Simply put, sub-plots make books more interesting. Although creating sub-plots adds a challenge to the writing process, they are an indispensable ingredient in great storytelling. Sometimes they are not interwoven into the main story, but most of the...

When a group of filmmakers come together to map out a new project before they go into production, they go through a process called “story boarding.” They set out, shot-by-shot, all the action, as well as the camera angles they want to capture while telling...

The sheer volume of information an active author will collect when developing story after story can easily become overwhelming. Here are some ways to better organize your research materials. One absolute necessity is to keep both a hard copy and a...

A sub-plot is an important tool for adding depth to any novel. As you sort out the storyline for your novel, it’s important that you enrich your main plot with these elements. Let’s, however, begin with a helpful definition of a sub-plot: Sub-plots are...

As an author, the best-case scenario is that the only writing you do is the writing needed to complete your book. Apart from that, ideally external forces would take care of the rest, enabling you to churn out book after book as ideas come to you. Unfortunately...

People often make the mistake of thinking that writers don’t really work. The truth is: Writing is hard, sometimes painful work that requires detailed preparation, practice and persistence. Here are several things you should do to get started as a writer...

Writers understand the value of community, sharing ideas, and getting an honest critique of a writing effort. Critique groups and writing groups can offer these benefits, but finding the right forum isn’t always easy. In addition to the considerations...