If there are laws of physics, then there are laws of magic. When you write about magic, you need to develop your own laws and then…
Not everyone likes to read the same types of books. Some like romance, some like mystery, and some are open to the blending of both. However,…
If your horror, sci-fi, or fantasy novel involves a beasty, your monster needs to have a pretty solid dossier for maximum fright-impact. But what are the…
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…
Your first sentence will determine if your book will sink or swim. Getting all the pieces right is a challenge worth getting right. However, what exactly…
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…
Not every writer is a natural when it comes to action scenes. Writing an action sequence flexes different writing muscles. Are you in the right shape…
When I’m drafting a novel, I tend to over-write during the first round. I have to get everything out on the page, including more detail than…
A psychological thriller differs from a typical thriller. Unlike a thriller, the danger in a psychological thriller resides more on a mental level and less on…
Whether you’re writing a thriller or literary fiction, you want your story to feel interesting — and you certainly don’t want to bore your readers. Even…