Why Joining a Community Book Could Be the Push Your Writing Needs
You don’t have to write alone to be a “real” writer For a lot of writers, writing a book feels like something you’re supposed to do alone. There’s this common image of the solitary writer: sitting quietly with a laptop, working through ideas in isolation, slowly turning a blank page into something meaningful. And while […]
Layering Conflict to Bring Your Draft to Life
A lot of new writers (and even some who’ve been at it a while) get stuck with a half-finished manuscript because their stories lack the magnetic pull that keeps readers flipping pages late into the night. Their characters are going nowhere, or their plot feels stuck in the mud. The fix isn’t anything new or […]
Redemption Arcs: Turning Flawed Characters Into Favorites
Ever picked up a book and met a character so infuriating you wanted to chuck it at the wall? Maybe they’re selfish, mean, or just closed-off and bitter. But then, somehow, by the end, you’re cheering for them, hoping they’ll pull through and become a better person. That’s the allure of a redemption arc. Think […]
Not Every Story Needs a Neat Ending: How (and Why) to Write an Open-Ended Conclusion
Some stories don’t tie everything up with a bow, and that’s exactly what makes them engaging. An open-ended conclusion doesn’t give all the answers. It leaves space for the reader to wonder, to interpret, and to stay with the story long after they read the last line. While an open-ended conclusion may not be for […]
Middle Grade, Part 5: A Crash Course in Kid Culture
This article is part of a series. Click here to view Part 1: MG Overview, Part 2: MG Novels, Part 3: Plotting MG, and Part 4: MG Characters. Writing for any genre requires an understanding of its audience, but this is doubly important when writing middle grade (MG) novels. MG readers are often between 8 and 12 […]
Unheard Voices: How to Portray Mute Characters Authentically
Writing a mute, nonverbal, or nonspeaking character can allow you to explore new ways of expression, communication, and interaction. Novels depend heavily on dialogue, so when someone appears who doesn’t speak verbally, you are challenged to improve your understanding of your world, characters, their personalities, and how to write detailed, compelling narratives. It doesn’t come […]