How to Describe Characters
So readers are asking what your characters look like. Here's what to do.
Latest in Wordcraft
Episode 413: Conveying Time
This is no time to argue about time!
Six Places to Trim Slow Prose
Are you going on too long? Here's what to look for.
Q&A: What Swear Words Can I Use?
Submitted by Nick,
answered
Ten Ways to Inspire Your Description
Your subconscious isn't the only source of great ideas.
Lessons From the Entitled Writing of Yarnsworld
The floor is down, bears are real, and women are not possessions.
Why You Should Consider Present Tense
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it has advantages.
Six Ways to Add Emotion to Your Narration
Is your viewpoint character coming off as heartless? Here's how to fix it.
Episode 381: Paragraphs
You don't even notice it until it's gone.
Lessons From the Summary Writing of Illuminae
Does this novel redefine the form, or does it have bad form?
Episode 378: Epistolary Stories
Write a letter to your readers.
Five Tips for Avoiding Disorientation in Your Opening Hook
While readers are sorting out what you're saying, they can't appreciate your story.
Lessons from the Empty Writing of The Alchemyst
Check out this book about Nicholas Flamel. Did you know it's about Nicholas Flamel?
How Useful Are Jonathan Franzen’s Ten Rules for Novelists?
Genre critic vs. literary author!
How to Include Thoughts From Multiple Characters Without Head-Hopping
Trying to fit two heads in one scene can come with consequences.
Five Tips for Reviving Bland Prose
Readers want entertaining narration, but how do you make it entertaining?
Q&A: Can I Use Script Format for Dialogue?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Episode 363: Verbs
We must all appreciate the hard working verb.
Episode 359: Metaphors and Similes
We're in the “similes are metaphors” camp.
Lessons From the Vague Writing of The Remnant Chronicles
Marketing buzzwords vs the story: the battle begins.
Oren Ashkenazi