Tag: writing-tips
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Progressive Complications: The Difference Between Escalation and Repetition
Robert McKee defines progressive complications this way in Story: “To complicate progressively means to generate more and more conflict as characters face greater and greater forces of antagonism, creating a succession of events that passes points of no return.” At first glance, that definition can sound overly technical, but progressive complications are actually a fairly…
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The Red Flags I Look for Before I Agree to Work with an Author
A good intake questionnaire does more than collect information — it helps editors and authors determine whether they’re actually a good fit before time, money, and frustration get wasted.
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Why Your Hero Feels Optional
One of the most common problems I see in action/adventure stories is a protagonist who could be swapped out with almost anybody else without fundamentally changing the plot. The stakes may be high and the story may be exciting, but readers still feel oddly detached from the hero. Usually, the problem comes down to two…
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“Read a Lot, Write a Lot” Is Good Advice — Just Incomplete
Stephen King says writers need to “read a lot and write a lot.” I agree—but I also think that advice is incomplete. In this article, I break down why passive reading and mindless word count goals won’t automatically make you a better writer, what intentional study actually looks like, and how craft books, critical reading,…
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Can My Character Ever Just Win the Scene?
A client asked me this last night: “Can my character ever just win the scene?” It’s a simple question—but the answer explains why some stories feel flat and others are impossible to put down.
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How a Military Editor Can Help You Write Fiction
When it comes to writing military fiction—or any story involving soldiers, warzones, covert operations, or even just a single military character—accuracy matters. But it’s not just about getting the weapons right or knowing the difference between a lieutenant and a sergeant. The tone, structure, jargon, and mindset of military life are a world of their…
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Using Dialogue in Military Memoirs
The Power of Dialogue in Memoirs: Bringing Your Story to Life Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools a memoirist can use to transform personal experiences into compelling narratives. While memoirs are based on real-life events, adding dialogue can make scenes more dynamic, emotional, and immersive. The key is to balance authenticity with storytelling,…
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What is Military Editing?
The Meaning of Military Editing: A Specialized Approach to Storytelling Military editing is a unique and specialized field within the world of writing and publishing. It involves refining and enhancing manuscripts that contain military themes, terminology, or experiences to ensure accuracy, readability, and authenticity. Whether the project is a memoir, novel, or nonfiction book, military…
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Filtering Feedback #1: Fight the Formula?
Learn to filter the feedback that your romance novel’s plot was “too formulaic”.