I’ve said several times over the years that I’ve gone from being more focused on outlines to being more of a discovery writer. Some writers do well with an outline, and in the past, when I was less sure of my own writing process, I’d obsess over the outline. The truth is, some writers enjoy … Continue reading How to Structure Your Novel When You’re a Pantster: A Guide for Discovery Writers
character-driven fiction
The No-Tropes Manifesto: Why I Choose the Unknown Over Formula
I feel a little funny saying this, especially since I was the executive editor of a literary journal for 23 years, but I hadn’t paid much attention to the word trope until a few years ago when it seemed like suddenly everyone was talking about it. These days, we see posts or vlogs about How … Continue reading The No-Tropes Manifesto: Why I Choose the Unknown Over Formula
Why Some Fictional Mysteries Don’t Want To Be Solved
Last week, I wrote a bit about the differences between traditional mysteries and inverted mysteries. I realized when I finished that post that I had more to say on the subject, so this week I wanted to talk a bit about the endings of mysteries and how sometimes there isn’t a convenient ending for some … Continue reading Why Some Fictional Mysteries Don’t Want To Be Solved
What Makes a Mystery an Inverted Mystery?
Some of the more general questions I’ve received lately have to do with inverted mysteries and what specifically makes an inverted mystery. To put it in its simplest terms, an inverted mystery reveals the central event (the murder or whatever the mystery is about ) early in the story. Instead of focusing on the solving … Continue reading What Makes a Mystery an Inverted Mystery?
What Is Upmarket Fiction?
For a long time, I didn’t know what to call what I write, which is fine in one respect because I’ve never been particularly tied down in what I write. One of my favorite authors is Kazuo Ishiguro, and one of the things I love about him is that he isn’t tied down to any … Continue reading What Is Upmarket Fiction?