Writing & Publishing

Writing Fiction

Latest Contributing Articles


Nick Mamatas: A Short Burst Interview

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

Suite101 Asks Jesse Bullington: A Short Burst Interview

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

Troubleshooting a Weak Climax: Ideas For Fixing a Disatisfying End to the Story

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Creating an Emotionally Resonant Climax: How to Bring a Story to an End

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Writing a Story Behind the Photo: An Exercise for Creative Writers to Inspire Ideas

In: Writing Short Stories

By: Michelle Pannecoucke

Writing a Complete Short Story: Developing Characters and Plot Line in a Snapshot

In: Writing Short Stories

By: Michelle Pannecoucke

How to Write a Poem in Octave-Sestet Form: Rhyme Scheme, Meter & Tips for Writing Italian or Petrarchan Sonnets

In: Writing Poetry

By: Feature Writer Megan B. Wyatt

Nora Roberts Quotes: Nora's Roberts AKA J.D. Robs – Thoughts on Writing

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Kerry Chafin

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Leo: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Fantasy Author Alan DeNiro: Writing Influences and Processes

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

Alan DeNiro: Author of Total Oblivion, More Or Less

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Aries: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Writing a Book in the Holiday Season: How to Write a Novel, Socialise and do the Christmas Shopping

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Writing Well in the First Person: Creating Characters and Plots Through a Protagonist’s Eye

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Michelle Pannecoucke

Book Review: Writing Begins with the Breath: Laraine Herring Combines Writing and Yoga

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Staci Dumoski

The Effective Use of Subplots: Developing a Variety of Stories to Greaten Your Story

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Arthur Gulumian

Florida Crime Keeps Author Tim Dorsey in Stories: Wacky Sunshine State Criminals Provide Good Fodder for Novels

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Tony Simmons

Books On How to Write a Novel: Three Different Guides to Writing a Novel Manuscript

In: Writing Novels

By: Maija Haavisto

How to Reduce a Word Count in Books and Stories: Five Useful Tips on Cutting Words and Tightening the Plot of a Story

In: Writing Techniques

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Virgo: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

How to Have Fun Writing: Why Intrinsic Motivation Can Make Writing More Enjoyable

In: Writing Techniques

By: Kenneth Burchfiel

From College Professor to a Woman of Mystery: Peggy Ehrhart Got Her Mojo Working

In: Writing Novels

By: Leigh Neely

Author Silas House Shares Southern State of Mind: Novelist's Unique Voice Depicts Small Town Life Anyone Can Recognize

In: Writing Novels

By: Tony Simmons

Author Research – Resources for Book Locale: Novel Writing Tips About Choosing Story Setting and Era

In: Writing Techniques

By: James Parsons

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Taurus: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Literary Technique The Pun, for Humor or Tedium: The Play on Words Can be Funny or Awful, a Joke or Blunt Instrument

In: Writing Techniques

By: Teresa Knudsen

Adding Suspense to a Novel – the Ticking Clock: Use This Simple Technique to Build Tension When Plotting a Book

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Prompts for Creative Writing – The Palindrome: Experimental Writing Prompts Help Generate Poem Ideas

In: Writing Poetry

By: Angela Zito

Fiction Writing Tips for Novice Writers: Advice for Improving Short Stories or Novels

In: Writing Techniques

By: Matthew Pizzolato

Author Research for Creative Writing: Information Resources – Character and Setting for Novel Writers

In: Writing Techniques

By: James Parsons

Eliminate Repetive Scenes: Rehashing Information May Cause a Sagging Middle in Your Novel

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Heighten the Climax By Resolving Subplots: Tie Up Threads Before the Last Section of the Novel

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Writing a Romance Novel: Top Tips From the Experts at Harlequin

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Marilyn Michaud

Symbolism in Literature Enhances Theme: Tips for Writing Symbolic Meaning Into a Novel

In: Writing Novels

By: James Parsons

Plot Structure as Part of the Writing Process: How to Write a Novel – From Book Idea to Working Chapter Summary

In: Writing Techniques

By: James Parsons

Creating Short Fiction: A Short Story is a Writing Form With its own Structure and Format

In: Writing Techniques

By: Janie Sullivan

Structuring the Story Plot: Tips for Developing Action From Beginning to End

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Kathryn Long

Developing Characters With Dialogue: Using Conversation in Fiction to Create Good Characters

In: Character Development

By: Michelle Pannecoucke

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Capricorn: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Writing Interesting Valleys in Between Peaks: Keep the Reader Intrigued Even If Conflict Has Ebbed

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Control Story Flow With Sequels: The Classic Sequel as Described By Dwight Swain

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Writing Conflict-Filled Scenes: The Classic Scene as Described By Dwight Swain

In: Writing Techniques

By: Camy Tang

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Gemini: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Four Keys to Beginning a Novel: How to Hook the Reader in Chapter One

In: Writing Novels

By: Sandra Raymond

Plotting a Novel – Raising the Stakes: How to Write a Page-Turner That Keeps Readers on Edge for Hours

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

When Characters Take Over, Don't Panic: When a Character Takes Over Your NaNoNovel, Relax It's Normal

In: Writing Novels

By: Tabitha Venasse

Different Approaches to Writing a Book Synopsis: How to Use a Synopsis for Both Plotting and Marketing a Book

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Finding Time to Write With a Busy Schedule: Making Time for Writing, Setting Goals, Avoiding Distractions

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Vickie Britton

Fantasy Author Jesse Bullington on Writing: Fantasy Trends and Upcoming Work

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

Jesse Bullington Author Interview: Fantasy Writer on Writing Influences and Ferrets

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

A Candid Interview With Jesse Bullington: From Academia to Fiction Writing

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

Jesse Bullington Interview: Violence and Realism In Fiction

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Lynne Jamneck

A Character's Cultural Background and Lifestyle: Creating a History for Fictional Characters

In: Character Development

By: Arthur Gulumian

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Aquarius: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Help for Common Plotting Problems: Failed Scenes, Uncooperative Characters, Unworkable Plots

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Vickie Britton

Characterisation and the Zodiac – Libra: Using Astrology to Develop Characters

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Imitating to Improve Writing Style: Study an Author's Work by Taking Notes

In: Writing Techniques

By: Kathryn Long

Writing a Book In Sync With Circadian Rhythms: How Understanding the Body Clock Helps to Get a Novel Published

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Three Types of Love Scenes in Romance Novels: Sweet, Sensual or Erotica? What do Publisher's Guidelines Mean?

In: Writing Novels

By: Vickie Britton

Four Ways to Deal With Writer's Block: How to Put the Fun Back Into Writing a Book

In: Writing Techniques

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Taking a Poetry Workshop – Is it a Good Idea? Writers Workshops Can Help Poets Write Better and Publish Their Work

In: Writing Poetry

By: Elizabeth Harrington

November is National Novel Writing Month: Chris Baty’s Project Has Influenced Many Aspiring Novelists

In: Writing Novels

By: Bailey Shoemaker Richards

Understanding Poetic Imagery: Developing a Noteworthy and Reputable Art

In: Writing Poetry

By: Arthur Gulumian

Top 3 Problems Identified at Writers Retreats: Editor Jason Sitzes Offers Tips From Professional Writing Courses

In: Writing Novels

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Characterisation and the Zodiac: Developing Characters Using Star Signs

In: Character Development

By: Jo Lamb-White

Tips on Maintaing a Plot's Focus: The Importance of Objectives and Centralization in Plotting

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Arthur Gulumian

Fiction Writing Tools—Getting Published: How to Get Published in Commercial Fiction—Short Stories or Novels

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Debby Mayne

Getting Published – A Poetry Workshop Can Help: An Interview With Mary Stewart Hammond-Poet and Teacher

In: Writing Poetry

By: Elizabeth Harrington

Positive Narration and Vibrant Description: How to Capture the Reader and Write Better Fiction

In: Writing Techniques

By: Michelle Pannecoucke

A Character's Voice and Attitude: Developing a Tone and Personality for Fictional Characters

In: Character Development

By: Arthur Gulumian

How to Name Characters in Books or Short Stories: Tips for Picking Names for a Fictional Character in a Novel, Story

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Mia Carter

Fast Fixes for Contrary Characters in NaNoWriMo: Give First Aid to Characters and Still Write 1,667 Words a Day

In: Writing Novels

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

True Crime Stories Edited by Harold Schechter: An Anthology of American Tales of Murder

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Feature Writer Martha R. Gore

How to Organise a Novel: A Writing System for Developing a Manuscript

In: Writing Novels

By: Jo Lamb-White

Fast Fixes for Plotting Problems in NaNoWriMo: How to Fix a Plot – and Even Improve It – On a Tight Deadline

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

How to Name the Characters in a Novel: Take Time Choosing the Best Male and Female Character Names

In: Character Development

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

4 Common Mistakes by Creative Writing Students: Getting Assignments Right in an Online Writing Course

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

A Thirty-Day Writing Marathon: Getting the Most out of National Novel Writing Month

In: Writing Novels

By: Sandra Raymond

How to Win National Novel Writing Month: Legitimate Cheats for NaNoWriMo's Novel-in-a-Month Challenge Success

In: Writing Novels

By: Linda Gentile

What is National Novel Writing Month? NaNoWriMo Gives Writers an Excuse to Write a Novel in 30 Days

In: Writing Novels

By: Linda Gentile

Review – No Plot? No Problem! Chris Baty's Light-Hearted Guide to Writing a NaNoWriMo Novel

In: Writing Novels

By: Linda Gentile

Writing in Class or Writing Alone? Learning to Write Inside or Outside the Classroom

In: Writing Techniques

By: Sarah Pearson

Writing Inspirational Romance: Publishing Houses That Consider Unagented Christian Fiction

In: Writing Novels

By: Laura Briggs

Fiction Writers Source of Inspiration: Shakespeare as a Model for Books, Plays and Short Stories

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Martha R. Gore

4 Writing Exercises to Hone Viewpoint Technique: The Benefits of Writing the Same Scene From Different Viewpoints

In: Writing Techniques

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Mapping a New World: Drawing Maps for Fantasy Fiction

In: Writing Genre Fiction

By: Sarah Pearson

Better Grammar for Better Fiction: Writing Tips to Improve a Good Story – Spelling & Sentence Structure

In: Writing Techniques

By: Michelle Pannecoucke

Is the Pen Mightier Than the Keyboard? Handwriting vs. Computer Typing

In: Writing Techniques

By: Sarah Pearson

Making Characters Memorable: A How-to Guide for Great Characterisation

In: Character Development

By: Sarah Pearson

The Search for Suitable Synonyms: Find the Right Words to Write With

In: Writing Techniques

By: Sarah Pearson

Survive NaNoWriMo and a Busy Life: How to Survive a Hectic Lifestyle and Make Time for NaNo-ing

In: Writing Novels

By: Tabitha Venasse

Using Real Place Names in Fictional Settings: The Dilemma of Writing About Real Towns, Streets and Landmarks

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

How to Prepare for NaNoWriMo In November: Plan Ahead for National Novel Writing Month and Finish in Triumph

In: Writing Fiction (general)

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Creative Writing-Show, Don't Tell: Use Imagery and All the Senses to Delight Readers

In: Writing Techniques

By: Feature Writer Cynthia Jones-Shoeman

Creating Great Prose: Five Editing Tips for Writing Excellence

In: Writing Techniques

By: Sarah Pearson

Flashbacks — How and When to Use Them: How to Handle Flashbacks and Keep Reader Interest

In: Fiction Plots & Pacing

By: Vickie Britton

How to Weave Backstory Into a Novel: Including Necessary Background Without Info-Dumping

In: Writing Techniques

By: Feature Writer Marg McAlister

Short Story Ideas From Sample Paragraphs: Opening Lines Make Great Writing Prompts – Just Keep Scribbling

In: Writing Short Stories

By: James Parsons

Preparing for National Novel Writing Month: Tips for Successfully Completing the NaNoWriMo Challenge

In: Writing Novels

By: Rebecca Lake

Use Narrative to Connect Readers to a Novel: Deep Point of View Makes Third Person Feel Like First Person

In: Writing Techniques

By: Tara McClendon

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