The Joy of Promiscuity

Are you a monogamous writer? You get up every morning and all you can think about is the one novel, the one poem, the one essay you’re trying to write to the exclusion of all else. If a news item sparks a what if scenario, or a fascinating character comes to you in a dream, or you…

Read More

How Genre Can Drive Your Book’s Success

It’s a common lament among writers: Why is genre important? Can’t I just write whatever I want and let the marketplace figure out how to classify it? Or perhaps: My work is a mix of genres. I don’t want to be pinned down. I like to mix it up. Let’s look at why genre is…

Read More

What The Great British Baking Show Taught Me About Writing

It All Begins with Preparation One of the first things you notice about the show is that all the ingredients and the equipment the baker will need for the challenge is already there at their table. That prep work helps the contestants stay focused. No scrambling for cream or flour – it’s at their fingertips.…

Read More

From Clash to Catharsis: The Role of Conflict in Novel-Writing

One of the first tenets of successful novel writing is that without conflict, you’ve got no story. Conflict is what keeps the reader turning pages. Without it, your story comes to a halt while you clear your throat, meander around aimlessly, and stare at the wall. In his craft book Conflict and Suspense, author James…

Read More

Six Fun Ways to Amp Up Your Creativity

Feeling like you’re in a creative rut when it comes to brainstorming new ideas for your next novel or short story? Have you been staring at a blank screen for fifteen minutes, struggling to come up with a fresh and unique story concept? It may be time to think outside the box, to shake up…

Read More

Funny Business: Incorporating Humor Into Your Novel

Writing a novel is no laughing matter. Or is it? Incorporating humor into your writing can add depth, lighten the mood, and make your characters more relatable. But how do you add humor without turning your novel into a comedy? Here are six things to keep in mind so you can strike the right balance.…

Read More

The Art of Misdirection: How To Keep Your Readers On Their Toes

As fiction writers, one of the most important tasks we have is to keep our readers wanting more. One way to do that is through the use of surprise. But what happens when the surprise becomes too predictable? We’ve all read novels where we could easily anticipate what was coming and found ourselves disappointed when…

Read More

Let It Snow and Let It Go

“Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.” – Jo Harjo In my fiction writing, I examine the complexities of familial love, usually as it relates to the bond between mothers and daughters and how it can be fraught with challenges, maybe…

Read More