One of the easiest ways to weaken a sentence is to begin it with “It was.” Writers use this structure constantly in early drafts because it feels natural while telling a story. Unfortunately, sentences that begin with “It was” often delay the real subject of the sentence and drain energy from the prose. Instead of presenting a clear image or action, the sentence introduces a vague placeholder. Consider the difference. It was strange for Pinocchio … Read more
There’s a quiet problem I see in developing manuscripts all the time. It doesn’t show up in grammar. It doesn’t show up in plot summaries. It doesn’t even show up in outlines. It shows up on the page. Your supporting character is stealing the story. You didn’t mean for it to happen. You still believe your protagonist is the main character. But somewhere along the way, emotional gravity shifted. And now the wrong character owns … Read more
One of the biggest misunderstandings new writers have is assuming that children read and process stories the same way adults do—just with simpler words. They don’t. Writing for younger readers requires different structural decisions, not just lighter language. How Younger Readers Experience Stories Readers aged 8–10: They are still developing the ability to: This is not a limitation—it’s a developmental reality. Why Adult Techniques Don’t Translate Techniques that work in adult fiction often fail for … Read more
Every once in a while, a piece of art accidentally turns into something else. This cover is a perfect example. This is not a published book. It’s a sample cover, created to show how my horror collage work naturally lends itself to book cover design—especially for dark fantasy, horror, and supernatural fiction. Moody lighting, narrative tension, strong focal imagery… all the ingredients are already there. And yes, this cover was created in Canva. Before anyone … Read more
One of the most common structural mistakes new writers make is confusing importance with point of view. Just because a character plays a significant role in the story does not mean they should carry POV. In fact, giving POV to too many characters—especially in books for younger readers—often weakens the story instead of strengthening it. At the heart of this issue is a misunderstanding of what a protagonist actually is. What a Protagonist Does A … Read more
One of the most common mistakes new fiction writers make isn’t sentence-level craft or weak dialogue—it’s choosing too many point-of-view characters. Adding POVs often feels like depth. In reality, it usually creates confusion, weakens the protagonist, and fractures the story’s emotional core. Choosing POV characters is not about fairness or variety; it’s about story leadership. Let’s talk about how to choose POV characters intentionally—and why restraint matters. POV Is Narrative Power When you give a … Read more
One small word can quietly drain energy from a memoir: would. Writers of fiction and nonfiction often use would when describing past experiences, but the word frequently creates distance between the reader and the action. Instead of stating what happened, the sentence shifts into a conditional or habitual structure that weakens the verb. Consider this example: Pinocchio would lie whenever he was afraid. This sentence summarizes behavior rather than showing it. Now compare it to … Read more
Words like seemed, appeared, and phrases such as seemed like often weaken a sentence by introducing uncertainty where the writer could state the idea directly. These words act as filters between the reader and the moment being described. Instead of presenting the experience clearly, the sentence suggests that the narrator is interpreting or guessing. Consider this example from the world of Pinocchio: It seemed like Geppetto was disappointed. Now compare it to a more direct … Read more
Memoir and personal nonfiction naturally rely on first-person narration, but that doesn’t mean every sentence should begin with “I.” One of the most common structural problems in early drafts is the repeated use of sentence openings like I didn’t, I remember, or I felt. When this pattern appears several times in a row, the prose becomes predictable and the emotional impact weakens. Readers don’t consciously analyze sentence structure, but their brains quickly recognize repetition. When … Read more
Many early drafts contain sentences weighed down by wordy clauses—phrases that add length without adding meaning. These clauses often appear in forms like: Writers use these constructions when they are explaining a thought instead of stating it directly. The result is a sentence that circles around the idea rather than delivering it clearly. Consider this example from the world of Pinocchio: Now compare it to a cleaner version: Pinocchio realized that lying always made his … Read more
Passive voice occurs when a sentence hides or removes the person or thing performing the action. Instead of showing who is responsible, the sentence focuses on the result of the action. This structure is not always wrong, but it often creates sentences where the subject becomes unclear and the prose loses energy. Consider this example from the world of Hansel and Gretel: Hansel and Gretel were led into the forest. The sentence tells us what … Read more
We’re thrilled to announce the return of Barry—half-Fallen, all trouble—in Hell and Second Chances, the third installment in Winnie Jean Howard’s acclaimed Angels Dark and Dumb series. The new book will roll out chapter by chapter exclusively on winniejeanhoward.com, where readers can experience Barry’s latest mess in real time. To celebrate the launch, we’re also unleashing something special—the first three books in the series are completely free on Amazon Kindle from June 5–9. If you’ve … Read more
Whether you’re crafting a sweeping fantasy epic or an intimate character study, storytelling success depends on solid structural foundations. While creative inspiration is valuable, the most compelling fiction relies on carefully constructed narrative architecture. Why Story Elements Matter in Fiction Story elements are the fundamental building blocks that help structure and define your narrative. Think of them as an architectural framework that organizes the core aspects of your story into clear, interconnected parts. In fiction … Read more
World-building is one of the most exhilarating aspects of fiction writing. Whether you’re crafting a sprawling fantasy realm, a futuristic sci-fi universe, or a richly detailed contemporary setting, the world you create serves as the foundation of your story. A well-constructed world not only grounds your narrative but also captivates readers, drawing them deeper into the lives of your characters and the events that unfold. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for constructing … Read more
Creating characters that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers is one of the most rewarding challenges in fiction writing. Characters drive the narrative, evoke emotions, and make stories memorable. Here are five essential techniques for crafting complex, relatable characters that readers will care about. 1. Give Your Characters Depth with Backstory A well-developed backstory can add layers to your characters, making them feel like real people with histories, experiences, and motivations. … Read more
I’m excited to officially reveal the cover for Family Magic, a witchy contemporary fantasy by Michele Emmy that blends humor, heart, and just enough creeping unease to keep readers turning pages late into the night. About the Story In Family Magic, Tina’s life is already spiraling. A colicky newborn has pushed her postpartum blues into survival mode, and motherhood feels like one long improvisation with no instruction manual. When a friend introduces her to a … Read more
A while back we published Pieces of Eight by Michele Emmy, and recently we unveiled the new cover for the book, shown to the right. So, it’s about time we post her interview. Michele lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband and son. A homeschool mom and tutor, she has written scores of parenting and education articles for newspapers and magazines, as well as fantasy and science fiction stories and novellas. A Clarion graduate, decades … Read more
All of our eBooks are on sale from .99 – $1.99 until 2024. We have books for kids and adults. We have fiction and nonfiction books too. For Only .99 Cents Pieces of Eight: A desperate Wetworld confronts the reality of the world above in this ecofiction tale. Soaring ocean temperatures are destroying the oceans, the scorching heat and putrid waste slaughtering its denizens. A desperate Wetworld sends one of its own to Dryworld to … Read more