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How to Write a Mystery, Writing Thrillers

Trying your hand at writing thrillers – the most exciting and suspenseful of all genres? Look no further for guidelines on crafting a compelling plot, creating incredible characters, constructing an airtight mystery, and much more.

The 4 Story Structures that Dominate Novels

August 24, 2010 | Orson Scott Card | Comments: 1

All stories contain four elements that can determine structure: milieu, idea, character and event. Here’s a look at each one and how each will affect your novel.

by Orson Scott Card
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5 Steps to a Great Female Protagonist

July 9, 2010 | Jessica Strawser | Comments: 0

According to bestselling authors JT Ellison, Alex Kava and Erica Spindler, there are 5 key ways to make your heroine shine. Here they are.

by Jessica Strawser, reporting from ThrillerFest 2010 (New York City)
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Motivate Your Characters Like a Pro

July 8, 2010 | Jessica Strawser | Comments: 0

In his session “The Psychology of Character Motivation,” Edgar-nominated author D.P. Lyle, MD, shared this invaluable exercise for developing your characters’ motivations as your story unfolds.

by Jessica Strawser, reporting from ThrillerFest 2010 (New York City)
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How to Give Your Character the Perfect Name

June 8, 2010 | Devyani Borade | Comments: 2

What you call your characters could influence your readers’ perceptions of them. Here are some factors to consider in finding the perfect match.

by Devyani Borade
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Stephen King’s 3 Steps to Create Suspense

May 7, 2010 | William Cane | Comments: 0

Analysis reveals there are three steps that Stephen King invariably employs to create suspense. Learn what they are and how to apply them to your work.

by William Cane
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Sue Grafton’s Advice for Writers: Put in the Time

April 6, 2010 | Diana Page Jordan | Comments: 0

Five books from the end of her alphabet series, Sue Grafton says it doesn’t get any easier—and there’s always another lesson to learn about the ABCs of writing.

by Diana Page Jordan
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From Idea to Page in 4 Simple Steps

February 16, 2010 | N.M. Kelby | Comments: 0

Nothing is more exciting than the promise of a story in your head, but in order to get it on the page you need to figure out exactly what you need to do to make it work. Here are 4 steps to help you build the framework of your story.

by N.M. Kelby
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Take Your Novel to the Finish Line

February 1, 2010 | Lin Enger | Comments: 0

You need stamina to transform that out-of-shape first draft into a story with staying power. Use these 4 revision strategies to make your novel go the distance.

by Lin Enger
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179 Ways to Save a Novel

January 21, 2010 | admin | Comments: 0

Matters of vital concern to fiction writers.
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Rescuing Your Story From Cliche

January 21, 2010 | admin | Comments: 0

In this excerpt from 179 Ways to Save a Novel, author Peter Selgin discusses ways to defeat the writer’s sworn enemy: the cliche.  Read more

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