To the reader curled up with your book, it may appear to be a random collection of thoughts, conversations, and experiences. In fact, stories are carefully constructed works that usually follow a specific formula. It’s known as a plot/story arc, where the events rise and fall and are eventually brought together and explained or resolved (denouement). Pantsers might be scoffing at this point, but I think at some point, they wrangle their works into much the same structure. For years, … Read More »

We’ve all heard of (and endured) the “messy middle” of a story. When I get there, I start to feel fatigued; perhaps my characters do, too. They also seem uncertain, hesitant, and fearful of what’s to come. They hold back with good reason — the middle of my stories contains the low point, and what’s coming won’t be good. Since they’re not inclined to help, I need to figure out how to get through it and bring those that will … Read More »