The Midpoint of Freytag’s Pyramid
I accidentally hit the midpoint of Freytag’s pyramid. It sounds like a plane crash, but it’s a story-telling device that […]
‘The Queen of Fortune’ Novel Extract
‘The Queen of Fortune’ novel extract. Yari visits a Roamer fortune teller who reveals much more than expected.
Reveal Character through Objects
More than descriptions of how they look, or what they say, stories can also reveal character through objects.
Fantasy Plot Cliché Bingo
Pick up any random YA novel and you can play Fantasy Plot Cliché Bingo. It’s a fun game where you
When sidekicks and bit-players take over
What happens to a book plan when sidekicks and bit players take over from the main characters? My fantasy series
Fantasy heroines who aren’t love-sick teenagers
Want to read some fantasy heroines who aren’t love-sick teenagers? Here are eight fantasy heroines who break the YA and
Learning to Embrace Imperfection
I’m immersed in the edit of the next novel and learning to embrace imperfection.
Ask Questions in the Edit
No draft of creative writing comes out perfect, you have to ask questions in the edit. I go through several
Worldshift Speculative Fiction Summit 2025
The Worldshift Speculative Fiction Summit 2025 is happening now, August 20-23.
Worst Tropes of YA Heroines
The tricky part of writing a YA fantasy is dealing with the worst tropes of YA heroines. We’re talking all