Helping Writers Become Authors

Believe you have a potentially awesome sequel idea? Unleash it using this tips on how to write a sequel that's even better than your first book!

Make certain you understand the differences between protagonist and main character - and how to leverage them against each other to create an amazing tale.

Just because you have to wait to write your new story ideas doesn't mean you can't work on them. Learn about the care and feeding of multiple ideas.

Consider four ways you can invigorate your prose into something special by injecting the element of surprise into every single sentence.

Sometimes, exclamation points will be legitimate. But more often than not, they're simply going to be overkill. Learn how to tell the difference!

How can writers create instantly likable protagonists when the characters have to start their arcs as less-than-perfect people?

Whom should you be writing for? Most of us are writing either for ourselves or for our readers--when we might just be better off doing both.

You ready for this? The number one mistake authors make with character arcs is that they try to remake their character into someone new. Find out why!

There are two different ways you can blow your story stakes--and both of them have the ability to ruin your book. Find out how to avoid them!

As much as writers relish the challenges writing offers, most of you love the idea of finding a way to make writing your novel easier. Discover three tips!

What's the problem with omniscient POV? Why are so many authors confused about it? And why are so many editors delivering digital hand slaps because of it?

Did you know a full understanding of the Key Event, its role in story structure, and its timing will help you write stronger First Plot Points?

Is your narrator killing subtext by inferring other characters' thoughts too accurately? Find out in this latest of the Most Common Writing Mistakes!

One of the stickiest questions any writer is likely to face is: What's the difference between a reactive protagonist and a passive protagonist?

Can you identify the five most important factors in creating weight and substance in stories that matter?

When your story's Midpoint properly facilitates the all-important shift in the middle of your story, your conflict is sure to progress in a powerful way.

Discover four types of unnecessary scenes that may be sinking your book - and three ways to find them and kill them.

Take a look at how poor prologues sap stories, how no prologue can strengthen stories, and how to determine if your story is one of the exceptions.

Here's what my daily writing process looks like when using Scrivener for my first drafts.

Today, I'm offering a sneak peek under the hood of my writing process when using Scrivener - and how you can use Scrivener to up your writing game.