How to Write Beyond the Plot: Literary Novelists on Meaning and Impact.

The page glows, expectant. I’ve wrestled characters to life, built worlds, engineered conflicts. But a nagging question persists: is it truly literary? Is it transcending mere story and touching something profound, something lasting? For many writers, the journey from crafting a compelling plot to creating a meaningful, impactful literary novel feels like navigating a dense, … Read more

How to Write Believable Emotion in Your Short Fiction

The heart of compelling short fiction isn’t just about plot twists or dazzling prose; it’s about the raw, undeniable truth of human emotion. When a reader truly feels what your character feels, they’re no longer just observers – they’re swept right into the story’s currents. But how do we create that profound connection without getting … Read more

How to Write Authentic Dialogue: Literary Novelists on Natural Speech.

Dialogue, for me, is the absolute heart of a literary novel. It’s the pulse, the very rhythm that makes characters breathe and pushes the story forward. It’s not just about writing down what people say; it’s a careful, deliberate art form. Through dialogue, I reveal who my characters are, move the plot along, explore themes, … Read more

How to Write an Epic Battle Scene: Action for Fantasy Novelists.

I’m here to share some thoughts on how to write truly epic battle scenes. You see, I’ve noticed that few things define epic fantasy more powerfully than a painstakingly crafted battle scene. This is where the stakes are at their absolute highest, where characters are pushed beyond their limits, and where the world truly explodes … Read more

How to Write an Action-Adventure Screenplay: Excitement on Page.

So, you want to write an action-adventure screenplay? It’s more than just a genre; it’s a promise! A promise of huge stakes, heart-pounding chases, unbelievably cool places, and a main character pushed to their limits like never before. Think of it like a cinematic rollercoaster – designed to leave your audience breathless, their hearts thumping, … Read more

How to Write About Trauma Safely and Powerfully.

The human experience is so messy, isn’t it? Full of deep pain and those long, gnawing shadows of trauma. As writers, that often calls to us, doesn’t it? To put those experiences into words, not just for ourselves, but to shed light, to teach, to lift others up. But here’s the thing: writing about trauma, … Read more

How to Write About Grief and Loss: Literary Novelists on Human Experience.

Let me tell you, writing about grief and loss? It’s not about creating a simple storyline. It’s the very foundation of what it means to be human, a language spoken in countless ways. As literary novelists, we’re not just showing sadness; we’re digging deep into the profound, transformative, and often contradictory ways people navigate the … Read more