As an author, you have the ability to wield great power. But you know what? You’re probably not wielding it. This power is scary. It probably scares you. It definitely scares your readers. But assuming you want to learn how to write books readers can’t put down–that is a most excellent thing. What power am […]
March 17, 2016 by 52 Comments Plotting Your NovelLearn to Write Deep and Rich Story Conflict
What is story anyway? We could explain it in any number of ways, but it’s hard to come up with anything pithier or more accurate than the old saw: No story conflict, no story. If we flip that on its head, we could just as easily say: Story=conflict. Why? Obviously, conflict is pretty entertaining on its own […]
February 25, 2015 by 25 Comments ForeshadowingHow to Drive Your Readers Wild With Hints and Story Hooks—Without Frustrating Them
This week’s video shows you how to use hints and story hooks to keep readers turning your pages, while still timing your tension just right to keep from trying their patience. Video Transcript: We could argue that the single greatest job of a good story is simply that of convincing readers that something interesting is […]
February 22, 2015 by 78 Comments Outlining Your NovelDo You Know the 6 Must-Have Elements of a “Wow” Story Premise?
Story premise is the foundation of all good books. It’s the fundamental kernel of the beginning idea. But it’s more than that. If you can craft a solid story premise right from the beginning of your writing process, you will be able to capture all the concrete details necessary to bring your story to life. […]
January 12, 2026 by 28 Comments Plotting Your NovelStory Stakes: When to Reveal Them—and Why Timing Is Everything
Here’s what’s most important for writers to understand about story stakes. Story stakes are what characters stand to lose if they fail—not what they gain if they succeed. Stakes are the emotional cost of the story’s outcome and the primary reason readers care what happens next. Character motivations drive your story. The protagonist’s motivation informs […]
November 17, 2013 by 39 Comments Outlining Your NovelHow to Write an Awesome Book: 25 Key Elements for Success
Millions of words have been strung together on the subject of how to write an awesome book. A book is always going to be a tremendous undertaking that can feel more than a little complicated sometimes. But what if you simplify the process to just twenty-five ingredients? Previously, I wrote a post about the Top […]
