Writing Guides

What Are Editors Looking For In a First Line

What Are Editors Looking For In a First Line

I reached out to the editors of some really cool literary magazines and asked them what makes a first line stand out. These are people who read more opening lines...

What Are Editors Looking For In a First Line

I reached out to the editors of some really cool literary magazines and asked them what makes a first line stand out. These are people who read more opening lines...

How to Avoid Cheesy Writing

How to Avoid Cheesy Writing

We all write cheesy lines. The trick is knowing when to cut them.

How to Avoid Cheesy Writing

We all write cheesy lines. The trick is knowing when to cut them.

Guilty Pleasure Fantasy Tropes

Guilty Pleasure Fantasy Tropes

I defined “guilty pleasure” as something you enjoy despite knowing it's not generally well-regarded or popular.

Guilty Pleasure Fantasy Tropes

I defined “guilty pleasure” as something you enjoy despite knowing it's not generally well-regarded or popular.

How to Avoid Characters Getting Annoying

How to Avoid Characters Getting Annoying

I love a flawed character. Give me the insecure, the arrogant, the walking disasters who make terrible choices. I’d take a well-written train wreck over a bland, perfect protagonist any...

How to Avoid Characters Getting Annoying

I love a flawed character. Give me the insecure, the arrogant, the walking disasters who make terrible choices. I’d take a well-written train wreck over a bland, perfect protagonist any...

What Makes Readers Abandon a Novel?

What Makes Readers Abandon a Novel?

I’m currently deep in the trenches of the third draft of my fantasy manuscript and the ever-present fear that my protagonist might be a little too much of a cocky...

What Makes Readers Abandon a Novel?

I’m currently deep in the trenches of the third draft of my fantasy manuscript and the ever-present fear that my protagonist might be a little too much of a cocky...

Fantasy Worldbuilding Checklist

Fantasy Worldbuilding Checklist

Worldbuilding isn’t just about drawing a map and throwing in a few kingdoms with names full of apostrophes and “ae” letter combos. It means you get to create a world...

Fantasy Worldbuilding Checklist

Worldbuilding isn’t just about drawing a map and throwing in a few kingdoms with names full of apostrophes and “ae” letter combos. It means you get to create a world...