Fiction

In a compelling work of fiction, characters never remain stagnant. Instead, they experience epiphanies, change as a result of tragedies, or uncover a new way of thinking. As an author, it's up to ...

If you've ever had the opportunity to watch an infant grow into adulthood, you know how amazing the transformation is. And if you're that child's parent, you are probably even more awestruck and ...

As an author of fiction, you are expected to know your characters inside and out before you ever start writing. So why not use some creative ways to find out more about the people whose lives you'll ...

A truly suspenseful book, short story, novella, or other literary work is much like a theatrical performance. Just as a well-written and superbly acted drama keeps the audience on the edge of their ...

Writers, like all artisans, have a uniqueness all their own. But just as singers have to practice to capture the essence of their true vocal abilities, authors also need to hone their "voices". ...

It's happened to most readers at one time or another… they're knee-deep in a riveting work of fiction when suddenly their enthusiasm flies out the window. Why? Because the dialogue they just read ...

When you are handed assignments by someone else, you don't always get your choice. Sometimes, you just have to grin and bear writing an article about a subject that truly bores you to pieces or, ...

You've done your brainstorming, and now it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard). In a sense, writing a story is like building a house - it goes much faster if you draw up a ...

Did you enjoy straightforward lectures in school, or did you prefer hands-on activities? If you're like most people, the latter was much more enjoyable because you were part of the action. As ...

When you're telling a story that involves time shifts (as in the case of flashbacks), it's critical that you understand the chronology of the lives of your characters. Unfortunately, some authors ...

There are a few hints to remember when writing children's books. Among them: keep your vocabulary simple; turn staid situations into adventures; and breathe life into historical figures by ...

Anyone who says writing isn't a dodgy occupation obviously never became stuck in one of these common pitfalls. But it needn't be that way as many of them are avoidable. See if any of them ring a bell ...