"The enemy of art is the absence of limitations." ‒ Orson Welles (pictured above) It's a fascinating artistic paradox. Total freedom inhibits creativity, whereas strategic limits generate creativity. Strategic limits? you ask. Let me give you an example of the...

First Principles If there is one bedrock principle of good storytelling, it's this: "Show. Don't tell." That is, the most vivid way to convey something is to show it, not tell it. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, yes . . . and no. The goal is to create an emotional...

Shakespeare was an actor. So was Dickens. And so are you. Think about it. When you create stories, you play the lead role inside your head, don't you? In fact, you play all the roles. It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of being a writer, getting all the parts...

(Image: bestselling author John le Carré)   Why Genre Matters I sometimes hear emerging writers say, “My book doesn’t fall into a genre. It’s a literary novel.” But is it? Often what they mean is that, naturally, they want their story to be thought of as serious....

Are you writing a mystery novel? Or thinking about it? If so, my checklist below might help you. I’m at work on a mystery myself. My previous books have been historical novels and thrillers, including my latest release, The Man From Spirit Creek, but this is my first...

Does that Thomas Mann quote have you nodding with a wry smile? Me too. We get it. It’s serious work, being a writer – because we care. We have to tap into heart and soul to create our best work. So, writers are a special breed. Here are 5 tell-tale signs. Introvert or...

Would you love to have an expert mentor help you grow as a writer and really succeed? Here's your chance! Join the fall session of my PageTurner Master Classes. Registration is now open for this online 10-week program that starts on September 19th. No longer will you...

The question that keeps emerging writers up at night is this: What do publishers really want? In my career as an author I've faced every challenge you're facing. Having had ten novels published with sales of over half a million books, I know what agents and publishers...