August 10, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com The advice to “build your author platform” can feel overwhelming when you’re naturally private or introverted. Constant social media presence, networking events, and personal sharing might seem like [...]
August 9, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig After 16 years, I’m winding down my daily link curation for writers. August 8th was the last day and this is the final LitLinks. My first roundup, [...]
August 3, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s easy sometimes to feel like time away from writing is wasted time. But pushing yourself leads to diminishing returns, and eventually burnout. Resting isn’t laziness. It’s [...]
August 2, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
July 27, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s tempting to look at successful books in your genre and try to write something similar. But the thing that actually makes readers remember your work isn’t how [...]
July 20, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Most writers default to the obvious emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, fear. But readers connect more deeply with stories that explore the subtle, complex feelings that fill real life. [...]
July 13, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When you see other writers posting about their daily word counts or announcing their latest book deals, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind some invisible timeline. [...]
July 6, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s so easy to get stuck in revision limbo, convincing yourself the manuscript needs just one more pass. But sometimes all that extra polishing actually makes things worse [...]
June 29, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When you’re deep in a manuscript, every word feels precious and every plot decision seems brilliant. This closeness to your work makes writing possible, but it also makes [...]
June 22, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When something feels overwhelming or intimidating, our natural response is often to avoid it entirely. But that just makes the task loom larger in our minds. The antidote [...]
June 15, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Tropes get a bad rap, but they’re actually storytelling shortcuts that readers understand instinctively. The problem isn’t using tropes—it’s using them lazily. When you add fresh details and [...]
June 8, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Characters who stumble through scenes without clear intentions leave readers feeling equally lost. When your protagonist just “goes with the flow” or reacts to whatever happens next, [...]
June 1, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Perfect protagonists bore readers. Characters with rough edges and realistic problems create the memorable personalities that readers think about long after finishing your book. Give Them Believable Contradictions [...]
May 18, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig We’ve all read mysteries where a thunderstorm conveniently knocks out the power just as the sleuth is about to make a breakthrough, or where fog rolls in to create [...]
May 11, 2026
by Mike Martin, @mike54martin People often ask me what kind of mysteries are the Sgt. Windflower Mysteries. And I stumble and fumble and give them one of a variety of answers. My go-to is that [...]
May 10, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
May 4, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I use Draft2Digital for a lot of different things: formatting, distributing to multiple retailers, and entering promo opportunities. What I love most is that it handles all the [...]
May 3, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 27, 2026
by Loretta Bushell The most beloved fictional characters aren’t faultless heroes. They’re complex characters who feel real — they have flaws, quirks, likes, and dislikes. Many authors turn to handpicked development questions to [...]
April 26, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 20, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Complex murder schemes might seem clever, but they often backfire with readers who prefer believable motives and realistic methods. The best mysteries feel like they could actually happen. [...]
April 19, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 13, 2026
by Angela Ackerman Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we can write about. When readers sense a character is experiencing it, they practically lean in, waiting to see what will happen [...]
April 12, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 6, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Long setting descriptions make readers’ eyes glaze over. Mine do, too. Usually I’ll skim settings as a reader. The key is to keeping reader attention is weaving essential [...]
April 5, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
March 30, 2026
by Jessica (J.R.) Lancaster and Jessica Thompson Writing a book with a friend sounds great until you think about all the time one spends in the publishing trenches, effort spent making [...]
March 23, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Self-editing can’t replace professional editing, but it can make your manuscript stronger before it reaches your editor. Also, the less time your editor spends with your manuscript, the [...]
March 22, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
March 15, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
Subscribe for new posts!
author branding, author marketing, author platform, introvert authors, introvert marketing, private writers, social media for writers, writer marketing
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com The advice to “build your author platform” can feel overwhelming when you’re naturally private or introverted. Constant social media presence, networking events, and personal sharing might seem like a personality transplant more than a career strategy. But there’s more than one way to show up for readers. Focusing on Work Rather Than Personal Life There’s no requirement to share details about your daily routine or family life to connect with readers. Writing process, craft insights, and research rabbit holes give readers a genuine glimpse [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig After 16 years, I’m winding down my daily link curation for writers. August 8th was the last day and this is the final LitLinks. My first roundup, “Links for Writers,” went up on March 7, 2010. By the end of that month I’d renamed it Twitterific, and it ran as a regular feature from there on — through the rise and fall of Twitter, the shift to BlueSky, and every platform change in between. What I’ll carry with me from all those years [...]
creative breaks, creative process, mental health, rest, sustainable writing, writer burnout, writing life, writing productivity
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s easy sometimes to feel like time away from writing is wasted time. But pushing yourself leads to diminishing returns, and eventually burnout. Resting isn’t laziness. It’s a necessary part of the creative process, and it actually makes our writing better. Your Brain Keeps Working While You Rest Some of the best story solutions show up when you’re not actively hunting for them. Walking the dog, taking a shower, doing the dishes, all of it gives your subconscious room to work on whatever [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
author voice, genre writing, individuality, market awareness, unique perspective, writing authenticity, writing craft, writing style
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s tempting to look at successful books in your genre and try to write something similar. But the thing that actually makes readers remember your work isn’t how well you fit the mold—it’s the quirky details and perspectives that only you would think to include. Pay Attention to What You Notice That Others Don’t Everyone sees the world through their own filter, and yours is different from every other writer’s. Maybe you’re fascinated by the way people organize their kitchen cabinets, or you notice [...]
character development, character emotions, character psychology, emotional depth, emotional writing, emotions, writing craft, writing tips
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Most writers default to the obvious emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, fear. But readers connect more deeply with stories that explore the subtle, complex feelings that fill real life. When you tap into emotions like embarrassment, nostalgia, or quiet satisfaction, you create moments that feel genuinely human. Include the Smaller, Everyday Emotions Some of the most relatable moments come from minor emotional experiences that everyone recognizes. The slight irritation when someone interrupts your focused work. The awkward discomfort of running into an ex at the [...]
caregiving, realistic goals, sustainable writing, work-life balance, writer guilt, writing constraints, writing life, writing progress
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When you see other writers posting about their daily word counts or announcing their latest book deals, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind some invisible timeline. But there’s no universal schedule for writing success, and trying to catch up to some imaginary standard is a fast track to burnout (I’ve been there). Your Life Circumstances Are Valid Writing Constraints Maybe you’re caring for aging parents, managing a demanding day job, or raising kids who need your attention. Perhaps you’re dealing with health [...]
beta readers, editing, manuscript feedback, over-editing, perfectionism, revision, writing craft, writing process
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s so easy to get stuck in revision limbo, convincing yourself the manuscript needs just one more pass. But sometimes all that extra polishing actually makes things worse instead of better. Recognize When You’re Making Sideways Changes You know you’re probably in sideways-change territory when you find yourself switching between word choices that are both fine, or moving scenes around for the third time without a clear reason. Good revision fixes actual problems. When your changes start feeling random instead of purposeful, that’s usually [...]
beta readers, editing, manuscript review, objectivity, revision, self-editing, writing craft, writing process
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When you’re deep in a manuscript, every word feels precious and every plot decision seems brilliant. This closeness to your work makes writing possible, but it also makes effective editing nearly impossible. Learning to step back and view your writing objectively is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a writer. Create Time Between Writing and Editing Fresh eyes catch problems that tired, familiar ones miss completely. After finishing a draft, set it aside for at least a few weeks before [...]
consistency, daily writing, overwhelm, productivity, progress, task management, writing habits, writing life
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When something feels overwhelming or intimidating, our natural response is often to avoid it entirely. But that just makes the task loom larger in our minds. The antidote isn’t tackling everything at once—it’s showing up consistently with small, manageable efforts every single day. Break Down the Intimidation Factor Big projects feel scary because we imagine doing them all at once. Writing a novel seems impossible when you picture sitting down to write 80,000 words in one session. Organizing a cluttered house feels hopeless when [...]
character development, genre fiction, reader expectations, storytelling, tropes, writing craft, writing tips
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Tropes get a bad rap, but they’re actually storytelling shortcuts that readers understand instinctively. The problem isn’t using tropes—it’s using them lazily. When you add fresh details and authentic motivations to familiar patterns, tropes become powerful tools instead of tired clichés. Understand Why Tropes Exist in the First Place Tropes develop because they tap into universal human experiences and emotions that resonate across cultures and time periods. The reluctant hero, the mentor figure, enemies-to-lovers, the chosen one—these patterns persist because they reflect real psychological [...]
character development, character goals, cozy mystery, mystery writing, scene planning, writing craft, writing tips
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Characters who stumble through scenes without clear intentions leave readers feeling equally lost. When your protagonist just “goes with the flow” or reacts to whatever happens next, you’re missing opportunities to create tension and keep pages turning. Give Characters Specific Goals in Every Scene Before your character walks into a room, they should know what they want to accomplish there. Maybe your protagonist needs to extract information from a reluctant witness without seeming pushy, or your sleuth wants to search someone’s office while [...]
antagonists, anti-heroes, character complexity, character development, character flaws, character motivation, reader engagement, writing craft
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Perfect protagonists bore readers. Characters with rough edges and realistic problems create the memorable personalities that readers think about long after finishing your book. Give Them Believable Contradictions Real people rarely make consistent sense, and your characters shouldn’t either. Your prickly detective might show unexpected kindness to stray animals. Your shy librarian could become fierce when defending something important. These contradictions feel authentic because they mirror how actual people behave—unpredictably human rather than logically perfect. Root Flaws in Past Experiences Character flaws should make [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig We’ve all read mysteries where a thunderstorm conveniently knocks out the power just as the sleuth is about to make a breakthrough, or where fog rolls in to create the perfect atmosphere for a murder. Weather tropes can have their place, but can do more for a mystery than set a spooky scene. Thoughtful use of weather can help with character development, create plot complications, establish timelines, and even provide some clues. Weather and Character Development How characters respond to weather conditions can reveal glimpses [...]
"A Change in Plans", cozy mystery, guest post, Mike Martin, mystery subgenres, mystery writing, writing life
by Mike Martin, @mike54martin People often ask me what kind of mysteries are the Sgt. Windflower Mysteries. And I stumble and fumble and give them one of a variety of answers. My go-to is that it is a light mystery series, almost cozy, but not quite because I have a professional policeperson as my protagonist, but it’s not really a police procedural. Mostly because I don’t know enough about the actual procedures. So, what kind of mystery is it? Good question. My research using Mister Google reveals at least 60 different [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I use Draft2Digital for a lot of different things: formatting, distributing to multiple retailers, and entering promo opportunities. What I love most is that it handles all the behind-the-scenes work without upfront fees. It’s become my go-to tool for getting books where readers can find them, no matter which store they prefer. Edit note: Thanks to Russell Phillips for the correction! Draft2Digital recently introduced new fees: a $20 one-time activation fee for new accounts, and a $12 annual maintenance fee for accounts earning less [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Loretta Bushell The most beloved fictional characters aren’t faultless heroes. They’re complex characters who feel real — they have flaws, quirks, likes, and dislikes. Many authors turn to handpicked development questions to help them achieve greater character depth. Over on Reedsy Studio, we have hundreds of prompts for each character role. Here are five crucial questions to ask yourself about every significant character in your story. 1. How did their childhood shape them? Admittedly, this first question’s not very original — but it is important, as any therapist [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
believable characters, cozy mysteries, mystery plotting, mystery writing, plot development, realistic fiction, story credibility, writing craft, Writing the Cozy Mystery
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Complex murder schemes might seem clever, but they often backfire with readers who prefer believable motives and realistic methods. The best mysteries feel like they could actually happen. Ground Motives in Human Nature The strongest murder motives come from universal emotions like greed, jealousy, fear, revenge, or desperation. A killer who murders for a million-dollar inheritance feels more believable than someone with an elaborate scheme involving ancient curses. Even unusual motives should connect to recognizable human feelings. Readers need to understand why someone would [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Angela Ackerman, character development, guest post, Show Don't Tell, Showing Emotion, writing craft, writing tips
by Angela Ackerman Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we can write about. When readers sense a character is experiencing it, they practically lean in, waiting to see what will happen next. But showing fear in a tangible way requires strong, descriptive choices that layer on discomfort and dread. It’s easy to make common mistakes when describing fear, so let’s look at what they are and how to avoid them. Telling Instead of Showing In real life—say, when you’re giving directions or are short on time—it’s often [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
atmospheric writing, character perspective, description, scene building, setting, story environment, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Long setting descriptions make readers’ eyes glaze over. Mine do, too. Usually I’ll skim settings as a reader. The key is to keeping reader attention is weaving essential details into action and dialogue so readers absorb the environment naturally without realizing they’re being given a tour. Use Character Actions to Show Space Instead of describing a cluttered kitchen, show your character pushing aside stacks of mail to find counter space for their coffee cup. Rather than listing all the books in a library, have [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Jessica (J.R.) Lancaster and Jessica Thompson Writing a book with a friend sounds great until you think about all the time one spends in the publishing trenches, effort spent making another person understand you, and tying up all the loose ends when you are not even the person holding them all. We, Jessica (J.R.) Lancaster and Jessica Thompson, have written a book together, we didn’t fight, we’re still friends, and it makes sense and everything! Therefore, we must have some wisdom to share on how to [...]
editing, editing techniques, manuscript development, revision, self-editing, writing craft, writing process, writing tips
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Self-editing can’t replace professional editing, but it can make your manuscript stronger before it reaches your editor. Also, the less time your editor spends with your manuscript, the less-expensive the edits are. Here are a few tips for better self-editing. Let Your Manuscript Rest Put your finished draft away for at least a week, preferably longer. This distance helps you see problems you missed while writing. When you return to the manuscript, you’ll notice repetitive phrases, unclear passages, and plot inconsistencies that were invisible [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
editing, plot development, story consistency, story organization, timeline management, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Timeline errors can derail even the best mysteries. When your sleuth interviews a suspect on Tuesday but refers to it happening on Wednesday two chapters later, readers notice. Here are five strategies to keep your story’s chronology consistent. Create a Simple Timeline Document Start a separate document that tracks days of the week and major events. List each day chronologically with key happenings: “Monday: body discovered, police called. Tuesday: sleuth interviews neighbor, visits crime scene.” This reference document lets you check dates quickly while [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Juliet Allarton Picture the scene: you’ve just put the finishing touches on your mystery novel. Your plot is airtight, your characters are well-rounded, and you’ve built tension like your life depended on it. Your next step is to self-publish, but there’s just one problem: you need a book cover. How can you create an enigmatic yet iconic cover design, like the cover of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code or Thomas Harris’ The Silence of the Lambs? Never fear; here’s how to perfect that all-important cover in four [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
character development, character voice, conversation writing, dialogue, fiction writing, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Good dialogue does a lot of work at once; it reveals character, moves the plot forward, and keeps readers turning pages. When conversations go flat, readers start skimming to find the action. Here’s what helps me keep dialogue earning its place in the story. Let Characters Talk Past Each Other Real conversations often involve people pursuing completely different agendas. One character might be asking about weekend plans while another assumes they’re being questioned about their whereabouts during a crime. These crossed wires create natural [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
character creation, character depth, character development, fiction writing, storytelling, supporting characters, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com We’ve all written flat characters before. You know, the helpful librarian who exists only to hand over a crucial book, the grumpy neighbor who complains on cue. Flat characters serve their purpose and exit stage left. But when supporting characters start feeling more like props than people, readers will notice. Here’s how to add dimension without overcomplicating your story. Spotting the Problem If you can sum up a character with a single adjective like mean, helpful, or nosy, they’re probably too flat for [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Antagonist Motivation, character development, cozy mystery, guest post, Murder by the Book, mystery writing, Shannon Symonds, Villain Creation, writing craft
by Shannon Symonds ,@shannonsymonds7 I love creating a killer, even if he is a cozy killer. I believe the why behind your bad guy can make or break your story. To show you how much I care about the why behind the bad guy, I am going to spoil one of my older books later in this article. But first, Lisa Cron in Story Genius said: “Now we’re going to begin the process of turning those broad generalities into the compelling specifics. “How? By asking ‘Why?’ Because you can’t know [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Last-minute red herrings, Mystery misdirection, Timing red herrings False leads in mysteries, Writing the Cozy Mystery
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com The most satisfying mysteries offer readers that amazing “I should have seen it coming” moment when the killer is finally unveiled. For a mystery writer, one of the most effective tools in your arsenal is the last-minute red herring; it’s a compelling false lead that diverts both your sleuth and your readers just before you reveal the actual culprit. Last-minute red herrings serve a few different purposes. They create that last little surge of tension before the resolution, they demonstrate your sleuth’s ability to [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
creative control, creative process, first drafts, manuscript development, work in progress, writing advice, writing habits, writing process
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When people ask what I’m currently working on, I’ve learned to give vague answers until the first draft is done. It’s almost like telling someone what you’re planning on naming your child when you’re still pregnant. They might feel free to tell you they don’t like a name when it’s not quite official yet. But after the fact, they probably wouldn’t dream of doing so. First drafts are still finding their shape. Characters are developing their voices, plot threads are coming together, and I’m [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
"Change the World One Book at a Time", character development, fiction writing, Guest Posts, Hero's Journey, Nina Amir, story structure, Transformational Fiction, writing craft, writing techniques
By Nina Amir It would be easy to claim that most books written with the intention of creating change fall into nonfiction genres. However, every fiction book has the potential to move readers to change—if written specifically with that goal in mind. Indeed, novels can inspire and motivate personal, spiritual, organizational, or world change. You might argue that reading any novel changes the reader. After all, the protagonist in every novel experiences transformation, and that change can inspire and motivate readers to seek a similar transformation in their [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
daily habits, life management, organization, personal development, planning, productivity, stress reduction, time management
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I’ve been a list-maker for years, but I’ve learned that effective lists require more strategy than just jotting down tasks. With the new year, it’s a perfect time to rethink how we organize ourselves. Here’s what I’ve discovered about creating lists that reduce stress instead of adding to it, for both writing projects and everyday life. Find Your Format I use a paper planner because physically writing tasks helps me remember them better. I download template 26 from calendarpedia.com‘s weekly planner templates and keep [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
0 comments