Character Development That Hits Like a Freight Train: Arcs, Flaws, and Why Your Story Can’t Survive Without Them
I’ve thrown more than one book across the room in my time—sometimes because the plot made me weep,...
Derek MurphyAuthor of 38 Articles
studies the art and craft of writing to inspire joy.
Chekhov’s Gun, Foreshadowing & the Secret of Tension You Can’t Look Away From
When I was eleven, I wrote a story about a girl who could talk to shadows. I gave her a...
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...
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...