Who are your readers? Who are your characters? How do you connect them? In essence, this is the challenge of the fiction writer -- replacing real people with believable ones, and then somehow making them real for the real ones. The connections? Personality. (Not even "humanity" because even non-human characters need to have a personality.) [...]
Emotion breaks across the page in poetry. I examine how Charles Bukowski hid vulnerability in his strength.
Readers think they're smart. Be prepared to go Gonzo rather than trying to trick them.
Use chance and luck to explore subtle nuances of a character's choices and fufill their destiny.
The universe is in constant motion. This is my understanding of its oh-so-important laws of physics. Movement is as natural and as important to the world condition as anything. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, it's important to address your characters movements through space. How can you describe the movements of people in their mannerisms and [...]
Writers love to read. Learn to leverage your reading for better writing.
Do you remember the basics of food in your writing? How to use food to connect with your readers.
Realistically, not all conversations between characters of the same gender revolve around the opposite gender.
Silence as a space to be filled or cherished - the very idea made me think. Isn't silence already full?
Death is coming. For each of your characters. How will they live, knowing this truth? And what to do about vampires?