As an editor, I’ve encountered a common issue that’s surprised me. Before I agree to edit a book, I like to ask the author, “Does your story contain any sensitive themes?” I originally asked this question just to help me maintain my own boundaries. However, it has...
No one can make good art alone. It’s impossible to not have blind spots. When it comes to fiction, there are some narrative issues that only a first-time reader will be able to spot. You definitionally wrote the book, so you cannot be a first-time reader for...
I have a big old love-hate relationship with the writing concept of plot versus character. Supposedly, a story is either plot-driven or character-driven. Many have strong opinions about which of the two is superior. The common wisdom is that plot-driven stories are...
How do you actually write strong scenes? Sure, something needs to happen, but can we be more specific? What is the shape of the thing that needs to happen? Enjoying stories is intuitive, but writing strong stories isn’t. Sometimes, you need to consciously analyze a...
As you’re probably aware, there is growing consensus within the writing and publishing spheres that it is critical to do representation well. There’s a growing awareness that our stories need to do a good job of depicting diverse characters, especially...
Can good editors ever make mistakes? Our whole job is to spot and correct errors. So, if someone spots a mistake we’ve made, does that mean we’re not good editors? Perhaps you’re reading this not as an editor but as a writer. If you, as a writer, are trying to find...
Tick tock, tick tock. Your characters are moving and doing things—the big things and the little things that change their lives and their world, all under a ticking clock. For your story to click together and your plot to work, you can’t just keep track of what your...
When it comes to descriptions in fiction, consistency is key. Your book should describe its characters and places consistently throughout. Inconsistencies can pull the reader out of the story, reminding them that these people and places aren’t real. Yet full-length...
In fiction, you can use repetition to create rhythm, to create emphasis, to create a feeling. But repetition only works well when you wield it with purpose. Accidental repetition tends to read as clunky and irritating. If it’s bad enough, readers can consciously...