Posts By Category

The following categories appear on this site:

AI BotD FtBotB Life Motivations Prompts Review archetypes course-review exercise life names outline software writing

AI
  • Is AI a Threat to the Writer's Sphere?
    I explore why AI isn't the main threat to writers today – instead, it's the overwhelming number of authors competing for limited attention. While my own novels remain unpublished, I've identified an opportunity in helping other writers achieve their publishing goals through digital content and courses. Rather than viewing this as giving up on fiction, I see it as a path that could eventually enable both my writing and teaching aspirations.
BotD
  • The Beat of the Day - Applied Phlebotium
    I explore the concept of Phlebotinum - those versatile plot devices like nanotechnology or magic crystals that help move stories forward without getting bogged down in hard science explanations. While these elements don't need rigorous scientific justification, I emphasize the importance of establishing consistent rules and limitations within your story world to maintain reader engagement. Whether it's Aetheric Crystals or Green Rocks, these tools can serve as effective plot fuel when used thoughtfully and consistently.
  • The Beat of the Day - You're a Capricious Raconteur
    I explore how unreliable narrators can add complexity and intrigue to storytelling by deliberately misleading or withholding information from readers. Whether through personal bias, mental instability, deception, or limited understanding, these narrators force readers to question the narrative's credibility and draw their own conclusions. I examine how this technique fundamentally alters a story's tone compared to using objective or omniscient perspectives, creating deeper engagement through uncertainty.
  • The Beat of the Day - A Cavalier Risk
    I examine the trope I call "A Cavalier Risk" - that crucial moment when a character's early success breeds dangerous overconfidence. Just before the story's midpoint, protagonists often feel invincible after initial victories, leading them to take reckless actions that set up their downfall. Using metaphors like "poking the bear" and "messing with the bull," I describe how this plot point reveals characters' true nature while setting them up for the harsh lessons waiting at the midpoint. This dance between pride and consequence is essential for character development.
  • The Beat of the Day - The Q-Factor
    I explain the Q-Factor - a powerful storytelling technique where an emotional element, introduced early in the story, returns at the protagonist's darkest moment to help them overcome their fears and challenges. By establishing this element in Act One, subtly referencing it mid-story, and bringing it back at a crucial moment, we can create deeply resonant scenes without heavy-handed explanation. Through a five-step process, I demonstrate how to effectively weave this device into your narrative, making those rock-bottom moments more impactful and meaningful.
  • The Beat of the Day - Protagonist Issues - A Full Circle Sequence
    I'm sharing a unique narrative structure I call the full circle sequence - a five-part progression that follows a protagonist through cycles of struggle, temporary victory, overwhelming trouble, and ultimate resilience. While it's more than a single story beat but less than a complete outline, this flexible framework can repeat throughout a story, showing how characters cycle through heroic moments, mistakes, paralysis, and deliberate choices to persevere. Each section can be used multiple times as needed, making it a versatile tool for developing character arcs and plot progression.
  • The Beat of the Day - Antici... pation
    I explore the concept of "Strange Attractors" in storytelling - the unique, odd elements that hook readers beyond the familiar. Using the example of multiverse pirates, I demonstrate how combining familiar concepts with strange elements creates compelling narratives. However, I emphasize that these strange elements must pay off by the story's end, as audiences have grown wary of unfulfilled setups. Importantly, what's strange today may become familiar tomorrow, pushing writers to constantly innovate.
  • The Beat of the Day - The Empty Quiver
    I discuss the "Empty Quiver" trope - a storytelling device where characters race to recover a missing powerful weapon before it falls into the wrong hands. Originally a US military code for missing nuclear weapons, this plot device creates instant tension and urgency in narratives. Whether it's the protagonist or antagonist pursuing the weapon, this story beat drives action and raises dramatic stakes.
  • The Beat of the Day - A Pyrrhic Victory
    I explore the concept of Pyrrhic victory - a win that comes at such a devastating cost that its value becomes questionable. Named after King Pyrrhus's costly triumph over the Romans in 279 BCE, this storytelling device adds depth by examining the true price of victory. While often applied to heroes, I note how villains frequently suffer this fate too, demonstrating the futility of evil. It's a powerful way to explore the complex moral implications and lasting trauma of conflict.
  • The Beat of the Day - A Magnificent Unforeseen Revelation
    I discuss how a well-crafted revelation can elevate storytelling by adding depth and surprise to narratives. While the basic structure is simple, mastering the art of reveals - whether through character epiphanies or power discoveries - requires skill in execution. Though seemingly straightforward in concept, I explain that combining this with other techniques can create more impactful and memorable moments in writing.
  • The Beat of the Day - A Rotund Helping of Grief
    I explore how to incorporate grief into storytelling, examining various forms it can take - from death and relationship dissolution to loss of faith or safety. As a story beat, grief can be used multiple times to build emotional depth. However, I emphasize that writing convincingly about grief requires personal experience with loss, as it's difficult to authentically portray something so profound without having felt it yourself.
  • The Beat of the Day - Actions and Lessons
    I examine the "Action Lesson" scene - where a protagonist's failure creates an opportunity for growth through some form of mentorship. While these moments can powerfully convey themes and truths through emotional learning rather than mere instruction, I caution against overuse. The key is ensuring the protagonist's failure leads to genuine understanding rather than simple information transfer, though too many such scenes can feel heavy-handed.
  • The Beat of the Day - A Fistful of Inconvenience
    I explore a storytelling beat I call "A Hand Full of Inconvenience" - a technique for throwing multiple challenges at characters simultaneously to test their resilience and reveal their true nature. By introducing mysteries, adversaries, or complex problems that demand immediate attention, this versatile beat can be used repeatedly throughout different sections of your story to maintain tension and drive character development. I find it particularly useful for seeing how characters survive when everything goes wrong at once.
  • The Beat of the Day - Character Outlines
    I introduce the concept of Character Outlines - not as traditional character descriptions, but as detailed snapshots of what each character is doing in a specific scene. Using an example of a family's evening activities, I demonstrate how this storytelling technique can help writers overcome creative blocks by providing a clear picture of each character's simultaneous actions, opening up new narrative possibilities.
  • The Beat of the Day - A Care Parcel
    I explore the concept of a Care Parcel - a pre-existing relationship that defines and humanizes the protagonist. This storytelling element serves multiple purposes, it helps readers connect emotionally with the main character, reveals their flaws, and establishes what they're willing to fight for. Importantly, I emphasize that this relationship must exist before the story begins to create authentic emotional stakes.
  • The Story Beat of the Day - Retroactive Continuity (RetCon)
    I explain Retroactive Continuity (RetCon) - the practice of adding or reframing past events to serve current plot needs. Using the example of a suddenly-existing space elevator, I describe how RetCons differ from planned reveals. While the best RetCons smoothly integrate into existing narrative without contradictions, I express my personal dislike for this storytelling device, even when it's used to clarify previous plot points.
FtBotB
  • FtBotB - A Wartime Drama - Lā Kūʻokoʻa - Aloha Republic
    I've developed a political thriller exploring the consequences of Hawaii's vote for independence from the United States. Through multiple viewpoints - including student activist Makaio Kamalani, doctor Leimomi Hōkūlani, and California Governor Santiago - I examine how Hawaii's secession triggers a cascade of similar movements across America. The story weaves together themes of sovereignty, civil rights, and the potential for peaceful protest to descend into civil war as the federal government responds with military force to maintain control.
  • FtBotB - A Space Opera - Into the Belly of the Beast
    I've crafted a sci-fi survival story about Rheesor and his crew aboard The Hannu, who find themselves trapped inside a massive space worm after being swallowed whole. When they discover a village of multi-generational survivors living inside the creature, tension builds between getting repairs done and convincing the skeptical villagers to escape. Through Rheesor's connection with young villager Asiri, and a race against rising digestive acids, I explore themes of leadership, belief, and adaptation while building toward a dramatic escape attempt.
  • FtBotB - A Contemporary Romance - A Listening Ear
    I've crafted a story exploring the complex relationship between Bodhrán O'Shea, a wealthy helpline volunteer, and "Luisella," a regular caller who becomes special to him over their year of conversations. When they finally meet in person, the revelation of her false identity forces both characters to confront difficult truths about trust, deception, and human connection. Through their struggle to reconcile their bond with this new reality, I examine how relationships formed in vulnerability can survive when masks fall away.
  • FtBotB - A Crime Thriller - When the Bones Speak (Book Two of The Klaite Moran Chronicles)
    I've crafted a sequel that follows Klaite Moran three years after Reynel Joris' execution, as she investigates a mass grave discovered on the Baure family farm. While exploring the connection between Reynel and the Baures' own decades of criminal activity, Klaite grapples with why Reynel kept this secret from her. The story examines her journey toward ethical redemption as she works to expose the truth about over 100 victims, despite threats to her safety. Through this investigation, Klaite finds a way to confront her past choices while pursuing justice through legitimate means.
  • FtBotB - A Crime Thriller - The Kakapo House (Book Three of The Klaite Moran Chronicles)
    I've crafted the final installment in Klaite's trilogy, where her attempt at recovery leads to a terrifying confrontation with Reynel's vengeful son Jehan. After being violently abducted and held captive for 26 days, Klaite must use her interviewing skills and psychological insights from her time with Reynel to survive his son's torture. Through this ordeal, she comes to terms with how Reynel's influence continues to shape her life, ultimately emerging stronger in her commitment to justice.
  • FtBotB - A Crime Thriller - Dark Relations (Book One of The Klaite Moran Chronicles)
    I've crafted a psychological thriller exploring the complex relationship between ambitious reporter Klaite Moran and death row inmate Reynel Joris, a former political hopeful turned child killer. Through their prison interviews and Klaite's parallel struggles with a dangerous stalker, I examine how moral boundaries blur when confronting violence and justice. The story tracks Klaite's gradual ethical compromise as she recognizes disturbing similarities between herself and Reynel, ultimately leading to her own act of deadly self-defense. This narrative explores themes of ambition, morality, and the psychological impact of confronting human darkness.
  • FtBotB - A Space Adventure - The Postman
    I've crafted a science fiction narrative about Ezwatti Levar, a postal worker whose loyalty to Earth compromises the neutrality of the Interstellar Postal Service during an interstellar war. Through Ezwatti's story, I explore themes of duty versus ethics, examining how one person's choices can have far-reaching consequences. His decision to spy for Earth while maintaining his postal duties raises questions about neutrality in wartime and the true cost of patriotism, ultimately threatening the vital communication network that connects humanity's colonies across the galaxy.
  • FtBotB - A Space Opera - Earth Ship
    I've developed a sci-fi narrative about Earth's transformation into an interstellar vessel under the leadership of Dr. Avigayil Gray and her rival Dr. Vikram Milovanović. Through their conflict over humanity's technological ambitions and subsequent forced collaboration when disaster strikes, I explore themes of scientific hubris versus caution. As Earth faces destruction from its own unstable core, these opposing viewpoints must find balance to ensure humanity's survival among the stars.
  • FtBotB - An Extinction Level Event - Plummeting
    I've developed a post-apocalyptic survival story focused on Eyvǫra Naldi and 385 other passengers stranded in the air above a devastated Atlanta after an asteroid impact. The synopsis follows their harrowing decision to attempt a landing and subsequent struggle to survive in the ruined city. Through Eyvǫra's emergence as a leader, I explore themes of human resilience and group dynamics in the face of catastrophe. The story asks whether unity can prevail when civilization crumbles.
  • FtBotB - A Fantasy Novel - Game On
    I've crafted a suspense-filled story synopsis about Havann Norris, a skilled gamer who wakes up trapped in a mysterious cell after a marathon gaming session. By blending elements of gaming culture with real-world peril, I explore how her virtual skills might translate to actual survival scenarios. The enigmatic old man's cryptic warning about "next time" sets up intriguing questions about the nature of her captivity and suggests this might be more than a simple kidnapping. Through Havann's perspective, I frame her predicament as the ultimate escape room challenge.
  • FtBotB - Classroom Consequences
    I've developed a story examining institutional failure and systematic abuse through the character of Zivit Suhny, a student pushed to her breaking point after years of trauma at Gregory Hautum High School. Following her sexual assault by a history teacher and subsequent gaslighting by school administration, my narrative explores how continued institutional betrayal and denial can lead to devastating consequences. Through Zivit's story, I confront difficult themes about power dynamics, accountability, and the dire effects of ignoring victims' voices in educational settings.
  • FtBotB - An Alien Invasion Story - Sphere
    Here, I've created the opening scene of a first contact story that transforms an ordinary night into humanity's first alien encounter through the eyes of teenager Esma and her younger brother Wyr. When they discover a mysterious silver sphere in their backyard - just the first of many raining from the sky - Esma must quickly shift from curious observer to family protector. By focusing on these crucial first fifteen minutes of an alien invasion through a teen's perspective, I explore how quickly ordinary life can transform into extraordinary circumstances, and how responsibility can fall on unexpected shoulders in times of crisis.
  • FtBotB - A Love Story - Whispers of Forever
    I've crafted a love story with an immortal twist, following MacColl Albers, a man who's lived through millennia of human history only to find real purpose when he meets art historian Isolde Ciernik. When she mysteriously disappears, the story transforms into a tense investigation that forces Mac to confront both his painful past and dangerous present. Through Mac's desperate search for Isolde, I explore themes of eternal love, the burden of immortality, and how finding the right person can give even an endless life new meaning. The story challenges whether love can truly conquer time and whether someone who's lost everything can find the courage to risk their heart again.
  • FtBotB - A Post Apocalyptic Novel - The Surge
    I've developed a post-apocalyptic story that pairs an unlikely duo - a social media-obsessed teenager and a grizzled survivalist - in the aftermath of catastrophic solar flares. Through Ayres Jorge and Ozman Shaugh's journey, I explore how different generations and mindsets might adapt to survive in a world stripped of technology. As they face various threats, from looters to warlords, their complementary skills and perspectives help them not only survive but eventually lead others in rebuilding society. The narrative challenges the typical "hunker down and defend" approach of survival stories, suggesting that true hope lies in bringing people together rather than hiding from them.
  • FtBotB - A Zombie Tale - The Price of War
    I've crafted an alternate history/horror novel that reimagines the Civil War through a supernatural lens, introducing an ancient Aniyvwiyan artifact that transforms the conflict into something far more terrifying. The story follows unlikely allies - a Confederate soldier who discovers the artifact and a Union spy - as they work with an Aniyvwiyan Adawehi to stop an ancient evil from using the war's bloodshed for its own apocalyptic purposes. By blending historical elements with supernatural horror and Native American mythology, I explore how the desperate pursuit of power can unleash forces beyond human control, ultimately leading to consequences that blur the lines between victor and vanquished.
  • FtBotB - A Romantic Tale - Drop-offs and Second Chances
    I've written a contemporary romance that explores healing and second chances through the story of two single parents, Henley Rodgers and Sparrel Marietti, who meet during preschool drop-offs. Their paths cross as each deals with profound loss - Henley grieving his wife's death while raising their daughter, and Sparrel rebuilding life with her son after escaping domestic abuse. By weaving together themes of grief, trauma recovery, and the courage to love again, all while facing the very real threat of Sparrel's abusive ex-husband, I aim to create a romance that delves deeper than typical meet-cutes into the complexities of finding love after loss.
  • FtBotB - Fragments - When Love and Lies Combine
    I've crafted a paranormal romance that flips traditional relationship dynamics by featuring two characters with supernatural powers of persuasion. Through Evangelija Markov's story, a skilled manipulator who meets her match in Diomid Petrescu, I explore themes of deception, revenge, and the dark side of romance. What begins as a seemingly straightforward love story transforms into a dangerous game of power and retribution when Evangelija discovers she's been manipulated by someone with abilities similar to her own. I'm curious whether readers would be drawn to this darker take on paranormal romance, where love and manipulation intertwine.
  • FtBotB - A Space Opera - The Children of the Stars
    I've developed a space opera centered on the generational starship Farrazoz and its navigator Arvie Heller, exploring the psychological and social pressures of being lost in space for 1,500 years. The story combines elements of mystery, potential sabotage, and the weight of ancestral mission as Arvie tries to guide her people home. Through themes of isolation, responsibility, and the breakdown of society under extreme circumstances, the narrative builds to a revelation that promises to upend everything the crew believes about their journey. I'm curious how this premise resonates with readers, particularly those familiar with the space opera genre.
  • FtBotB - An Amish Romance - Stitched Hearts
    I've crafted a romance novel that weaves together two contrasting worlds through "Stitched Hearts," following an Amish quilter named Miriam Lapp and English fabric designer Aldus Budai. Their story explores how shared passion for fabric arts bridges cultural divides, challenging both traditional Amish values and modern sensibilities. The story delves into themes of faith, artistic expression, and forbidden love, while examining the costs of following one's heart. As I develop this premise, I'm curious about readers' reactions to this genre-blending approach to Amish romance and whether the story's focus on creative passion alongside romantic love would resonate with potential readers.
  • Judging a Book by it's Cover - Spellbound
    From my collection of nearly 2,500 stories in CardBuddy, this cover art for my fantasy novel about a fledgling mage holds a special place as my absolute favorite. It introduces readers to the world of the Armond family, where ancient magical secrets and modern ambitions collide through the story of Kahknot, a young alchemist determined to democratize magic. While the cover purposefully doesn't reveal all these elements at first glance, I'm curious whether it would intrigue readers enough to pick up the book without knowing the full premise - especially since we all tend to judge books by their covers.
Life
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments, I found joy in unexpected places - like some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like posting content even when I don't feel like doing it. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments, I found joy in unexpected places - like some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like posting content even when I don't feel like doing it. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments, I found joy in unexpected places - like some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like posting content even when I don't feel like doing it. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Apologies
    After a multi-day hiatus due to health issues that made posting feel overwhelming, I'm finally feeling well enough to get back to writing. Sometimes we need to listen to our bodies and take breaks, but now I'm ready to resume sharing content with you all.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Everyday
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • My Favorite Writer's Tool
    Among all the writing tools in my arsenal, Scrivener stands out as my absolute favorite. While it's true that mastering all of Scrivener's features can be challenging, it's an incredibly comprehensive writing program that meets all my needs. My advice to new writers? Start with just the basic features you need and gradually explore its more advanced capabilities - there's no need to overwhelm yourself by trying to learn everything at once.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • The Exhaustion is Real
    After a twenty-day hiatus due to cancer-related exhaustion, I'm pushing through to bring content back to the blog. While the battle with fatigue continues, I'm determined to keep posting - thankfully, I have plenty of material ready to share. I've already managed three posts today and am planning more, including a Beat of the Day, an outline, and a writing system review. The struggle is real, but so is my commitment to keep this blog going.
  • I'm Very, VERY Sorry
    After a four-day hiatus due to health issues that made posting feel overwhelming, I'm finally feeling well enough to get back to writing. Sometimes we need to listen to our bodies and take breaks, but now I'm ready to resume sharing content with you all.
  • I'm So Sorry
    While I wasn't able to complete today's planned course review, I've discovered a promising "writing better scenes" course that runs about four and a half hours. I'm planning to dive into it tonight and finish up tomorrow morning, so I should have a thorough review ready for you soon. Thanks for your patience as I work on maintaining a consistent reviewing schedule.
  • Writing with ADHD and my Neuro-Spicy Brain
    Recently diagnosed and medicated for ADHD, I'm finally seeing progress in my writing journey. Though I'm sitting on about a thousand unfinished stories (no exaggeration!), I've managed to complete my first children's book and am making headway on a Space Opera that's been demanding attention. While my ADHD fixations haven't quite cracked the code for consistently finishing projects, I'm learning to work with my brain rather than against it. I'm always eager to hear how other writers with ADHD manage their creative process.
  • Today's Thoughts
    In this daily reflection post, I share both the challenges and bright moments of my day. Despite dealing with chronic pain, late starts, and worried moments about my four-year-old's health, I found joy in unexpected places - like a rare "I love you" from my teenager and some meaningful progress with my work. I'm learning to acknowledge both the ups and downs, celebrating small victories like managing to eat a bit more than usual. This kind of honest daily check-in helps me stay grounded and might become a regular feature of my blog.
  • With a Purpose:
    Starting this blog was inspired by my desire to help fellow writers avoid unnecessary expenses on their publishing journey. With my husband's support in teaching me website management, I'm creating a space to review writing systems and courses. My goal is to help new authors make informed decisions about where to invest their money, saving their resources for what really matters - getting their work published. Think of this as your guide to navigating the writing industry without breaking the bank.
Motivations
  • Surviving Loss
    I explore different forms of loss and their impact on character development, from death of loved ones to loss of freedom or innocence. By examining how these experiences connect to basic human needs like self-actualization and belonging, I provide a framework for understanding character motivation and growth through grief. I break down the preparatory steps characters might take to overcome loss, potential sacrifices they'll face, and roadblocks they'll encounter, while emphasizing the high stakes of failing to process grief properly. This helps writers craft more authentic character arcs around themes of loss and recovery.
Prompts
  • Body Horror Writing Prompts
    I present five body horror writing prompts exploring themes of grotesque transformation, from a fertility crisis spawning monstrous offspring to ritualistic body modification in a remote village. Each prompt delves into different aspects of body horror - experimental birthing, organ theft, corpse recycling, cultish bone grafting, and human-animal hybridization. These scenarios aim to inspire writers to explore the darker aspects of body transformation and societal collapse through horror fiction.
Review
  • Immediate Fiction - A Book Review
    I recently reviewed Jerry Cleaver's "Immediate Fiction," a comprehensive writing guide that covers everything from initial story development to manuscript submission. While it's particularly valuable for pantser-style writers (those who write by the seat of their pants), I still recommend it to all fiction writers despite being a plotter myself. At around $15 for paperback or $11 for Kindle, this three-star book offers useful insights into managing writing time, overcoming blocks, and mastering the revision process with its "Write what you can imagine" approach.
archetypes
  • Seventy-Seven Individual Character Archetypes
    I've compiled a comprehensive list of 77 character archetypes that go well beyond the basic hero-villain dynamics. From the Rogue with a Heart of Gold to the Forgotten Chronicler, each archetype comes with a detailed description and a well-known example from literature, film, or television. Whether you're writing a dashing Han Solo-type scoundrel or a brooding Ned Stark-style defender of lost causes, these archetypes can serve as foundational building blocks for creating complex, memorable characters. While these aren't rigid templates, they provide useful starting points for character development.
course-review
  • A Course Evaluation and Review - The Secret Science of Storytelling
    I provide a detailed, first-hand review of "The Secret Science of Storytelling" course by Angie Fenimore, marketed at $300. Through a blow-by-blow analysis of each video, I expose how this supposedly revolutionary method merely repackages basic writing concepts like The Hero's Journey and Try/Fail Cycles. I highlight numerous red flags, the presenter's lack of published works, excessive self-promotion, basic content easily found through Google, and ultimately an upsell to a pricier course. While not technically a scam, I strongly advise against spending money on this low-effort content.
exercise
  • New Obligations Means New Stories - An Exercise:
    I explore how assigning characters new roles and responsibilities can deepen narratives and drive character development. Through eight key approaches - from transforming lone wolves into leaders to creating strategic role reversals - I demonstrate how changing a character's obligations creates opportunities for growth and conflict. I've included specific questions to help writers think through how new roles might affect their characters' motivations, relationships and story arcs, encouraging exploration of unexpected career paths that challenge characters' existing traits and beliefs.
  • Internal Conflict - An Exercise:
    This is a tool to help writers identify their characters' core internal conflicts by examining the interplay between emotional wounds, outer goals, and inner needs. By understanding how past trauma shapes current motivations, writers can develop more compelling character arcs. This framework helps uncover the deeper psychological struggles that drive character growth and plot development.
  • Character Arc Progression - An Exercise:
    This framework is for understanding how character wounds shape story arcs. By examining the relationship between traumatic past events and current behaviors, we can trace how wounds generate fears, false beliefs, and dysfunctional coping mechanisms. I provide targeted questions to help writers identify their characters' basic human needs, motivations, and conflicts that stem from these formative wounds. This flowchart approach helps create more psychologically complex character arcs.
  • A Scene Card - An Exercise
    I break down the key differences between illustrative and non-illustrative scenes in writing. Strong scenes actively challenge characters and show them making decisions in varied environments, revealing growth through their changing responses to similar situations. To help writers create more dynamic scenes, I've developed a checklist of essential elements - from setting and timing to emotional arcs and conflict sources. This framework helps identify whether you're truly showing character development or merely telling readers what to think.
  • Writing Without Vices - An Exercise
    I've created an exercise focused on identifying and breaking troublesome writing habits, drawing from my own experience with overemphasizing physical movement and overusing words like 'glance.' By prompting writers to identify their worst habits, most used words, writing crutches, and reliance on glue words, I provide a framework for more conscious writing choices. Through deliberately writing without these familiar patterns, we can discover whether they're truly necessary or just comfortable fallbacks, ultimately strengthening our storytelling craft.
  • Puny Humans - An Exercise
    I've developed a comprehensive exercise exploring how cataclysmic events can reveal deeper character truths, even for stories dealing with smaller-scale conflicts. Through examining characters' responses to scenarios like asteroid impacts, plagues, or alien invasions, we can uncover vital insights about their values, relationships, and decision-making processes. I provide specific prompts about survival choices, moral dilemmas, and emotional arcs, along with tools like character journals and scene emotion maps to help writers dig deeper into their characters' core nature. By understanding how characters react when everything falls apart, we can better portray their responses to any level of conflict.
  • Every Blessing is a Curse - An Exercise
    I explore how to transform seemingly positive events into sources of conflict and tension in storytelling, moving beyond traditional supernatural consequences like monkey's paws. Drawing inspiration from folklore but expanding into more nuanced territory, I show how any triumph - from new relationships to career advances - can become a character's undoing. Through three targeted exercises examining aspirations turned to ruin, adversity leading to unexpected benefits, and methods of removing afflictions, I demonstrate how writers can weave complex narratives where success and downfall are intimately connected.
  • Move Ahead Three Spaces - An Exercise
    I explore the art of time skips in storytelling - a technique that, when used strategically, can enhance narrative flow and highlight character development. Like a theatrical intermission, these temporal jumps allow readers to intuitively fill in gaps while focusing on crucial story moments. I emphasize the importance of purposeful skips, thoughtful transitions, and scene consolidation to maintain narrative momentum. Through various prompts, I examine how skipping forward can impact character arcs, maintain suspense, and create emotional resonance, while avoiding unnecessary scene transitions that might bog down the story.
  • Killing Your Darlings
    I've created an extensive exercise exploring the dramatic impact of killing your protagonist mid-story. From examining leadership transitions and unexpected plot twists to analyzing emotional fallout and legacy effects, I walk through the various ways this bold narrative choice can reshape your story. Through detailed prompts and scene exercises, I help writers consider everything from ripple effects on minor characters to the possibility of resurrection, ensuring that if you decide to kill your protagonist, it serves the story meaningfully rather than just for shock value. Even if you ultimately decide against it, these exercises offer valuable insights into character dynamics and plot development.
  • Secret Societies - An Exercise:
    In this writing exercise, I explore how to craft compelling secret societies in fiction, going beyond common thriller tropes to examine their complex inner workings. From leadership structures and initiation rites to identification methods and security measures, I break down the key elements that make these organizations fascinating story elements. Whether your protagonist is trying to infiltrate or escape such a group, I provide prompts to help develop the gestures, rituals, and practices that bring these secretive worlds to life, while considering the consequences and conflicts that drive the narrative forward.
  • What If... An Exercise
    I explore the power of the simple yet profound question "What if?" as a fundamental tool for writers. By using this framework to channel creative energy, we can transform basic ideas into rich, multifaceted narratives. Through specific character-focused prompts and broader story questions, I demonstrate how this technique helps develop everything from character backgrounds to plot twists. Whether you're exploring your protagonist's potential reactions or reimagining your entire story world, asking "What if?" opens up countless possibilities for deeper, more engaging storytelling.
  • Changing Relationships - An Exercise
    I explore how reshaping character relationships can dramatically transform your story's dynamics. By experimenting with different connections - turning antagonists into siblings, childhood friends into rivals, or even reimagining all major characters as part of one family - we can uncover new layers of conflict and emotion. I've created an exercise using paper strips to randomly reassign character relationships, along with prompts to help writers explore the implications of these changes. Whether it's visualizing hypothetical dates between characters or examining how family roles might shift, these relationship adjustments can add unexpected depth to your narrative.
  • Fighting the Giant - An Exercise
    I've developed a guide on the power of early confrontations in storytelling, explaining how immediate conflicts can energize your narrative right from the start. While many writers save major showdowns for the finale, I explore how early battles - whether victories or defeats - can create compelling story complications and character development opportunities. Through questions examining everything from emotional stakes to environmental factors, I provide a framework for crafting these early confrontations effectively. This approach helps establish stakes quickly while leaving room for character growth and unexpected plot developments throughout the story.
  • That Was Lucky - An Exercise
    I explore how serendipity and luck can be powerful storytelling elements when properly integrated into your narrative. While luck often serves as a story catalyst - like meet-cutes or chance discoveries - I emphasize that mid-story fortune must feel authentic rather than contrived. By examining how both protagonists and antagonists experience luck, and considering characters' beliefs about chance and fate, we can create meaningful moments of serendipity that enrich our stories. These "coin flip" moments, where events could genuinely go either way, add tension and authenticity to your narrative.
  • Creating Illustrative Scenes - A Writing Exercise
    I break down the key differences between illustrative and non-illustrative scenes in writing, providing clear guidelines for strengthening character portrayal. Strong scenes challenge characters, show deliberate choices, and reveal new aspects of their personality in different environments. I've created a practical exercise with specific prompts about setting, conflict, character agendas, and emotional arcs to help evaluate and improve scene effectiveness. By focusing on showing rather than telling and ensuring each scene reveals something new about our characters, we can create more engaging and dynamic narratives.
  • Zombies - An Exercise
    I explore how mob mentality can be reimagined beyond traditional zombie narratives, appearing as anything from social media swarms to sports fanatics. By examining different aspects of mob dynamics - from their inherent weaknesses to potential "cures" for collective madness - I provide a framework for writers to create compelling crowd-based conflicts. Through exercises focused on developing expert characters, exploring survivor strategies, understanding mob leadership, and establishing personal connections within the mob, I demonstrate how these elements can add depth to stories about mass movements and collective behavior.
  • A Heart to Heart - An Exercise
    I've created an exercise exploring how heart-to-heart conversations can reveal deeper character motivations and relationships, particularly between protagonists and antagonists. While these intimate dialogues might not all make it into the final story, they're valuable tools for understanding what drives your characters. Through exploring potential confidants, safe locations for honest discussions, and examining how these conversations might shift power dynamics or trigger personal growth, we can uncover new plot complications and character insights. The exercise includes specific prompts to help craft these revealing dialogue scenes.
  • A Call to Adventure - An Exercise:
    I explore how taking characters out of their comfort zones can drive powerful character development and story progression. Whether it's a Viking landing in Australia or a character making a difficult call home, these shifts in environment create opportunities for growth and transformation. Through exercises examining past travels, potential escape routes, and new challenging settings, I demonstrate how location changes can be more than just scenery - they're catalysts for character evolution. By considering both physical and emotional challenges in new environments, along with the impact of supporting characters, we can create more dynamic and engaging story arcs.
life
  • Time Constraints
    Today was dedicated to behind-the-scenes work - fixing formatting issues and improving descriptions across my older posts rather than creating new content. While this means I won't meet my usual posting goals, these updates were necessary to improve the overall quality of the blog. I should be back to regular posting tomorrow, once all these edits are properly in place.
  • Some Sage Advice
    I've compiled 61 crucial writing insights I wish I'd known earlier in my journey - from handling different audiences to crafting memorable characters. These tips cover everything from the practical (writing 547 words daily equals 200,000 words yearly) to the philosophical (embracing plot holes while focusing on story). Drawing from various aspects of the craft - dialogue, description, character development, and even profanity usage - I offer guidance on avoiding common pitfalls like the overused "show, don't tell" rule and creating more authentic, engaging narratives. This collection represents lessons learned through experience that I'm now sharing to help other writers grow.
names
  • Five-Hundred and Twenty-Seven Potential Character Names
    I maintain an ever-growing collection of 527 unique character names, deliberately avoiding common or popular choices. These carefully curated names range from Aalailey to Zuhailyn, each selected for their distinctiveness. While I'm still working on adding proper pronunciation guides for each name (which will take some time given the extensive list), I wanted to share this resource with fellow writers who might be searching for truly unique character names.
outline
  • The Story Diamond
    A few cynics or humorists will glance at the many story motifs layered on top of one another, throw up their hands asking, "Why are you making it so complex?" I suppose that's like wanting to build a house, so you go to a lumber yard to buy the wood and they present you with fifty-seven varieties. You don't need but one kind to build the outer structure of your house—perhaps maple. But when you get to the window frames, maybe oak would look better. And perhaps the banisters would be nice in mahogany. The Story Diamond is like a lumber yard. Walk in, take a look around, and pick the motif or wood that works best for your particular story or for a specific beat. The Story Diamond should give you confidence that regardless of which one you pick, and at whatever beat you're at, you're still within the realm of telling a good story, because good stories follow the natural structure that forms the backbone of the Story Diamond.
  • The Eight Mini Movie Beat Plate
    I explain how my story template divides narratives into eight mini-movies, each representing 12.5% of the total story. Each mini-movie should start with a clear character goal and end with a disaster that propels the story forward, creating a consistent roller-coaster effect for readers. While the template can accommodate multiple character arcs, it's often more practical to focus on one character's complete journey. This structure helps maintain narrative momentum by ensuring regular dramatic beats and escalating stakes.
  • Booker's Meta-Plot Structure
    I present a five-stage plot structure that traces a story's emotional arc from anticipation through resolution. Beginning with normal life disrupted by tension, the narrative moves through an illusory "dream" phase of early success, hits a crucial "frustration" turning point where true challenges emerge, descends into a transformative "nightmare" period of escalating difficulties, and finally reaches a satisfying resolution. This framework helps writers create engaging emotional journeys while maintaining narrative momentum.
  • The Adrenaline Machine - A Chapter Elixir
    This is The Adrenaline Machine, which focuses on creating relentless tension through cycles of progress and setbacks. Starting with an intense opening plunge and moving through nine distinct stages of advancement and regression, this framework keeps readers engaged by alternating between moments of hope and despair. The outline culminates in a pivotal pause that leaves everything hanging in suspense, maximizing dramatic tension.
  • A Wagon Train - An Outline
    I've created a detailed outline for a Western pioneer story following a wagon train's journey from the Northeast to California's gold country. Through 33 beats, I track their progression from initial preparations through disasters, diseases, indigenous encounters, interpersonal conflicts, and eventual settlement. The outline balances external challenges like treacherous river crossings and confrontations with internal struggles like budding romances and betrayals, culminating in the pioneers establishing new lives and passing their legacy to future generations. This template provides a framework for exploring both the physical and emotional journeys of westward expansion.
  • A Murder Mystery - An Outline
    I've created a comprehensive outline for a mystery/crime story structure, detailing every major beat from the initial "Act of Depravity" through to the final resolution. Each section serves a specific purpose in building tension, developing investigation threads, and maintaining reader engagement. The outline includes multiple red herrings, false objectives, and plot complications to keep both protagonists and readers guessing. I pay particular attention to character development through the investigation process, while emphasizing the importance of consistent clue placement and logical resolution. This framework helps writers craft mysteries that balance procedural elements with emotional depth.
  • The Impairment Framework
    Injuries add realism and grit. Let’s face it, how many action movies have we watched where the heroes walk into a haze of bullets and come out on the other side completely unscathed? Come on, you are capable of better than that boring schtick. Ultimately, injuries are story catalysts. They inspire change, though that change is almost universally unwelcome and painful on both physical and psychological levels. Moreover, injuries and pain show us what characters are truly made of. Now, there are six distinct phases of the injury plot. Here they are, broken down by individual section.
  • Shadows of Deceit
    With my "Shadows of Deceit" outline, you’ll have a chance to write a book where readers will be immersed in the dark and morally complex world of crime noir, where a determined detective navigates a treacherous landscape of deception, intrigue, and personal redemption.
  • The Perfect Score - A Heist Outline
    I've crafted a detailed heist-to-redemption story outline that follows a protagonist's transformation from a recently released thief to an unlikely hero. Through 39 major story beats, I trace their journey from planning a dangerous heist out of desperation to eventually leading a network of vigilantes fighting corporate corruption. The outline blends classic heist elements - team assembly, planning, unexpected complications - with deeper themes of redemption, moral choices, and justice. Each beat builds naturally from action to consequence, culminating in the protagonist finding a new purpose as a modern-day Robin Hood.
  • An Alternate History Outline - Not Your Great-Great Grandfather’s Civil War
    In this ambitious story outline, I blend three distinct narrative threads. A magical alternate history of the Civil War, a wartime romance, and an exploration of grief. This unique combination allows writers to follow a protagonist who discovers a secret society of mages influencing the war's outcome, while navigating love and loss. The outline provides detailed beat-by-beat guidance through major historical events like Gettysburg and the Lincoln assassination attempt, character development milestones, and the complex stages of grieving, offering a framework for crafting a rich, emotionally resonant historical fantasy.
  • The Beat of the Day - Protagonist Issues - A Full Circle Sequence
    I'm sharing a unique narrative structure I call the full circle sequence - a five-part progression that follows a protagonist through cycles of struggle, temporary victory, overwhelming trouble, and ultimate resilience. While it's more than a single story beat but less than a complete outline, this flexible framework can repeat throughout a story, showing how characters cycle through heroic moments, mistakes, paralysis, and deliberate choices to persevere. Each section can be used multiple times as needed, making it a versatile tool for developing character arcs and plot progression.
  • A Hero's Journey Via the Zodiac
    In this outline, I explore how the Hero's Journey aligns with the zodiac, weaving together ancient myths and astrological symbolism. Starting with Aries' call to adventure through to Pisces' freedom to live, each zodiac sign corresponds to a specific stage of the hero's transformation, complete with its ruling planets and mythological examples. From Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece to Persephone's journey to the underworld, these classical stories illuminate how planetary energies and archetypal patterns guide us through our own personal quests for meaning and growth.
  • A Character Driven Hero's Journey
    In this outline, I present a streamlined version of the Hero's Journey focused on character transformation, distilled into thirteen essential "I am" statements. Unlike traditional monomyth structures with twenty to thirty beats, this framework traces the protagonist's emotional evolution from feeling incomplete through moments of resistance, confrontation, and rebirth, to their final decisive choice and completion. Each beat emphasizes the internal character journey rather than external plot points, offering writers a character-driven approach to story structure.
  • Based on Dan Harmon's Story Circle - An Outline
    In this streamlined story structure, I break down the narrative journey into eight essential steps, from "You" to "Change." Based on Dan Harmon's Story Circle, this framework focuses on the protagonist's evolution through clear action-oriented stages. Each step builds naturally from the last - establishing character, identifying needs, taking action, searching, finding (but not what was expected), taking (at a cost), returning, and finally changing. It's a simplified but powerful tool that helps writers maintain focus on both character development and plot momentum.
  • My Modified Beat Sheet - Finale
    I created this comprehensive beat sheet back in 2009 because I was frustrated with existing story outlines that weren't producing polished, finished stories. The outline breaks down into 174 individual beats across four acts, with each major beat followed by trials and mini-quests that test the protagonist. While it might seem excessive, this detailed structure helps ensure every story element gets proper attention, from character development to plot progression. The trials and mini-quests can be classified as major or minor, with internal, antagonistic, or external focuses, providing a flexible framework for any narrative.
  • The Tame Your Book Outline - Expanded
    In this expanded version of the "Tame Your Book" outline, I break down novel structure into three distinct acts and eighteen key beats. The framework moves from a Stable World through an Unstable World to a Changed World, with detailed scene sequences that guide character development and plot progression. Each beat serves a specific purpose, from the initial Hook through to the final Resolution, with particular attention to power plays, battles, and transformative moments. This structure works especially well for genres like cozy mysteries, where both external plot and internal character development need careful pacing.
  • The Tragic Plot Embryo - An Outline
    In this adaptation of Dan Harmon's story circle, I explore Rachael Stephen's Tragic Plot Embryo - a structure specifically designed for stories where characters fail to achieve transformation. Unlike traditional story structures, this six-step framework guides writers through a protagonist's downward spiral, from their initial flawed comfort zone through mounting challenges to their ultimate destruction. It's particularly effective for crafting tragedies and character-driven dramas where the protagonist's fatal flaws or immoral choices lead to their downfall rather than redemption.
  • Tame Your Book Outline
    In this outline, I present an eighteen-beat story structure divided into three acts. Stable World, Unstable World (split into 2A and 2B), and Changed World. While it follows the traditional progression from setup through conflict to resolution, with key moments like Power Plays and Battles clearly marked, I find it lacks the depth and substance needed for a truly useful writing tool. The beats feel rushed, and though it covers essential story elements like the Hook, Midpoint, and Climax, it could benefit from more detailed guidance on character development and thematic exploration.
  • My Modified Beat Sheet - Part Three
    I created this comprehensive beat sheet back in 2009 because I was frustrated with existing story outlines that weren't producing polished, finished stories. The outline breaks down into 174 individual beats across four acts, with each major beat followed by trials and mini-quests that test the protagonist. While it might seem excessive, this detailed structure helps ensure every story element gets proper attention, from character development to plot progression. The trials and mini-quests can be classified as major or minor, with internal, antagonistic, or external focuses, providing a flexible framework for any narrative.
  • The Roller Coaster Outline
    In this detailed story structure, I break down what I call "The Roller Coaster Outline," which maps a story through three acts and includes special "accent bits" that add depth to the traditional story beats. This framework combines elements of moral transformation with plot progression, tracking both the external and internal journeys of the protagonist. From the opening Prologue through key moments like the Moment of Grace and Dark Night of the Soul, to the final image, each step serves both plot and character development. The outline particularly emphasizes the protagonist's moral choices and their consequences, making it especially useful for redemptive character arcs.
  • My Modified Beat Sheet - Part Two
    I created this comprehensive beat sheet back in 2009 because I was frustrated with existing story outlines that weren't producing polished, finished stories. The outline breaks down into 174 individual beats across four acts, with each major beat followed by trials and mini-quests that test the protagonist. While it might seem excessive, this detailed structure helps ensure every story element gets proper attention, from character development to plot progression. The trials and mini-quests can be classified as major or minor, with internal, antagonistic, or external focuses, providing a flexible framework for any narrative.
  • My Modified Beat Sheet - Part One
    I created this comprehensive beat sheet back in 2009 because I was frustrated with existing story outlines that weren't producing polished, finished stories. The outline breaks down into 174 individual beats across four acts, with each major beat followed by trials and mini-quests that test the protagonist. While it might seem excessive, this detailed structure helps ensure every story element gets proper attention, from character development to plot progression. The trials and mini-quests can be classified as major or minor, with internal, antagonistic, or external focuses, providing a flexible framework for any narrative.
  • An Outline - The Mourning Path
    This breakdown explores the intricate path of mourning, outlining how grief manifests through various stages - from the initial precipice of loss to eventually helping others through their own journey. I've designed this outline to be flexible, meant to be woven into your story's existing structure rather than followed rigidly. While change and loss are universal elements in storytelling, this framework helps map out the complex emotional landscape characters navigate when dealing with death, allowing their grief to unfold naturally within your narrative's pacing.
  • A Tragic Greek Salad - An Outline
    This outline breaks down the essential elements of Greek tragedy into six key components, from the initial hubris to the final catharsis. I've structured it to be integrated within your existing story outline, helping you weave these classical elements into your narrative. Each component builds upon the last - from character flaws to dramatic reversals - creating that satisfying emotional arc that makes tragic stories so compelling.
  • A Disturbance and Two Doorways - An Outline
    This is my take on the three-act structure, focusing on two crucial doorways that transform the protagonist's journey. I break down how these transition points work with a story's disturbance and climax, creating a clear path through your narrative. While it works beautifully with adventure and sci-fi, I've found this framework adapts well to any genre where characters face life-changing choices, from emotional journeys to romance.
  • Of Flesh and Fury - An Outline
    I've crafted this detailed outline for creating a visceral body horror narrative, following a detective's descent into darkness while hunting a deranged killer. Each beat progressively intensifies the horror and psychological tension, from the initial shocking discovery through to the final confrontation. The structure weaves together elements of police procedural and psychological thriller with graphic body horror, building toward a haunting conclusion that leaves lasting scars on both the characters and reader.
  • Love is in the Air - A Romantic Outline:
    I've outlined my personal approach to structuring romance novels, breaking down both the three-act framework and the detailed beats that build a compelling love story. From the initial meet-cute through to the happily ever after, each stage carefully balances character growth with relationship development. While popular frameworks like Romancing the Beat work for many writers, I've found this structure helps craft authentic romantic arcs that feel both emotionally satisfying and naturally paced.
  • Tubulent Timelines - A Time Traveling Outline
    I've designed this outline to help craft compelling alternate history narratives that explore how pivotal moments of change can reshape our world. The structure guides you through building a richly detailed alternate timeline while following your protagonist's journey of discovery within it. Each beat carefully balances worldbuilding with character development, from the initial shock of displacement to the final reflection on how choices shape history.
  • The Plot Machine - An Outline:
    This "Plot Machine" is a detailed roadmap for crafting compelling narratives, breaking down each crucial story beat from the opening world-building through to the final glimpses of what lies ahead. Each stage carefully builds upon the last, guiding characters through their transformation - from their initial choice through darkness and temptation, up to clarity and growth. While the framework is comprehensive, it's flexible enough to adapt to any genre while maintaining the emotional core of your story's journey.
  • A Call to Adventure - An Adventurous Outline
    I've broken down Campbell's archetypal narrative pattern into its essential stages, from the protagonist's ordinary existence through their transformative journey and ultimate return. Each stage is carefully structured to show both external challenges and internal growth, mapping out how characters evolve from reluctant heroes to transformed individuals. While this framework is rooted in ancient mythology, I've detailed how it remains relevant for modern storytelling across all genres, providing a proven template for crafting compelling character arcs and meaningful transformations.
  • Shattered Innocence - An Outline
    I've structured this outline to explore the devastating impact of a child's disappearance through multiple perspectives - the anguished parents, the haunted detective, and the fractured community. Each act carefully builds tension while delving into the psychological toll on all involved, from the initial vanishing through to the lasting aftermath. The framework balances the investigative elements with deep emotional resonance, guiding writers through crafting both the external search and the internal struggles that persist even after resolution.
software
  • My Writing Essentials:
    I've compiled my comprehensive list of writing essentials, from hardware to software that I use daily. My toolkit starts with a Macbook Pro and includes a mix of traditional writing tools like Scrivener and innovative AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Sudowrite. I rely on multiple organizational tools including Logseq, Notion, and specialized writing software like NovelCrafter and Dramatica Story Expert. While some might question certain choices (especially the AI tools), each serves a specific purpose in my writing process. I've included direct links to help you explore these tools yourself.
writing
  • Some Advice
    I reflect on the unique value of being a beginner in your craft. While many rush to move beyond this stage as soon as challenges arise, I emphasize how the early learning phase offers special opportunities for growth and development that become rarer as you advance. I encourage writers to embrace and appreciate their beginner status, as each new level of mastery makes transformative growth spurts increasingly difficult to achieve.
  • Let's Discuss Diverse Representation in Literature
    I address the important topic of diverse representation in literature, particularly focusing on remixes and retellings that incorporate marginalized perspectives. Through my own experience as someone from marginalized communities, I explain why seeing ourselves reflected in literature matters so deeply. While some readers may resist these new interpretations, I emphasize that more inclusive storytelling enriches literature without diminishing existing works. Books that aren't written for you don't take anything away - they simply give others the joy of recognition that many readers have long taken for granted.
  • Robert Greene's Forty-Eight Laws of Power
    Drawing from Robert Greene's "The Forty-Eight Laws of Power," I've laid out a comprehensive guide to understanding power dynamics for writers crafting compelling characters. From "Never Outshine the Master" to "Assume Formlessness," these laws offer fascinating insights into how power operates and can be wielded in storytelling. While some principles might seem Machiavellian, they provide valuable tools for developing complex power dynamics in fiction, whether you're writing heroes, villains, or morally ambiguous characters navigating their way through positions of influence.
  • Seeking Grace
    While standing on the shoulders of writing giants like Mark Tufo, Stephen King, and Craig DiLouie, I'm sharing my own experiences and insights in hopes they'll connect with fellow writers in meaningful ways. Though the advice I offer may not be revolutionary, sometimes timing is everything - perhaps these words will reach you exactly when you need them. If this blog helps nurture your writing journey or gives you a fresh perspective, even in small ways, I'll consider that a profound success.
  • My Posting Schedule (When Possible)
    I'm planning an ambitious daily content schedule covering everything from writing exercises and story beats to software reviews and craft workshops. My goal is to share 5-10 posts daily, including outlines, writing prompts, system reviews, and glimpses into my own writing process. Each type of content serves a specific purpose in helping fellow writers develop their craft. While some posts may appear multiple times daily, others like the "Day in the Life" and software reviews will be once-daily features. I welcome suggestions for specific topics through email.