The Blog

Writing craft, product updates, and thoughts on the creative process.

Cut to the Chase: Your Scene and Your Reader Will Thank You
Cut to the Chase: Your Scene and Your Reader Will Thank You

You've written the scene. But did you start it in the right place? BC plotting is the simple technique that cuts the fat from your scenes and keeps your reader turning pages.

You're Starting Your First Chapter in the Wrong Place
You're Starting Your First Chapter in the Wrong Place

Most writers start their story in the wrong place. Not because they can't write, but because the instinct to introduce your character before the action is almost universal. Here's how to fix it.

Chekhov's Gun: Don't Introduce What You Won't Use (Unless You Mean To)
Chekhov's Gun: Don't Introduce What You Won't Use (Unless You Mean To)

Every item you introduce in your story is a silent promise to your reader. Learn how to keep them — and when breaking them is exactly the right move.

The Single Worst Piece of Writing Advice You Will Hear
The Single Worst Piece of Writing Advice You Will Hear

You are boring, and I don't say that to be mean. You want to be boring! But reading a book that way would be a snooze fest. Here's why 'write what you know' might be the worst advice ever given to writers — and what to do instead.

8 Character Development Mistakes That Are Killing Your Novel
8 Character Development Mistakes That Are Killing Your Novel

Your plot can be flawless and your world-building immaculate - but if your characters don't feel real, none of it matters. Here are 8 of the most common character development mistakes authors make, and how to avoid them.

Messy is the goal, not the Consequence
Messy is the goal, not the Consequence

If you are a new writer there is one piece of advice you need to hear first, above anything else I or anyone else can give you. Your first draft sucks. No qualification, no buts —...