“Show, don’t tell” isn’t just a writing cliché—it’s the heartbeat of immersive storytelling. In this piece, Clay Stafford explores how sensory details, specificity, and subtext transform simple narration into a living experience. Learn how to make readers feel your story, not just read it.
A synopsis isn’t just a summary—it’s proof that you understand story. Learn how to craft clear, compelling synopses that demonstrate mastery of structure, pacing, and emotional arc. From query letters to full submissions, this guide walks you through the process of distilling your story to its most powerful essence.
Great writers are always great readers—and not by accident. Clay Stafford explores how reading with purpose strengthens a writer’s craft, voice, and imagination. Learn to turn every book into a classroom, expand your creative vocabulary, and transform reading into an essential part of your writing practice.
Every writer faces moments of creative block. Writing prompts can help bypass perfectionism, spark new ideas, and remind us that the act of writing—imperfect as it may be—is what truly matters. Prompts help us rediscover curiosity, playfulness, and the joy of simply putting words on the page.
Discipline, not inspiration, is what separates dreamers from writers. By committing to consistent writing—even on uninspired days—you build the mental muscle that transforms fleeting ideas into finished work and creates the foundation for a sustainable writing life.
Many writers misunderstand how copyright works. In this post, you’ll learn what copyright protects, when your work is covered, how registration adds legal “teeth,” what “fair use” really means, and how to protect your rights in contracts.
Every writer needs to know their audience. Writing for “everyone” often means reaching no one, but tailoring your story for a specific readership builds clarity, resonance, and loyalty.
In this essay, I want us to reconnect with our core intents. Every writer hits that moment: the plot stalls, the characters go quiet, the pages stop piling up. And, if you’re honest, pantser or plotter, it’s not just the book that is stuck. You’re stuck! How could...
I’m going to take you behind the scenes with this essay. This morning, I rewrote the opening of my new book—again, for the sixth time. I think I’m getting close. I don’t usually count my rewrites, but this one is different. The first chapter has been a thorn in my...
If your story feels like it is stalling right from the first page, your problem might not be your plot. Before you rush off to rewrite the progression of the first chapter or maybe insert one of those unnecessary prologues, take a moment and look at your protagonist’s entrance. Readers decide whether to care (or […]