Writing Lessons

Increase Character Conflict – Guest Post by Camy Tang

Here are some tips for making a bland or episodic story more interesting by introducing deep character conflicts. Sometimes, a writer will get feedback that the characters are unlikable or uninteresting, or the story is only “okay.” This is usually… Read More ›

The Scent of Her Soul: Part 4 – Finding Amy

Content warning. This story is designed for adults and mature teens. It involves sex trafficking and mentions rape, drugs, and nudity. There is no “on-screen” sex, but the aftermath of rape is on-screen, including the presence of nude, partially nude,… Read More ›

Critique Group – Voyage and The Raindrop Race

Are you ready to critique? Ready or not, here are two new submissions to consider. Don’t forget the critiquing guidelines. All you have to do is post a comment about the submissions below. Don’t feel like you need to critique both… Read More ›

The Scent of Her Soul: Part 3 – The Hero’s Tragic Loss

Content warning. This story is designed for adults and mature teens. It involves sex trafficking. Rape, drugs, and nudity are mentioned. There is no “on-screen” sex, but the aftermath of rape is on-screen, including the presence of nude, partially nude,… Read More ›

Critique Group – Glorious Downfall and Blood Cure

It‘s critique group day! Pass around the candy, and let’s get stoked to provide lots of writing help. Because of all the critique submissions coming in, I am posting two today. If the rate continues, I will have to post… Read More ›

Saturday Chat: January 10, 2015 – Trying to Stay Warm

At the time of posting this inaugural chat thread, the temperature is 12 degrees (F) in western Tennessee. I know some of you polar bears in more northern climes are chuckling at my reaction to such “balmy” weather, but it’s making… Read More ›

Critique Group – January 9, 2015

It’s critique group day! (*The crowd cheers*) For this first week of critiques, several submissions came in. I’m glad for the enthusiasm, but since I don’t want to overwhelm my fellow critiquers right away, I will post one this week and… Read More ›