Protagonist vs. Antagonist: Who’s Really Driving Your Story?
Look, I love a great hero. Seriously—I’m all for noble quests and selfless courage and characters who step...
Derek MurphyAuthor of 36 Articles
studies the art and craft of writing to inspire joy.
Show, Don’t Tell: What It Actually Means (And How to Do It Without Losing Your Voice)
Let’s say the quiet part out loud: “Show, don’t tell” is one of the most overused, underexplained pieces...
Kill Your Darlings: The Love-Hate Ritual Every Writer Needs
Look, I get it—you’ve just penned a line so breathtakingly vivid it makes you want to stand on...
Story Structure: How to Plot a Novel That Won't Make You Hate Yourself Halfway Through
There’s a moment every writer hits—usually around page 50, sometimes earlier—where the shiny new idea fades, and...
Short Story Ideas That Don’t Feel Like Homework: Precision Prompts, Publishing Paths, and All the Grit You Need
If you’ve ever Googled “short story ideas,” you’ve probably landed on a list that reads like it was...
Plot Twists: How to Surprise Readers (Without Cheap Writing)
There’s an art to jaw‑dropping twists, and most writers treat it like a party trick—showing up with...