I'm really going to need you to hear me out on this one. This blog is what Backwards Writing Advice is all about, when it comes down to...

I've said many times that my muse IS the gremlin on my shoulder... but what does that mean? And... am I being honest? First, what is a...

I wrote a blog already about why you should decide between plotting and pantsing based on your own strengths. You shouldn't do one or the...

That title's from a song: 'Don't quit, think about it brother, but don't quit' Everybody reaches that point where they are thinking...

A lot of novelists will tell you that you can use 'said' in every narrative tagline. First of all, not everything is 'said'--sometimes...

I’ve heard a lot of writers say, “Give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft”. Some people “word-vomit” their first draft. I...

When you start reading about writing, and watching videos about writing… you’re going to get tons of contradictory advice. It seems like...

Very often I find myself repeating the same thing, just in different words. You annoy your readers when you insult their ability to...

As a novelist, comprehension of hooks is super important, but stopping at having an early hook for your novel is not enough. I'm of the...

You will hear and see tons of advice on this topic, and much of it one sided. Clearly… my advice is going to be backwards. First, if you...

There's a huge difference between excellent pacing as Stephen King... and excellent pacing as Joe Shmo. The distinction I'm trying to...