Positive Character Arcs
When our characters overcome, adapt, learn, and grow, we often leave inspired and satisfied, whether there’s a happy ending to the story or not.
The Tears Came
She’s in every single person she touched, and with 94 years on this planet, she touched many. I’m so thankful for the time we had, even if it never would have been enough. And I’m so thankful she can rest now.
Writing Tip: Character Arc Overview
We’re all in a constant state of flux, ever changing. Even when it doesn’t feel like it’s the case, stasis is an illusion. This is true in real life, and it’s true in the stories we write.
New Writing Service: Writer Chat!
Whether you’re in the messy middle, the early idea phase, or gearing up for revisions, this service is a low-pressure way to get support, stay motivated, and move forward with confidence.
Reflections On Rejection
We might have taken a detour, but if we look around with curiosity instead of frustration, we may find all kinds of beauty. We may even find ourselves grateful one day.
Book Review: Sunrise On The Reaping
We thought we knew Haymich’s story already, but we were wrong. Collins reminds us to question what we see, lest we fall victim to Capitol propaganda, too.
Writing Update: #RevPit 2025 Open For Submissions
I submitted to #RevPit 2025! It’s my first time entering a contest like this one, so I’m both super excited and super nervous.
Querying Update (Project SU)
Back in the trenches! I’m querying SU even though it doesn’t quite fit neatly into any category because I can’t not query it.
Books Are Political
Literature has always been deeply connected to politics, fully intertwined, as both a mirror of society and a tool shaping societal values moving forward.
Writing Tip: Creating Atmosphere
Atmosphere is like the soundtrack to our story—it sets the tone, shapes how readers perceive everything, and leaves a lasting impression. More than setting, it's the vibe and the feel.
Writing Tip: Writing Non-linear Narratives
Nonlinear narratives toss out the old chronological playbook and embrace a more fluid approach. Instead of a straight line from start to finish, these stories unfold through flashbacks, parallel timelines, or multiple perspectives.
Upcoming Blog Break
Writing really is an experiment to me these days, a freedom which has come only after years of research, study, and practice. Now that I feel reasonably confident in my skill as a writer, it’s fun to try new things!
Writing Tip: Writing In First Person
This point of view gives readers a front-row seat to the character's inner world, making the story feel more personal and immediate.
Writing Update: My Hard Drive Died
I had my worst writer’s nightmare come true in November: I lost all my work from the past 6 months.
Writing Tip: Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing might be one of my favorite elements of storytelling. I love leaving breadcrumbs that hint at what lies ahead, subtly creating anticipation from the very beginning of the story.
Why I Write About Family Dynamics
As a storyteller, I find myself drawn to the interplay of characters bound by blood. Their nuanced, complicated relationships are universally relatable, and a never-ending source of content.
Writing Tip: The Power of Subtext
As writers, we can trust our readers to pick up on what’s left unsaid. And in fact, it will make the reading experience far more engaging, immersive, and satisfying.
Book Review: The Fifth Season
The end of the world, earth-based magic, and a woman trying to make a place for herself, even as she must hide who she is. Sounds cool in theory, but is even better in execution!
Help Find My Genre! (Giveaway)
Everything I write is within the larger speculative fiction umbrella, namely fantasy. But from there it gets… complicated.
Writing Tip: Write Dynamic Antagonists
In order to write truly dynamic antagonists, we must be willing to go deeper. They should have their own stakes, and we should understand them, even if we don’t like them.