Books and Publishing

Fight scenes aren’t just about fists and fancy footwork—they’re about tension, stakes, and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. There’s nothing worse than a fight scene that reads like a bad stage direction. He punched. The other guy ducked. Someone grunted. It was intense. No, it wasn’t. It was a list of things […]

If your story feels flat, your rising action might be to blame. Here’s how to build tension that keeps readers turning pages. Every great story has a moment when things start to shift—the calm before the storm fades, tensions rise, and the real drama begins. That moment isn’t just exciting; it’s a crucial part of […]

Support others, grow your network, and show up in the industry. Literary citizenship might be your secret weapon. If you’ve ever felt like publishing is a locked door and you’re standing outside without a key, you’re not alone. The writing world can feel impenetrable—like success is reserved for a lucky few with the right connections. […]

Inside the publishing world’s toughest gate—and how to get through it. Getting a book deal can feel like trying to break into a secret club—one with mysterious rules, gatekeepers, and a lot of locked doors. Even with a great manuscript and a solid plan, there’s no guarantee those doors will open. But the good news […]

Shorter than a novel. Longer than a short story. If a novella sounds like a Goldilocks fit, here’s how to write one that works. A novella sits right in that sweet spot—too long to be a short story, but not quite long enough to qualify as a full-blown novel. It’s the Goldilocks of fiction writing, […]