A Blank Page of Infinite Possibility
What do you see in the whiteness; a blank page of emptiness and terror, a blank page of infinite possibility? […]
Writing
Delivering on a Series Plan
Four years on, I’m finally delivering on a series plan. When I took up the challenge to write a fantasy
Give Every Character Their Moment
Stories aren’t just about the protagonist; you have to give every character their moment in the spotlight. Including the side
Seven Traits of Sympathetic Characters
According to writing coach Joe Bunting, there are seven traits of sympathetic characters. While they apply to any character, these
Competence Tempered by Flaws
The key to an appealing, relatable protagonist: competence tempered by flaws. Without flaws, you get a Mary-Sue paragon of virtue.
Fourteen Questions About Setting
If writing fiction is all about answering questions, then there are fourteen questions about setting you better have the answers
The Dictionary Trap
Ever had to dig yourself out of the Dictionary Trap? Top writing coaches want to to vary your vocabulary, to
Big Plot versus little plot
Sanderson’s lecture series makes much of Big Plot versus little plot. What’s the difference and why does it matter?
Five First Draft Mistakes
There are more than five first draft mistakes you can make in a novel. But I read through editor Ellen
Decode the Publisher’s Book Description
How do you decode the publisher’s book description – you know, those tag-lines on the front and back cover? You