Posted on January 22, 2026 at 11:52 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek
The publishing experts we follow have plenty of advice to offer, spanning a variety of topics.
Here are the ones that we thought were can't-miss for our authors:
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Listen like a writer: Author Alison Hammer argues that many songs are short stories set to music and cites some songs from Taylor Swift's latest album as lessons in character, voice, imagery, structure, and emotion (Writer Unboxed).
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The art of connective tissue: Writing coach Seth Harwood uses Raymond Carver's fiction to illustrate why (and how and when) authors can linger in scenes, as a way to build character and show action (Jane Friedman).
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Character journey as structure: Lisa Poisso provides an alternative way for authors to think about planning out the way their story unfolds — that is, through the internal experiences of the character, in addition to the external events (Writers Helping Writers).
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Publishers seek to join Gemini copyright lawsuit: Dan Holloway unpacks the motion to intervene, brought by two major publishing groups, in the lawsuit against Google's Gemini (Alliance of Independent Authors).
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Writing the shadow: Joanna Penn shares an excerpt from Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words, beginning with a definition of the shadow and continuing with an explanation of how it manifests itself in your writing, your work, and your finances (The Creative Penn)
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Leaving social media, writing iconic characters, and building trust: Penn interviews author Claire Taylor about a variety of craft and career topics (The Creative Penn).
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