“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.
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 […]
Have you ever stared at the top of a blank page, not looking at the story but looking at the title, and felt like a complete idiot because you can’t put a name to the thing that it took you 120,000 words to write? You’re not alone. In my consulting work, titles stop...
Recognition isn’t just validation—it’s a fundamental human need, especially for writers. Whether it’s a kind word, a review, or simple acknowledgment, being seen fuels creativity, motivation, and growth.
Writing is not about adding more subplots, making things complicated, adding a boatload of characters, or using some sort of gimmick. Writing – no matter what you’re writing – is about developing stories that resonate with readers, address the reader’s needs, and...
The big question I received today as Guest of Honor at Bouchercon is: How do I sell more books? I especially got this question as I spoke with all the authors participating in the Discovery Zone individually. It is a great question, but I will dart a little around...
When it comes to writing and being an author, it's important to remember that we are essentially in the business of offering a service. Therefore, we should ask ourselves what kind of service we offer and how well we provide it. In my early days of business, I made...
A marketing plan is a crucial roadmap for your book’s success. Learn how to create a custom strategy tailored to your book’s unique strengths, audience, and opportunities.
Most websites have a header, and your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other accounts also have headers. Instagram posts can also pose as headers. What does all this mean? You have free billboards all over the web. Use them. If you know you will use headers, make...
Writing should be an engaging, active experience—not just for the writer but for the reader as well. By evoking emotions, using vivid language, and crafting compelling conflicts, we create literary works that truly resonate.