The Perfect Strawberry – by Tamsin Hopkins
It’s the late spring when the plants perk up. You clear away the detritus of winter, give them a feed, begin to mulch. They lift… Read More »The Perfect Strawberry – by Tamsin Hopkins
Editor
Coming of Age at the End of Days by Alice LaPlante
If, like me, you were raised on a steady diet of Rapture sermons, you’ll find much to relate to in Coming of Age at the End… Read More »Coming of Age at the End of Days by Alice LaPlante
Writing Truth Number One
Writing Truth Number 1: The writing life is a long and meandering path. Here’s the good news: we’re not models. We don’t have a shelf… Read More »Writing Truth Number One
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
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