Posted on February 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek
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:
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Coping mechanism thesaurus — negative self-talk: Becca Puglisi gives examples of how negative self-talk, as a way to process and handle stress and hurt, can hold your character back (Writers Helping Writers).
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What improv comedy taught me about writing novels: Author Kyla Zhao shares how an impulsive decision to enroll in an improvisation class helped her learn to create without fear and to allow more playfulness into her writing process (Jane Friedman).
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Story as cosmology: K.M. Weiland explains how stories are not just a narrative form, but a pattern through which humans understand meaning and purpose, and provides practical tips for how this applies to your writing (Helping Writers Become Authors).
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How not to confuse your readers: Writer, editor, and book coach Erin Halden breaks down the difference between withholding information from your readers (and characters) — which, yes, builds tension and keeps them searching — and withholding context, which only stirs frustration and confusion in the reader (Jane Friedman).
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