Inclusive language isn’t a trend—it’s the difference between being read and being respected. Here’s how to nail the nuance. Words age faster than wine—and when they go bad, everyone notices. What was “harmless” in 1995 can sound like a red flag in 2025. The difference? Awareness. As professional writers, we don’t just describe the world; […]
How to Write an Op-Ed That Editors Will Buy
Everyone has opinions. Few can sell them. Here’s how to write an op-ed that gets published (and paid). A good op-ed can do more than get your name in print—it can shape public opinion, influence policy, and spark the kind of conversation that has people texting articles to their group chats. It’s a chance to […]
60+ Short Story Ideas to Jumpstart Your Fiction
Run out of short story ideas? Here’s your cure—sparks that ignite plots, twists, and whole new obsessions. You know that moment when you sit down to write fiction and suddenly remember you need to reorganize your spice drawer? Or research “how long it takes to die from a paper cut”? That’s the power of the […]
From Concept to Completion: Creating a Powerful Book Outline
Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, a smart book outline will make your draft stronger, faster, and easier to finish. There’s a myth that outlining kills creativity—that the only real writers are tortured geniuses who dive into the draft with nothing but a vague idea and an overcaffeinated sense of purpose. But let’s be […]
What is the Setting of a Story? (Definition and Examples)
The setting of a story isn’t just backdrop—it’s the stage where everything happens. Make yours unforgettable. Ask any great storyteller their secret, and somewhere between “messy drafts” and “really good coffee,” you’ll hear it: setting matters. It’s not just a backdrop. The setting of a story helps shape the characters, fuel the conflict, and anchor […]