Backstory is essential to fiction—but it’s also one of the easiest ways to stall or completely derail a narrative. Most writers, especially if they like to plan and outline, don’t struggle because their characters lack  backstory. They struggle because they have too much of it, or because they’re unsure when, where, and how to introduce it without stopping the story cold. The goal isn’t to eliminate backstory. It’s to integrate it seamlessly so that readers absorb it without

One of the most common issues in fiction writing—especially among new writers—is use of process language. This is when narration explains every action or thought a character goes through, which can slow the pace and pull readers out of the story. Learning to cut it out is a powerful tool for making writing leaner and more immersive. What is process language? Process language describes how  a character is doing something rather than showing the result or impact . It often read

Narrative tense might sound like a small detail, but it’s one of the elements of writing that helps your story make sense .  It tells readers when the action is happening—past, present, or future—and keeps them grounded in your story’s timeline. When your tense shifts without warning, it can confuse readers or make your writing feel choppy. Every writer struggles with tense consistency at some point, but it's something every writer can master with a little practice and awaren

Effective use of tension and suspense are the beating hearts of a compelling story. They keep readers turning pages, desperate to know what happens next. While the terms are often used together, they aren’t identical: tension  is the sense of unease or anticipation built throughout a scene or story, while suspense  is the emotional payoff—when readers know something is coming but must wait for it to arrive. Classic literature offers some of the finest examples of how to weave

Writers often face the delicate challenge of crafting stories that feel both surprising and inevitable. A well-timed twist or a big reveal in the final climax should shock the reader, not because it came from nowhere but because they realize—retrospectively—that it was always coming. This is the power of foreshadowing: the subtle placement of hints and clues that build suspense, reinforce themes, and prepare the reader for what lies ahead. Done well, foreshadowing isn't a tri

When writing fiction, it’s easy to get caught up in plot twists, character arcs, and world-building. But behind every compelling story lies something deeper—something that connects the narrative to a reader’s heart. That "something" is theme. More than just a literary device, theme is the emotional core of your story, the underlying message or question that gives your novel its soul. Rather than being spelled out for the reader, or "on the nose" as I like to say, themes often

A novel's atmosphere—or emotional landscape—which colors every scene is also known as mood, and it’s one of the most effective tools a...

When readers dive into a novel, they’re not just seeking plot twists or compelling characters (though those are important!). They’re also...

One of the biggest challenges some authors face is knowing when they’ve reached the end of their book. The process of wrapping up a book requires careful consideration of the narrative's structure, character arcs, and overall goals. Ask any author how they decided where and how to end their book, and you'll receive many different answers. Some authors know "the end" right from the beginning and plot their story backward. Some "pants" their way through and stop where it feels

Every write knows that a strong opening to their book is crucial for engaging readers. It's the first impression, the hook, that either...

Have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of your own writing? Do your characters often run away with the plot? Are you staring...

Book reviews are crucial for the success of an author’s work. They’re so important that I’ve written about this topic before, though the focus of that post was on the differences between reader reviews and trade reviews . Reviews help a book gain exposure and visibility, as well as acting as a form of social proof and credibility for a writer. If the review is particularly constructive it can also be used to gather feedback and improve future writing. Reviews have a direct im

In today's digital age, understanding the power of lead magnets and reader magnets can significantly help writers boost their marketing...

Limited vs. omniscient narration Third person narration is a literary style where the narrative is told from the perspective of a...

Formatting attributes of speech alongside action in fiction I've written about the basics of formatting dialogue here. This blog is a...

Style sheets are a mainstay of the traditional editing and publishing process. Yet many writers and authors don't know what they are or how they can be put to use. In this blog, I'll break down what types of information the style sheet records and ways that authors can use this information to support their writing endeavors. What a style sheet is An editorial style sheet is a record of all editorial decisions made in the editing and proofreading process. It ensures that an ed

A query letter is a formal letter that a writer sends to literary agents or publishers to introduce themselves and their work with the...

by Morgan L. Busse Published November 6, 2018 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Genre: High fantasy, epic fantasy, young adult This is...

Metadata feels like a nebulous term, and for many writers, it’s components seem hard to pin down. However, it’s vital that your book has...

You’ve written your book and edited the heck out of it, and you don’t want to deal with it anymore. Sounds about right? But then you...