Learning how to write a successful novel is largely a matter of memorizing and mentally tracking the vast number of “parts” that make a story run. Honestly, this alone is sometimes the hardest part of the entire job. There’s a lot to remember—which is why, today, we’re going to look at the second part of our […]


6 Bits of Common Writing Advice You’re Misusing
Recently, I found myself reminiscing about some of the early books on writing advice that transformed and molded my understanding of storytelling and writing. They opened my eyes, honed my craft, and changed my life. I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without the solid writing advice I’ve received from the writers who have gone […]

5 Important Ways Storytelling Is Different in Books vs. Movies
These days, everyone is writing movies. Including novelists. Not screenplays, mind you, but even if you’ve never touched a Celtx program and will never see your story on the big screen, you’re still writing movies. Our society is saturated by visual storytelling. It’s the cool kid on the block, da boss. Whether we’re talking Hollywood movies, TV shows, […]

The 10 Commandments of Reading Like a Writer
“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”—Lemony Snicket If that’s true of people in general, it’s doubly true of writers. As the ever-quotable Stephen King proclaimed, If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. Most of us become writers […]

Why You Should Be Mercilessly Hacking Apart Your Favorite Stories
Today, I’m guest posting over on Storyfix, with the post “Why You Should Be Mercilessly Hacking Apart Your Favorite Stories.” Here’s an excerpt: You shouldn’t be reading this blog. No, seriously. As awesome as Larry’s blog is and as generous as he is for sharing his story sense with all of us, this is not […]