Conflict and tension can be difficult to create and maintain. You don’t need an all-powerful super villain to oppose your character, but you do need some sort of believable conflict […]
On Writing
Posts about the craft of writing
Cut to the Chase
Ever pick up what looks like a good read, only to drop it after the first couple of pages? You’ve probably encountered a weak opening – something even an experienced writer […]
Beta-Reading 101
I belong to a writing critique group, and I recommend that any serious writer do the same. A good critique group will give you honest feedback that will help you […]
Writing Advice: The Top 10
When you’re a writer, everybody you know seems to have some bit of wisdom for you – most of it wrong. Here are 10 of the best tips I’ve ever […]
Characters: Public vs. Private
Everyone has a public side that they show to everyone, and a private side that is only shown to their most intimate friends (and sometimes, not even to them!). So […]
Book Titles, Part 2
Now that you’ve had the serious advice, here’s some fun with book titles! Martin at the NY Times suggests Noun + Number of Nouns or Somebody’s Something Promise how to […]
How To Title a Book
I get this question all the time over on WikiAnswers … “What is a good title for a story/book about _____?” So how do you find a good title for […]
30 New Year’s Resolutions for Writers
As the year draws to a close, writers everywhere dream up something new to write: their list of resolutions. Here are my top 5 resolutions for writers: Read – both […]
More from the Hillerman Conference
Tips on Writing a Book that Sells – Anne Hillerman, Hampton Sides, Paul Rhetts, Katy Hershberger What is a “promotable” author? Hampton: Writers want people to buy their books – the reading […]
Hillerman Convention: Day 2
Here are some of the highlights of today’s convention: Claim It, Rename It, or Throw It Out – Steve Brewer “Your manuscript is not ready – go look at it […]