How to get the most out of your tertiary characters

How to get the most out of your tertiary characters

Last updated Jan 28, 2026 | Author blog

Some of literature’s most beloved story worlds are populated with enough characters to fill Madison Square Garden. From Game of Thrones to Harry Potter, there’s no deficit of supporting cast members. But if you’re not careful, a sprawling lineup can become unwieldy...
How to write novels that bend genres

How to write novels that bend genres

Last updated Dec 17, 2025 | Author blog

It was not so very long ago that literary genres were like the teen cliques at the beginning of High School Musical. Each had their rules and social conventions, and never the twain shall meet. If you’ve seen High School Musical, you’ll know that this oasis of status...
How to break the “rules” of creative writing

How to break the “rules” of creative writing

Last updated Nov 27, 2025 | Author blog

If you’re just getting started as a serious writer, you may be getting a bit overwhelmed by all the “rules” floating around in well-intentioned forums, online groups, and even writing workshops. Even those who have been writing for a while can find themselves...
Third-person narratives: four types and how to use them

Third-person narratives: four types and how to use them

Last updated Nov 25, 2025 | Author blog

“Third person” is probably the most popular type of narrative point of view used in literature today. But did you know there’s more than one kind? You can use this approach in a number of different ways, and each gives your story a slightly different feel and tone....
When should you hire a sensitivity reader?

When should you hire a sensitivity reader?

Last updated Sep 29, 2025 | Author blog

Today’s publishing landscape can be thrilling and rewarding, but it also has some pitfalls for the inexperienced author. One of the hazards you might encounter along the way is judgement for how certain characters are portrayed – especially if these characters come...
How to plan a novel with the three-act structure

How to plan a novel with the three-act structure

Last updated Aug 29, 2025 | Author blog

Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, it’s always a good idea to have a sense of the world you’re stepping into when you begin a novel. The three-act structure is one of the oldest and most beloved story structures for novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters alike....