Helping Writers Become Authors

In a story, we can think of character arc as the “engine of change” that creates transformative movement in the plot. In real life, this change can be initiated in many different ways, but in a story, we often use specific levers—some symbolic and some practical—to create catalysts of change that make sense to readers. One of those levers of change is the Impact Character.

Let me ask you a question: If I ask you to identify your writing weaknesses for me, how does that make you feel about your writing right now?

If you’re in one of those rarefied states of supreme satisfaction, I congratulate you. But after two decades of pursuing my own writing and hearing from countless fellow writers, I know it’s more likely you’re experiencing at...

The qualities that most set apart “okay” writers from great writers are subtlety and subtext. This is true in every area of storytelling, from narrative to plotting to character development. But the lack of subtlety and subtext is perhaps nowhere more obvious than in dialogue. I’m talking, of course, about on-the-nose dialogue.

On-the-nose dialogue is dialogue...

In the mood for a free online writing conference this week? I’d love to recommend one I’m excited to be part of!

The WorldShift Summit for Speculative Fiction Writers officially begins today, and I’m delighted to be returning as one of this year’s feature...