Craft tips for authors: September 6, 2023

The publishing experts we follow have plenty of craft advice to offer. (Especially when we take several days off and they don't ... )

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

• How to write a cozy mystery: It's close to the time of year where we snuggle in to read, so Dave Chesson goes over the definition of and strategies for the cozy-mystery genre (Kindlepreneur).

• How to write a coming-of-age story: It's also back-to-school season, so if a coming-of-age tale is in your ideas bank, Dave Chesson offers a roadmap for bringing it to life (Kindlepreneur).

• Four tips for blending a multiple-genre novel: Fittingly, for an author whose genre-blending novel revolves around a dinner party, Lee Kelly uses a cooking analogy in sharing what worked for her in writing it (Writer's Digest).

• The contrary effects of fiction and how to use them: Donald Maass argues that the best fiction both lulls and stirs readers — that is, causes them to both dream and to think — and offers his thoughts on achieving that mix (Writer Unboxed).

• You keep using that word, volume 5: Editor Tiffany Yates Martin again takes on some easily confused or misused words and tries to strike a balance between understanding that language evolves and still ensuring clarity (Writer Unboxed).

• Does your multiple storyline novel work?: And speaking of clarity and Tiffany Yates Martin, she also has some questions to ask yourself to ensure that the multiple storylines enhance, rather than block, your reader's enjoyment (Jane Friedman).

• Matching blood to your work: Trained fighter and author Carla Hoch explains how much blood is appropriate for your novel's genre, the injuries sustained in it, the body part affected, and the character (Writer's Digest).

• Strategies for smooth scene openings: Writing coach Lisa Poisso shares what needs to be covered and at what time, in order for each of your scenes to capture readers and keep them engaged (Writers Helping Writers).

• The Christ figure: Becca Puglisi describes the character type and trope of the Christ figure, including some dos and don'ts for creating one (Writers Helping Writers).

• On writing neurodivergent characters: Bestselling author and screenwriter Mark Wheaton shares his advice on writing characters who, like him, are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent (Writer's Digest).