Write. Here’s the thing: I often get people asking me how I became a writer and most of the time I start gearing up to talk about finding markets to publish stories or how to write a professional cover letter. But then it turns out, that’s not what they want to know, they’re still just […]

I’m not going to talk about what it means to be romantic. That’s highly individual, and there are no shortcuts. If you want to know what your significant other likes or dislikes, ask! What I’m concerned with is the definition of romance in fiction, because sometimes I see it flung about in wide circles at […]

Fated love really is a thrilling idea, isn’t it? One man. One woman. Destined to be together because of….(whatever). There’s an intensity there, not to mention the cozy feeling of a secure happily ever after. I played with the idea myself, when I was as young as 14 or 15, dreaming up an alien race […]

The main character(s) of your story should at least try to solve their own problems. It’s okay if they get help, but if they simply languish in endless misery until some third party hero comes along to save the day, then my question is: Why isn’t the third party hero the main character? You probably […]

A breath of magic is becoming a popular prop in modern fiction. Even books that might not otherwise be classified as fantasy will bring in ghosts, psychics, or just a hint of something other. As a lifelong lover of speculative fiction, I am enthusiastic about this trend, but I want to see it use well. […]

Bringing New Worlds to Life in Science Fiction and Fantasy Instructor: Christine Amsden. Whether subtly or dramatically different from reality, science fiction and fantasy stories take place in a world all their own. We’ll start with world building, and then work on ways to bring those worlds to life through story and character. There will […]

I don’t do a lot of marketing tips for writers, but this is absolutely, positively, marketing 101. You got a book? You want me to read it? Then show me you’re serious, or I’m not going to bother. I get requests for reviews and tours on a regular basis, and I like to give fresh […]