In any discussion of story structure, the three-act model inevitably dominates the conversation. Even as plotting methods such as Save the Cat, the Hero’s Journey, and the Snowflake Method gain […]
The Midpoint Complication: The missing link in three-act structure Read More »
Do you get sucked into spending more time reading about writing fiction than actually doing it? I’ve just updated my short list of the best books on writing, so you
Updated: Best books on writing for writers Read More »
When a manuscript isn’t firing on all cylinders, there are so many ways to shift responsibility: Characters that run away with a life of their own. Plotting systems that strip
The Conscious Writer: Taking back your creative power Read More »
This article is about the parts of writing a novel that don’t involve writing. It’s not about the business side of being an author. It’s not about book design and
Prewriting: 6 parts of the writing process that aren’t writing Read More »
How many passes are enough to prepare a manuscript for professional editing? If you take away anything from this article, let it be this: No editor wants to work on
Peeling the onion: The simplified revision plan Read More »
There’s an assumption among many writers that writing rules and outlines are pinched, mean things that constrain creativity and the flow of literary ideas. Writing blogs advise authors to flout
Why story structure won’t squelch your creativity Read More »
