Posted on May 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek
The publishing experts we follow have plenty of craft and mindset advice to offer.
Here are the ones that we thought were can't-miss for our authors:
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How to fictionalize a character: Author Courtney Maum shares the exercises she's developed for thwarting her tendency to write female characters that are very similar to herself (Jane Friedman).
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Literary pathways for microtension: This excerpt from C.S. Lakin's Masterful Microtension: The Essential Element of Powerful Fiction describes some style techniques that can help nudge a reader to the edge of their seat (Live Write Thrive).
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Eight-plus ways to signal your character's fear to readers: Angela Ackerman provides strategies for showing, not telling, that characters are scared and explains why each of them works (Writers Helping Writers).
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Coping mechanism thesaurus — visualization: Becca Puglisi gives examples of how visualization, as a way to process and handle stress and hurt, can hold your character back (Writers Helping Writers).
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What other art forms taught me about writing: Author Kasey LeBlanc has learned to apply certain attitudes and approaches that come easier during crocheting or painting with watercolors to writing (Writer Unboxed).
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A (new) dog's-eye view of writing: Vaughn Roycroft's experience adjusting to a new puppy, adopted some time after a beloved older dog passed away, prompted him to reflect on the frustration a veteran writer can feel while working on a new creative project (Writer Unboxed).
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