Narrative Craft: Point of View
There are two things to consider when choosing the point of view of your novel. Who is telling the story? From what distance is the… Read More »Narrative Craft: Point of View
Editor
Narrative Craft: Setting
Setting encompasses not only place, but also time. Where does your story take place? When does your story happen? To truly understand the depth of… Read More »Narrative Craft: Setting
Writers on Writing: Stephen King on Grammar & Work
Stephen King recently sat down with Jessica Lahey of The Atlantic Monthly to talk about teaching writing. King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft… Read More »Writers on Writing: Stephen King on Grammar & Work
Revision: first draft vs. final draft
No one writes a perfect story, essay, or novel the first time around. That’s where revision comes in. The first draft contains everything you wanted… Read More »Revision: first draft vs. final draft
Writers on Writing – Willa Cather on “Making It an Adventure”
In 1921, Willa Cather told an editor for the magazine Bookman that she only worked for two and a half to three hours each day.… Read More »Writers on Writing – Willa Cather on “Making It an Adventure”
How to End a Story
Stories are like relationships: the beginning is always so much fun, and the ending is fraught with turmoil. When I sit down to start a… Read More »How to End a Story
The Art of Simplicity – tips for writers from graphic designer Chip Kidd
I’ve been reading Chip Kidd’s Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design. Although the book was written for a younger audience, it’s a gorgeous, superbly readable crash course… Read More »The Art of Simplicity – tips for writers from graphic designer Chip Kidd
How to Start a Story
One of the questions I hear frequently from aspiring writers is, “How do I start a story?” Even seasoned writers have days when the story… Read More »How to Start a Story
A Handful of Glorious Pages
Are you a novelist, a short story writer, or both? I’m currently reading Ann Patchett’s essay collection, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, which… Read More »A Handful of Glorious Pages
Before You Begin: (or How to Get Past Fear & Procrastination and Write Your Novel)
Anyone who tells you that writing a novel is easy has probably never written one. Here are the five most common statements I hear from… Read More »Before You Begin: (or How to Get Past Fear & Procrastination and Write Your Novel)