Story Physics: Reaction Beats

Story Physics: Reaction Beats

Newton’s third law says every action will have an equal but opposite reaction. This is true in stories, too … or at least it should be. How do we get to know characters, even as they flit from one conflict-ridden chase scene to the next? Through reaction beats.

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How to Write Active Dialogue

How to Write Active Dialogue

Writing dialogue is tricky. It seems like it should be the simplest part of the process, because we’re all familiar with what conversations sound like. There’s a difference, though, between a conversation you might have and how to write active dialogue in your story.

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Healing Writer Burnout

Healing Writer Burnout

Writer burnout is a cousin to writer’s block, with a few key differences. Both states leave you feeling like you should write, you need to write, but you just can’t. I’ll share five tips that’ll help you recover from writer burnout.

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How Long Should a Book Be?
Writing Flashbacks

Writing Flashbacks

Writers are often cautioned away from flashbacks, but they can connect the dots between the past and who the characters are now. Read on for tips on writing flashbacks that function well.

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Journaling to Productive First Drafts

Journaling to Productive First Drafts

In a world where life constantly competes for our time, we don’t have the luxury of writing twelve to fifteen drafts of something before we can say it’s done. We need to work smarter, not longer. We need to write productive first drafts. 

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Writing For The Reader: How To Know Who Your Memoir is For

Writing For The Reader: How To Know Who Your Memoir is For

What happens when you’ve written a memoir but find that your words aren’t resonating with readers the way you thought they would? And upon that realization, what do you do or change to bridge the gap?

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How to Describe Emotion
Writing Quotes To Motivate and Inspire
Daily Writing Practice: Five Tips For Writing More

Daily Writing Practice: Five Tips For Writing More

Having a daily writing practice is one of the best ways to improve your writing. The more you write, the more you’re able to learn about your style and voice. So, here are five tips to make this dream a reality.

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Writing Believable Characters

Writing Believable Characters

We know a believable character when we see one. We know what they want, how they feel, and that they’ll be different at the end of the story than they were at the beginning. Here’s how to make sure they’re connecting with your reader.

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Writing Good Sentences

Writing Good Sentences

Writing good sentences is at the heart of telling a good story. However, it’s not the first issue to tackle in revisions. First, finish your draft. Second, step away from your manuscript. Third, edit macro issues such as plot holes, character development, and story arc. Don’t fret about sentence craft until the bones of the story are in place and working well.

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Tag, You're It! Using Dialogue Tags Effectively

Tag, You're It! Using Dialogue Tags Effectively

Dialogue tags are invisible and useful when done well, but they can kick a reader out of a story so quickly when they aren’t. Let's talk about which ones work, and which are less effective.

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Episode 13: Wendelin Van Draanen, MG and YA Author
Episode 11: Erin Entrada Kelly, Middle Grade Author
Marketing Your Book With Emily Enger
Writing Shy Characters

Writing Shy Characters

How do you write shy characters? Shy people often have rich inner worlds that are teeming with life; they’re just selective about who they let inside. Here are a few ways to help you show your shy character’s true nature.

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How to Be a Writing Buddy

How to Be a Writing Buddy

How is a writing buddy different from a critique partner or writing partner? The terms are often used interchangeably, but I happen to think that a “writing buddy” is friendlier. So here’s how to be a good one, and boost your own critique and writing skills at the same time.

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