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THE WRITER’S CRAFT explores various principles, techniques, and guidelines to help authors of all genres improve writing and storytelling craft.

Anatomy of a Character-Driven Mystery A guide for authors striving for emphasis on characterization in all genres of popular fiction

[by Ross Browne]

“Character driven” is a phrase one hears a lot in editing and publishing. In simple terms, it’s something we say when the experience of a book is shaped as much (or nearly as much) by the characters as by the story itself. 

It’s generally a compliment and often thought […]

By |2025-02-12T22:06:11+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on Anatomy of a Character-Driven Mystery A guide for authors striving for emphasis on characterization in all genres of popular fiction
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How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Protagonists in First-Person Narratives A guide for novelists of all genres

[by Ross Browne]

I’ve been editing novels for more than 30 years, and one thing that still fascinates me to no end is the art and craft of introducing (and cultivating quick engagement with) viewpoint characters when writing in the first person.

Like many readers, I enjoy first-person narratives because of […]

By |2025-02-12T22:12:19+00:00|Behind The Bestsellers, The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Protagonists in First-Person Narratives A guide for novelists of all genres
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In Praise of Literary Writing An editor's primer on the unique allure of literary fiction—and what it takes to write it well

[by Gregory Collins]

The lines are blurry and the exceptions are many, but if literary writing tends to emphasize character and realism while genre writing tends to emphasize plot and tropes, then I trace my interest in literary writing to my childhood and adolescence in Kenya, east Africa. My parents—and grandparents and great grandparents—were missionaries there and […]

By |2025-02-12T22:13:12+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on In Praise of Literary Writing An editor's primer on the unique allure of literary fiction—and what it takes to write it well
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FLASHING THE READER: A Practical Guide to Clearly Managing Transitions of Time, Place, and Viewpoint in Fiction

[by John Robert Marlow]

TRICKY TRANSITIONS

Few works of fiction relate events in a continuous flow, from start to finish. Sometimes the story moves back in time (as with flashbacks); more often it jumps forward, sparing the reader the dull details of ordinary life. Frequently, the transition will take the reader from one location (and set of characters) […]

By |2024-01-13T19:00:05+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on FLASHING THE READER: A Practical Guide to Clearly Managing Transitions of Time, Place, and Viewpoint in Fiction
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KEEP IT OR CUT IT? Four Questions To Help You Get Your Manuscript Down To Size

[by Whitney Bak]

When an editor takes the literary equivalent of a hedge trimmer to your bountiful, blossoming book baby, the process can feel more than a little personal. While some authors begin working with an editor in the very early stages of developing their manuscript, many don’t solicit editorial help until they’ve produced a […]

By |2024-02-08T18:47:36+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on KEEP IT OR CUT IT? Four Questions To Help You Get Your Manuscript Down To Size
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Revise Your Book, Hollywood-Style A novelist, screenwriter, and editor shares his take on a secret weapon for manuscript revision

[by John Robert Marlow]

Are you an author who

  • Has never tried using an outline?
  • Likes the idea of outlining, but gave up on it because it was too much trouble—or just didn’t work for you?
  • Uses an outline for initial story planning, but not for revisions?
  • Would rather have a root canal than use an outline?

If so, you’re not alone. Let’s […]

By |2024-01-20T16:56:42+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on Revise Your Book, Hollywood-Style A novelist, screenwriter, and editor shares his take on a secret weapon for manuscript revision
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