Blog
Three Elements for Writing the Setting of Your Story
The setting of a story is where and when your book happens. Develop the setting of your story with three elements: Time, location, and environment.
Interview with Kelly S. Thompson, Author of Still, I Cannot Save You
Dr. Kelly S. Thompson’s memoir, Still, I Cannot Save You, is out now from Penguin Random House. She sat down to answer questions on grief, honesty, and the value of literature and art.
What is Characterization in Literature?
In literature, writers use characterization to teach readers about a character. There are two main elements of characterization: Direct and indirect.
Interview with Christi Nogle, Author of The Best of Our Past, the Worst of Our Future
Christi Nogle’s short story collection, The Best of Our Past, the Worst of Our Future, releases in February 2023 from Flame Tree Press. She sat down to answer questions on ghost stories, horror, and the gothic in everyone.
How to Develop Your Main Character
The two building blocks of good fiction are plot structure and character development. To develop your main character, consider who they are, what they want, and what’s keeping them from getting it.
Interview with Matthew E. Henry, Author of the Colored page
Matthew E. Henry's poetry collection, the Colored page, was released in July 2022 from Sundress Publications. He sat down to answer questions on microaggressions in education, poetry form, and character authenticity.
Creative Writing Mistakes to Avoid
Beginner writers often make the same sort of mistakes. Here is a list of creative writing mistakes to avoid.
Interview with Ari Honarvar, Author of A Girl Called Rumi
Ari Honarvar's debut novel, A Girl Called Rumi (Forest Avenue Press, 2021), won a 2022 Nautilus Book Award. She sat down to answer questions on dancing, magical realism, and Iran.
What is Plot Structure?
The plot is the “story” of the story. Learn how to plan your novel’s plotline with two basic plot structures.
Interview with Cynthia Robinson Young, Author of Migration
Cynthia Robinson Young’s debut chapbook, Migration, was released in 2018 by Finishing Line Press. She sat down to answer questions on her work, ghosts, and accessibility in poetry.
What Makes a Story Good?
One of the biggest questions often asked in creative writing workshops is: What makes a story good? The answer, it turns out, is surprisingly simple.
Interview with Virgie Townsend, Author of Because We Were Christian Girls
Virgie Townsend’s debut short story collection, Because We Were Christian Girls, came out in October 2022 from Black Lawrence Press. She sat down to answer questions on gender conformance, grief, and her current obsessions.