9 Simple and Powerful Ways to Write Body Language
Dialogue is a great tool to establish relationships between your characters and deepen emotional connection to your readers. But if you rely on dialogue alone to show how your characters…
A Perfectionist’s Guide to a Crappy First Draft
Nanowrimo: A Perfectionist's Guide to Crappy First Drafts. Hi NanoWriMo-ers and non-NaNo-ers. I was all set to write a post this week about how it's okay to write a crappy first draft...
How to Escape the Show, Don’t Tell Trap
You read it again and again, repeating in your mind: I thought I was showing. This looks like showing to me! So, how do you get out of the show, don't tell trap? Read on.
Soggy Middle Troubleshooting
Last weekend at the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, I spoke with several writers who have gotten stuck in the middle of their book--what I call the 'soggy middle.'
The Basics of 3 Act Structure
3 Act Structure is the standard for the publishing industry so I think every writer should have a good basic understanding of it.
Interview with Erin A. Craig
Jeni Chappelle: Welcome to this Interview with Erin A. Craig, NYT Bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows and Small Favors. On Worldbuilding JC: Walk me through your writing…
Query Letter Fundamentals
One of the most valuable skills a writer can have is knowing how to write a query letter.
DOs and DON’Ts of Deep POV
What deep POV is Deep POV (Point of View) has been increasing in publishing for the last 20 years or so, and it’s getting more popular every year. Sometimes it’s…
Maintaining Conflict Using Micro-tension
Conflict is one of the most important elements of a story. You can have interesting characters and a vivid setting, but unless something is happening, readers are going to get bored quickly.
Evaluate Your Story With A Reverse Outline
Pansters, please don’t abandon this post before you give it a chance. I promise I’m not here to tell you planning your story before writing is essential or to shame…