The short story "The Coin" was written as an example of the (very rare) story that has no named characters, not even a named Protagonist, not a human one, anyway. 

In almost all other stories, it is important to know how to write characters who stick in...

The flash fiction story "What Could Be Worse?" was written in the "Character" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: take a central character through a character arc or transformation, based on the idea, developing the story around this...

Writing is a solitary occupation. But does it have to be?

There are several ways of making writing less solitary, in fact there's a whole spectrum. Here are three examples:

1. The Light Touch: Writing Accountability (and Inspiration) Groups
2. The Safe Challenge: Writing Contests
3. The...

The flash fiction story "His Wounds Green" was written in the "Pantser" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: by the seat of my pants, using no outline, making it up as I went along. 

The story was inspired by this ...

I want to write a cozy mystery. What are the elements of the cozy mystery. How do I write a cozy mystery?

The 5 steps to write a cozy mystery are:

1. Develop a great, memorable cozy detective –  consider types such as the gifted amateur, the retiree, the...

How do I write a story? Here are 5 easy steps to write your story:

1. IDEA - come up with an amazing idea (we'll show you how)
2. FREEWRITE - have a free-flowing conversation with the story, the characters, and yourself to shape the idea into a story
3. END - write the end of the...

The short story "Valentine" was written in the "Pantser" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: by the seat of my pants, using no outline, making it up as I went along. 

Of course, there are **spoilers**, so if you haven't read the story yet,...

The flash fiction story "Kill The Messenger" was written in the "Pantser" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: by the seat of my pants, using no outline, making it up as I went along. 

Of course, there are **spoilers**, so if you haven't...

The flash fiction story “The Monsters” was written in the “Character” method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: taking a character through a transformation.

Of course, there are spoilers, so if you haven’t read...

What are the secrets of the best, most productive writers? These are the 7 habits of the most effective and productive writers:

1. READ - writers read deep (in their own genre) and wide (to stretch their minds and get ideas)
2. TIME - own and protect your time to write
3. TARGETS - aim for...

How should I give and get fiction critiques? Here are 10 Tips for Giving Fiction Critiques:

1. GOLDEN RULE - give critiques unto others as you would want to get critiques
2. ASK & UNDERSTAND - genre, intent, areas for feedback
3. BIG PICTURE - you’re not a copyeditor
4. READ LIKE A...

The novella “Werewolf” was written in the “Pantser" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: writing "from the seat of my pants", discovering the story, letting it grow organically in the telling.

Of course, there are spoilers,...