Nov 24, 2024 | Craft, Writing
Writing a book review isn’t just about giving your opinion—it’s about helping others decide if they want to spend time on a particular book. Think of it as sharing your experience as a reader, so others can determine if that book will resonate with them. Here’s a...
Nov 20, 2024 | Craft, Writing
So you’re writing a short story. But what exactly does that mean in terms of word count? Short stories come in all shapes and sizes, with word counts that vary widely based on the story type and where you’re hoping to publish. Loosely speaking, a short story can be...
Nov 13, 2024 | Craft, Writing
When crafting fictional characters, it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating idealized, flawless people who represent our best traits and highest aspirations. Yet, in reality, our flaws make us unique—and the same is true in fiction. Readers don’t connect with...
Sep 18, 2024 | Craft, Writing
Writers often find ourselves trying to balance desire to express creativity and the need to refine our craft. You want to share our stories with the world, but first, you have to make sure those stories resonate and captivate your readers. There’s always more to...
Aug 23, 2024 | Craft, Writing
When I first started writing, I sabotaged myself by trying to do too many things at once. I had such lofty ideas. I pitched articles, started books, hired myself out to edit other people’s writing, and set up collaborations. My enthusiasm was sky-high, and I wanted...
Aug 17, 2024 | Craft, Writing
Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They reflect the people in our lives—those we admire, those who challenge us, and those who teach us invaluable lessons. As writers, our job is to create a character that resonates deeply with readers, characters who...