by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel Just because you write non-fiction doesn’t mean you can’t be a good storyteller. In fact, I heartily advocate using all the elements of fiction in your writing. This is often called “narrative non-fiction” and employs good storytelling in order to offer an important takeaway. While…

by Lindsey Brackett @LindsBrac If you want to develop authentic characters, learning the Enneagram is a great place to start. This old tool suggests nine basic personality types for people—all focused on identifying a person’s underlying motivation (or core sin). Enneagram experts believe every person carries tendencies of the nine…

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I bet you’re thinking that this article is about fishing. Well it is, and it isn’t. We all have our favorite novels, rich stories that send us into the lives of our characters—and even become our friends. We’re walking with them, sharing their joys and sorrows,…

by Tamela Hancock Murray @Tamela_Murray While people supposedly have more leisure time than ever, the dream doesn’t always match reality. Readers looking for entertainment have more options than ever. So when you write your novel, take the time to give careful consideration to creating your characters. Ask: Does the character…

by Lindsey Bracket @LindsBrac The Enneagram is a great tool for building authentic (and flawed) characters. Experts believe everyone carries tendencies of the nine different types—which makes us (and our characters) incredibly complex. The Enneagram’s focus is discovering what motivates you to act the way you do—which is exactly what…

@ADGansky Often, as writers, we tend to take the path of least resistance. We’ll throw in a tired, worn-out cliché because it’s easier than actually thinking of an original description. The result is a lot of the same stories with the same characters and the same “plot-twists.” Unfortunately, nothing makes…