Grammar can trip up even the best of us, but it doesn’t have to bore you to death. Remember, good grammar helps you express yourself more clearly and creatively. Here are a few refreshers for writers. Avoid the passive voice as if the devil himself...

There are many choices in software tools for outlining a story, from simple programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project (Mac versions of Word and PowerPoint are Pages and Keynote), to more complex object-oriented programs, including...

You just put the last period on the first draft of your manuscript. Now what? Resist the urge to go back to page 1 to start editing. You’ll get lost in details. Instead, edit with a plan that will guide you from fixing big picture issues like structure...

In fiction, plot is defined as the series of events (action) that make up a story. Most plots follow a structure known as Freytag’s triangle, which has five basic elements: Exposition/Introduction Inciting Incident Rising Action Climax Denouement...

Urban fiction, also known as street lit, hip-hop lit, gansta lit, or ghetto lit, tells the story of life in the inner-city, generally with a gritty, dark tone. The plot shines a light on the harsh realities of life in the city, including hard subjects...

In the current scope of film-making and its potential for money both gained and lost, producers work carefully to ensure that their chosen projects will get the desired return on investment in order to keep their respective company afloat. With consideration...

When you’re ready to build up your Twitter community, the better you plan, the better the results. Follow these quick tips, tactics, and applications, and you’ll find being a self-published author on Twitter can be a very good thing. When it comes to...

You may or may not actually need a publishing attorney. But if you get into a dispute with your publisher, your agent, or another author for example, a publishing attorney will come in handy. If you’re sued for copyright infringement or you want to sue...

In the “old days” of movie making, a script doctor was someone to whom the studios turned to “punch up”, or improve, a script written by someone else. They worked anonymously, not really caring about becoming well-known (except with industry insiders...