Derek MurphyAuthor of 38 Articles

studies the art and craft of writing to inspire joy.

Image of: Short Story Ideas That Don’t Feel Like Homework: Precision Prompts, Publishing Paths, and All the Grit You Need

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...

Image of: Plot Twists: How to Surprise Readers (Without Cheap Writing)

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...

Image of: Writing YA That Doesn’t Talk Down: A No‑B.S. Guide to Crafting Stories Teens Actually Want

Writing YA That Doesn’t Talk Down: A No‑B.S. Guide to Crafting Stories Teens Actually Want

I have a confession: for far too long, I approached young adult fiction like it was training wheels for “real”...

Image of: Literary Devices You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren’t)

Literary Devices You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren’t)

There are two kinds of writers who talk about literary devices: those who treat them like SAT flashcards, and those...

Image of: How to Write a Novel from Prologue to Epilogue: A Detailed Guide to Literary Stardom

How to Write a Novel from Prologue to Epilogue: A Detailed Guide to Literary Stardom

This is an outline that I'll turn into the pillar main content page, I'll update this...

Image of: How to Start Your Novel So Readers Can’t Walk Away: 18 First Chapter Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

How to Start Your Novel So Readers Can’t Walk Away: 18 First Chapter Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Ever opened a book “just to skim” the first page and, an hour later, realized you’re fifty pages in...