by Becca Puglisi  Conflict in every scene.  It’s popular advice because it’s true. Conflict ratchets up the tension for readers because it makes the character’s success less likely, and readers start worrying about the hero’s ability to win. Will she find true love?… Read the post The post 4 Story Moments that Don’t Need Conflict first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

As I write this article, I’m halfway through my developmental editor’s comments on my manuscript and making the necessary changes to help this book shine. That sounds like a great endeavor, right? In actuality, it’s a grueling task that makes me wonder, once again, if being a toll booth operator would be more rewarding than this job.… Read the post The post Author Affirmations for the Editing Phase first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

By Margie Lawson Want to write four or more books per year? You can still use many of my deep editing techniques! Writing one book a year? You can use more of my deep editing techniques! Deep Editing In this blog post I’ll share three of the 3749 deep edit goodies I teach that writers to use.… Read the post The post Writing Fast or Slow, Deep Editing is the Way to Go! first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

By Janice Hardy You might be missing opportunities to make your conflicts stronger.  Conflict is one of those terms frequently used as a catch-all for compelling storytelling, when it’s really just one aspect of what makes a strong story. We use it even though we really mean the scene needs a clearer goal, or more tension, or a better character arc, but saying “this scene needs more conflict” sums it up in a convenient—if confusing—way.… Read the post The post Are You Making This Conflict Mistake? first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

by Jenny Hansen We all have things that keep us from writing. It might be a lack of time, or analysis paralysis. It might be an inability to start or to finish. Perhaps it is a lack of knowledge -- of craft, or story structure, or even your own characters.… Read the post The post What is Your Writing Barrier? first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

by Lisa Norman Statistics are interesting. Statistics can provide us with valuable information. Like, right now, there are over 8 billion people on the planet and over 1 billion websites (most of which are inactive). One of my favorite teachers said that it only takes 5000 true fans to be famous, although I can’t find any proof for that statement.… Read the post The post The Truth About Website Growth first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

by Eldred “Bob” Bird I’ve always been fascinated by character names. I often wonder why the author chose a specific name for that individual. Is it a family name, or a reflection of their culture? Does it carry some deeper meaning, or was it just the first thing to pop into their head?… Read the post The post The Name Game: Tips for Naming Your Characters first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

by Kris Maze As a writer, I understand that tools can make a difference in my productivity. This month, I found an opportunity to access a life account for AutoCrit and, seeing that it included a 60-day trial period, I decided to try it.  Read… Read the post The post AutoCrit Author Tool Inventory – What’s New in 2024 first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

by Jaime Buckley The need for attention is a human trait we all share. It feeds our souls and validates our hearts.  ... unfortunately, some become addicted and need a shot of rehab. Morphiophelius Smith ❖ My little brother and I ran for cover once we saw the red and blue lights. … Read the post The post How To Get Attention (without mooning the Police)  first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more

Part Two Mastering the elements of tension, suspense, and conflict in your stories requires that you recognize the difference between them. Last month, in Part I, I discussed the definitions and gave samples of each. This month, we’ll dive deeper into the role of each of those elements in a story and techniques to develop them in your work.… Read the post The post Beguile Your Readers with Tension, Suspense, and Conflict first appeared on Writers In The Storm ..read more