Why A Trip to the Moon Still Matters for Writers In graduate film school, I first watched Georges Méliès’s short 1902 French film A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune). At the time, I didn’t really appreciate all it had to offer. It’s a classic, for sure, often...
Conflicts are one of the central features of a writer. Unfortunately, or fortunately, conflicts run amok in the real world, and writers, as painters of the natural world, are left with a canvas that must be filled. But how? You write about all the complex characters...
Since I founded a conference based on literary genres (the #1 vote writers’ conference in the U.S. according to The Writer magazine), it might be fun to look at some of those genres. The first, with a conference named Killer Nashville International Writers’...
Acting can transform your writing, enhancing dialogue, character depth, and storytelling techniques. Learn how stepping onto the stage—or simply observing—can elevate your craft as a writer.
Realistic writing reflects the truth of the seen world by implying and suggesting rather than revealing everything. Learn how to create authentic characters and situations by embracing the unknown.
A protagonist doesn’t need to be likable—just unforgettable. Whether heroic or villainous, they must captivate from their first entrance. Readers should feel an irresistible pull, whether through admiration, disgust, or fascination. The key is to create a character no one can ignore.
In a world full of chaos, we need writers who offer authenticity and integrity. As writers, our challenge is to create characters that reflect our times, tackle tough philosophical questions, and provide readers with more than just plot. We must offer meaningful stories that both challenge and change us.