Mary is a young adult writer and archaeologist. By day she teaches at a local college, and by night she writes about the adventures of adolescence.
My best tip for writing in third person is to decide whether you want to use limited or omniscient third person point of view before you…
Do you write as much as you want to or think you should? If not, it’s time to change your bad habit. Writing regularly will help…
Self-editing is a tool every writer should exercise. Even if you’re a slim first-drafter, that is, you need to expand upon feelings and details later, there…
Whether you’re a “pantster” or a plotter, inevitably most writers get to a point where they’ve got plot problems. You might have written yourself into a…
All stories—not just mysteries or thrillers—must include surprise and suspense. Although similar, these related concepts do differ. Adding a surprise to your story will temporarily thrill…
Fiction contains at least a kernel of truth. The best fiction shows us our humanity. But, let’s not get lost in lofty goals. Even if you’re…
When I was a teenager and my mother got mad at me, she used to say, “It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it.”…
You want to be a novelist. Is there any benefit to writing short fiction? The answer is yes, but it’s not because short stories are easier…
If you’ve taken the step to start writing, you might be curious about writers’ groups. Are they worthwhile? Should you join one? What are the pros…
Most writers are afflicted with writer’s block from time to time. The important thing is that you don’t let it stop you from finishing your manuscript.…