One of the most powerful tools a writer has in his pocket is urgency. When you think about the last great book or movie you read or saw, the one you couldn’t seem to move fast enough through because it was so incredible and you had to rush forward to find out what...
Writing Tip of the Day: Introduction to Layered Writing — What Is It and Why Should You Care? Layered writing sounds pretty much like it is. It involves weaving multiple narrative elements into the same passage or scene, such as plot, character, theme, emotion, and...
There are seemingly erudite writers who not only publish writing we expect, such as novels, nonfiction books, and short stories but also write essays. I used to wonder what an essay was and how to write and sell one. After years of playing with this and publishing...
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...
Becoming a great writer doesn’t happen overnight. Like any profession, it takes years of dedication, study, and practice. Explore the traditional 25-year path to mastering the craft of writing.
A remarkable manuscript is not about being well-written but well-rewritten. Rewriting is essential, but too much can harm the manuscript. Knowing when and how to rewrite requires a deep understanding of the craft, intuition, and experience. Writers must learn to analyze, identify problems, and know when a change is truly necessary to preserve the core of their work.
Talent is natural, but persistence is rare. Writers have control over showing up, improving, and creating. While we can’t dictate how our work will be received, we can control our dedication, our craft, and our passion for storytelling.
Writers need to have that serendipitous thing—that unique voice that draws readers in. It’s not about tools, education, or appearances. It’s about authenticity, passion, and the courage to write in a way only you can. Find that thing in yourself, and your readers will find it, too.
Writing is not an innate talent reserved for a chosen few—it is a craft that can be learned and mastered. The key lies in perseverance, education, and the willingness to grow. Those who doubt themselves may, in fact, be the ones with the most potential.
Creativity is a fundamental human trait, yet it often faces resistance. Writers must have the courage to express their creativity, understanding their culture, art, and time to challenge the norms and innovate.