“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.
It drives me crazy when things are left unfinished, including story endings. An excellent story ending includes many things. It is not simply the plot but also character resolutions and thematic finality. Tying up loose ends leaves me with closure and emotional...
Because I’ve had some decent success writing for children, I often get asked about various aspects of writing for that demographic. It’s a fun demographic. I love seeing younger people excited to read. As a writer, I always try to envision my reader when I’m writing,...
Plots are not limited to a fixed number; they are as endless as life itself. Writers should embrace originality and creativity, crafting plots that capture the complexity of life, relationships, and character arcs.
Characters’ jobs are more than just details; they shape personalities, relationships, and the plot. Explore how a character’s career can add depth, reveal inner motives, and drive the story forward.
If you want to write a page-turner, you need action—on every page. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or suspenseful, action is the key to keeping readers engaged and turning the pages. Learn how to incorporate action into your writing and keep the suspense high.