct 16, 2011
The Dangers of Character Overload
Oct 02, 2011
What Elements Make a Good Book?
Sep 25, 2011
5 Elements of a Riveting First Line
Sep 18, 2011
Why Your Hero Absolutely Must Pet a Dog
Sep 11, 2011
Most Common Mistakes Series: Is Nothin' Happening in Your Scene?
Sep 04, 2011
Why Your Protagonist and Antagonist Should Be Stuck Like Glue
Aug 28, 2011
Captain America's 10-Step Guide to the Likable Hero
Aug 21, 2011
10 Stylistic Mistakes Sabotaging Your Story
Aug 14, 2011
7 Ways to Make Family and Pets Respect Your Writing Time
Aug 07, 2011
Why You Should Kick Your Story Aside and Write a Different One
Jul 31, 2011
What The Story Knows Best Really Means
Jul 24, 2011
Deus Ex Machina: Latin for Don't Do This in Your Story
Jul 17, 2011
The Fast and Easy Guide to Writing Characters of the Opposite Gender
Jul 10, 2011
Is Your Opening Line Lying to Your Readers?
Jul 03, 2011
Why There's No Such Thing as a Writing Expert - And Why That's a Good Thing
Jun 26, 2011
Save Your Readers From Boredom: Five Fool-Proof Preventatives
Jun 19, 2011
4 Tricks for Picking the Perfect Word
Jun 12, 2011
Is Your First-Person Narrator Overpowering Your Story?
Jun 05, 2011
Are Happy Endings a Must?
May 29, 2011
The Kung Fu Panda Guide to Writing Action Scenes
May 22, 2011
The Secret Ingredient of Original Stories
May 15, 2011
Ideas for Constructing Your Own Writing Routine
May 08, 2011
Understanding - and Accepting - the Reasons You Write
May 01, 2011
What Is a 50-Page Edit... and Why Will It Rock Your Story?
Apr 24, 2011
How Not to Use Speaker Tags and Action Beats
Apr 17, 2011
3 Traits Your Hero and Villain Should Share
Apr 10, 2011
4 Ways to Avoid the Pitfalls of a Writer's Solitude
Apr 03, 2011
Why Writers Should Take Their Own Advice
Mar 27, 2011
Why Vague Writing Is Weak Writing
Mar 20, 2011
Are You Asking These Important Questions About Your Fantasy Setting?
Mar 13, 2011
What I Love Lucy Can Teach You About Writing Tics
Mar 06, 2011
8 Signs Your Writing Is Stuck in a Rut - And Why You Should Care
Feb 13, 2011
Are You Confusing Readers With Poor Cause and Effect?
Feb 06, 2011
Why You Should Read the Type of Stories You Write
Jan 23, 2011
The Good News? Writing Never Gets Any Easier
Jan 23, 2011
10 Steps for Getting Past the "This Stinks" Blues
Jan 16, 2011
Are You Using "There" as a Crutch?
Jan 09, 2011
10 Writing Resolutions You Can Fulfill
Jan 02, 2011
7 Reasons Weather Is a Writer's Friend
Dec 26, 2010
Are Your Verbs Showing or Telling?
Dec 19, 2010
8 Reasons to Let Your Story Ripen
Dec 12, 2010
What Kind of Writer Are You?
Dec 05, 2010
Description: Friend or Foe?
Nov 28, 2010
Why Are You Writing This Story?
Nov 14, 2010
Are You Dating Your Fiction?
Nov 07, 2010
Juxtaposition: The Power of the Unexpected in Fiction
Oct 31, 2010
Use Motion to Spice up Your Scenes
Oct 24, 2010
Love Your Characters - Or Else!
Oct 17, 2010
Is Your Dialogue Pulling Its Weight?
Oct 10, 2010
The Worst Writing Advice
Oct 03, 2010
The Best Writing Advice
Sep 26, 2010
Are You a Writer?
Sep 19, 2010
Research: When in Doubt, Make It Up
Sep 12, 2010
Is Your Story Mysterious Enough?
Sep 05, 2010
Should You Edit As You Go?
Aug 29, 2010
Are You Benefiting From the Intimacy of Pronouns?
Aug 15, 2010
5 Steps to Dazzling Minor Characters
Aug 08, 2010
Whap! Pow! Zing! - How Can You Tell if Your Story Has Emotional Resonance?
Jul 25, 2010
Why Your Character's Motive Matters
Jul 18, 2010
6 Reasons a Premise Sentence Strengthens Your Story
Jul 11, 2010
Is the Thesaurus Your Friend?
Jul 04, 2010
Should Stories Be Soapboxes?
Jun 27, 2010
Why No Writer Knows What He's Doing
Jun 20, 2010
Change is the Key to Powerful Character Arcs
Jun 13, 2010
Maximize Your Story's Inciting Event
Jun 06, 2010
8 Ways Writing Longhand Frees Your Muse
May 30, 2010
Generality Is the Death of the Novel
May 23, 2010
Creating a Functional Writing Station
May 16, 2010
Improve Yourself, Improve Your Writing
May 09, 2010
When Your Story Doesn't Turn Out Like You Planned
May 02, 2010
10 Ways to Write Skinny Sentences
Apr 25, 2010
Why Character Stereotypes Are a Good Thing
Apr 18, 2010
Daydream or Die!
Apr 11, 2010
Are You Using Too Many Settings?
Apr 04, 2010
Does Your Story Have the Extraordinary Factor?
Mar 28, 2010
What a Mouse Can Teach You About Story Arc
Mar 22, 2010
Rewriting Made Easy
Mar 14, 2010
15 Lessons From the Masters
Mar 07, 2010
Three Words That Kill Writing Procrastination
Feb 28, 2010
Strengthen Your Story by Writing the Perfect Review
Feb 14, 2010
Plot vs. Character: Which Is More Important?
Feb 07, 2010
Are You Using Setting to Deepen Your Characters?
Jan 31, 2010
Embrace Your Internal Editor
Jan 24, 2010
Are You Called to Be a Writer?
Jan 17, 2010
Why Word Count Goals Can Be Destructive
Jan 10, 2010
10 Habits of Successful Authors
Jan 03, 2010
11 Killer Chapter Breaks
Dec 27, 2009
Are Your Characters Talking Heads?
Dec 20, 2009
How Music Will Make You a Better Writer
Dec 13, 2009
Why You Should Write More Than One Genre
Dec 06, 2009
4 Reasons I Quit Writing Exercises
Nov 29, 2009
How to Kill a Character - And Avoid Hate Mail
Nov 22, 2009
Top 7 Reasons Readers Stop Reading
Nov 15, 2009
6 Reasons Not to Listen to Your Critique Partner
Nov 08, 2009
11 Dichotomous Characters - And Why They Work
Nov 01, 2009
Emotional Connection: Punch Your Readers in the Gut!
Oct 25, 2009
Should You Outline Backwards?
Oct 18, 2009
Why You Should Be Writing Scared
Oct 11, 2009
Good Writers Are So Lazy, They Make Readers Do All the Work! by Jason Black
Oct 04, 2009
How You Can Take Advantage of Art's Subjectivity
Sep 27, 2009
Should You Write for a Specific Audience?
Sep 20, 2009
9 Ways to Strengthen Your Beginnings
Sep 13, 2009
Angst, Mental Illness, and Creativity by Carolyn Kaufman
Sep 06, 2009
It's What Your Characters Do That Defines Them
Aug 30, 2009
Why Genre Writing Could Kill Your Career
Aug 23, 2009
Backstory: The Importance of What Isn't Told
Aug 16, 2009
Choosing Your Character's Career With Care
Aug 09, 2009
Sticking With a Story
Aug 02, 2009
yWriter Software Tutorial
Jul 26, 2009
Making Cliches Work for You
Jul 19, 2009
5 Ways to Pace Your Story
Jul 12, 2009
Details: Bringing Fiction to Life
Jul 05, 2009
Characters: Likability Is Overrated
Jun 28, 2009
Don't Let the Big Words Die
Jun 21, 2009
Eliciting Emotion
Jun 14, 2009
Branded: Negotiating Consumerism in Fiction
Jun 07, 2009