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.

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.

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.

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.

This point of view gives readers a front-row seat to the character's inner world, making the story feel more personal and immediate.

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.

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.

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.

Beyonce still sounds like Beyonce, even when she puts out a country album. As writers, we can do the same with our voice!

Great stories must balance action and reflection. Action drives excitement, while reflection adds depth, and both are essential.

Research is a key to authenticity. It allows us to create worlds that feel real, characters that feel like people we could know, and plots that make sense.

Whether you choose to make it something overt and explicitly stated, or you opt for a subtler approach, symbolism might be what takes your writing to the next level.

When readers are on the edge of their seats, emotionally invested in the outcome, they won’t want to stop turning pages. Tension does that.

We can always improve our craft, and prose is one of those areas where this improvement can be seen most clearly when we’ve been working on it consistently.

Experimenting with different styles can breathe new life into our work, foster innovation, and ultimately elevate our craft.

Why tight writing is important and some practical tips on how to achieve clarity and punch while avoiding the pitfalls of overwriting.

For writers, the ability to draw inspiration from the seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life is an invaluable one. It’s a constant source for creative content!

The key to authentic dialogue is infusing our characters' conversations with nuance, subtext, purpose, and true-to-life interaction.

A well-crafted setting becomes more than a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative itself, often becoming its own character.

I think a clear revision plan is a must when revising, whether it’s based on our own notes or an editorial letter from an agent or editor. Hopefully these tips will help!