"My spine pressed into my throat." Please stop writing emotion this way.
Emotions shouldn't turn bodies into houses of horror
The Writer's Attic
Unique insights into what makes for compelling fiction, with tips for writers and guides for readers.
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Latest posts
Query Club
In which I critique your query letters
How To Set Up A Great Payoff (Without Being Obvious)
A subtle set-up leads to a more emotional payoff
How Will You Prove You Didn't Use AI To Write Your Novel?
Why I think fears over false accusations are overblown
Prose Critique #34
Do your descriptions match the mood of your scene?
Use This Diagram to Solve a Famous Poirot Mystery
Agatha Christie's classic short story + my notes and illustration
Open For Critiques
How to purchase a critique of your fiction or query letter
Why I Don't Use Generative AI In Any Part Of My Writing Process
Nine reasons I want storytelling to remain a fully human practice
When It Comes To Cover Art, How Much Say Do Writers Have?
What happened when I objected to my novel's cover
Your Dialog Is Killing Your Subtext
Don't let "Netflix dialog" creep into your writing
Query Club
In which I critique your query letters