Craft tips for authors: May 19, 2026

The publishing experts we follow have plenty of craft advice to offer. 

Here are the ones that we thought were can't-miss for our authors:

• Building narrative power by telling two stories at once: Author Stephen P. Kiernan examines the ways that dual narratives, whether they're different eras or locations, work for a story (Writer's Digest). 

• A plot twist with a twist: Dave King discusses the ways in which one particular novel (Jane Langton’s Divine Inspiration) springs not just a surprise development on its readers, but a surprising emotion on them (Writer Unboxed). 

• The art of withholding information: Author, editor, and writing teacher Michelle Barker explains some general rules about what writers should share with — and what they can safely hide from — readers (Writers Helping Writers).

• Writing around the thing in fiction: Author Sarah Guillory describes how she wrote her middle-grade novel, in which a key part of a character's journey is how she must wait on other characters (Writer's Digest).

• Tips on finding your story's heart: Gwendolyn Womack has written both novels and screenplays, and she shares the questions she asks herself and topics she reflects on, about whatever story she's telling (Writer Unboxed).