Show, Don’t Tell: The Power of Sensory Details in Writing
Engaging writing isn’t just about what happens—it’s about how it feels. Sensory details bring stories to life, immersing readers in vivid experiences rather than just delivering information.
Timeless Storytelling Lessons from Hadestown: What Writers Can Learn from the Broadway Hit
Hadestown left me inspired to write better, deeper, and more meaningfully. As a writer, I walked away with several truths, but one that was overarching and one I talk about often: we tell stories because we believe they can change the world. So, in the theme of Hadestown, we tell them again. And again. And again.
Writing Guest Blogs: Understanding the Blog’s Audience
Guest blogging is more than just writing—it's about understanding the blog’s audience and aligning your content with their expectations. Learn how to research a site’s mission, analyze reader engagement, and craft a post that not only resonates with the audience but also strengthens your credibility and expands your reach as a writer.
Americana Literature: Using Regional Settings
Americana literature thrives on regional settings, immersing readers in specific American landscapes, cultures, and histories. By deeply researching a location—real or fictional—writers can craft authentic, sensory-rich narratives that bring their stories to life.
Sagging Middles: Deepen Character Motivations by Introducing External Pressures
Deepening your characters’ motivations in the middle section of a story is vital to increasing the narrative's momentum. The middle should further complicate the plot and create a more layered, intertwined experience. One way to achieve this is by introducing external pressure—whether from antagonists, societal expectations, or unexpected complications—to force characters to confront their fears, desires, and flaws.
Memoirs: Writing a Good One
Memoirs are not autobiographies—they are reflective narratives that explore a specific theme, experience, or transformation in your life. The best memoirs go deep, focusing on emotions, insights, and personal growth rather than a chronological account of events. If you have a moment, theme, or experience that has shaped you, it might be the perfect foundation for an extraordinary memoir.
Writing Lyrics and Music: Start with Authentic Emotion
Writing authentic lyrics and music starts with emotion. Whether you're crafting a heartfelt ballad or an energetic anthem, connecting with real emotions—your own or those of your audience—is key. This article explores techniques for writing with authenticity, using imagery, hooks, and musical composition to enhance emotional impact.
The Difference Between a Personal and Academic Essay
Personal essays and academic essays serve different purposes and audiences. Personal essays are intimate, reflective, and conversational, while academic essays are structured, evidence-based, and analytical. Understanding these differences can help writers navigate both forms effectively.
Tie Up the Loose Ends
A strong ending ties up loose ends, provides emotional and intellectual closure, and ensures your story lingers in readers’ minds. Here’s how to craft one that resonates.
Creativity is Living in the Now
Creativity isn’t just an innate talent—it’s a skill that grows with practice. By embracing new experiences, challenging your thinking, and living fully in the present, you can unlock your creative potential.
The Skinny on Writing Children’s Chapter Books
Writing children's chapter books is a rewarding endeavor that bridges early readers and middle-grade literature. Learn the key elements, from word count and vocabulary to humor and adventure, that make these books engaging for young readers.
Great Beginnings—The Core Attributes of a Strong Protagonist: Clear Goals and Complex Motivations
A strong protagonist hooks readers from the first page. By giving them clear, significant goals and complex, relatable motivations, we create characters that resonate deeply. A protagonist’s journey should be layered with internal and external conflicts, emotional stakes, and evolving ambitions that drive the story forward.
The Next Time You’re Feeling Down…Write
When you're feeling down, the best thing you can do is write. Instead of trying to fix yourself, use your emotions to fuel your creativity. Writing is more than self-expression—it’s a tool for growth, transformation, and productivity. By channeling your thoughts and feelings into your work, you not only free yourself but also connect with readers on a profound level.
5 Common Misconceptions About the Writing Business
The writing business is full of misconceptions. From the myth of predictability to the overemphasis on sales, many writers misunderstand what it truly means to be a professional. Learn how to approach writing as a business and set yourself up for success.
Brainstorm
Brainstorming is a limitless, ever-evolving process that fuels creativity. Ideas may come and go, but each one holds the potential to spark something extraordinary. Capture them, explore them, and let them guide your writing to new heights.
Plotters or Pantsers: You Are a Multitude
Plotter or pantser? The truth is, we are all both. Each project demands a different approach, and the best way forward is to embrace the journey of discovery. Creativity is unpredictable, and defining yourself as one or the other limits the possibilities of your writing. Instead of focusing on labels, focus on the story—because in the end, that’s what truly matters.
Incorporating Gothic Elements into Your Writing: Here Are a Few Themes
Gothic literature is more than haunted houses and dark shadows—it’s about powerful themes that pit the past against the present. Learn how to incorporate these rich elements into your writing, no matter the genre.