The Bermuda Triangle of Storytelling
Don’t Let It Sink Your Story Before It Leaves the Harbor “Idea” is one of the most dangerous words in storytelling. Every story begins with one, in some form… so what’s so dangerous about that, you ask? Ideas are wonderful things, right? In the most obvious conversational context, “idea” is a generic term for a […]
Two Short (but killer) Guest Posts from Art Holcomb
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi Legends say that when a victorious Roman general returned to Rome, he was allowed to march his armies, his captives and his spoils through the sacred streets of the city. He would ride in a great gilded chariot in all his finery – and at his feet would sit the slave […]
Interview With a Novelist Turned “It Boy” Television Writer
A week or so ago I pointed you to The Daily Beast for an interview with Robert Harris about his new novel, An Officer and a Spy… and before that, to a killer interview with Michael Connelly. I’d like to thank The Daily Beast for doing all this work for me, all I need to […]
The Key to Making Your Historical Novel Publishable
It is some combination of confusing, intimidating and challenging to hear that the very thing that brings a story to life can also – too often, in fact – be the thing that kills it. This is especially true in the historical genre, as well as science fiction and fantasy. It’s like salt in a […]
Promote Your New eBook Like a Pro
Helpful Tips For Social Media Promotion of Your Ebook a guest post by Anna Fox Once the words are out and the proofing is done, you’ll find yourself with an ebook that’s ready to be published and, if all goes according to plan, adored by the public at large, making you a healthy amount of […]
Phillip Margolin – The Storyfix Interview
The New York Times bestselling author discusses his latest novel, why it took 30 years to get it out, and reflects on what it takes to reach your goals in this business. Larry: Your new novel, “Worthy Brown’s Daughter,” is a departure from your usual genre, though it’s still a “legal thriller” (this one set […]
How Michael Connelly Writes… and What He Drinks When He Does It
An interview with the undisputed best crime novelist on the planet. I wish I could tell you that the interview was with/from me, specifically for Storyfix. But this link is from The Daily Beast (click it to get to the interview, people are MISSING THIS, so I’m bolding this… so YOU won’t) was sent to […]
Art Holcomb’s Favorite Bits of Storytelling Advice in 2013
If you aren’t familiar with Art Holcomb, use the search function (right column) and be amazed. He’s a regular contributor to Storyfix, with some of the best content here or anywhere else. ***** The advice business for writers can be a minefield. Some things work, some don’t. But we always seek to give writers bits […]
Novelists: Hatch a Stronger Story Idea in 2014
Three Ways to Discover Something New and Exciting But first… For the past couple of weeks we’ve been inundated with “best of” lists for 2013 books and movies. On the latter front, several movies scored well across the board, including a few #1 rankings each for Frances Ha and Inside Llewyn Davis. Before I lean […]
The Key to Writing an Inherently Episodic Story… Effectively
Unless something really cool or scary happens, a novel about what happened on your summer vacation probably isn’t going to work. Yes, “Summer of ’42” (a film based on a memoir by American screenwriter Herman Raucher) was a modern classic. But really, did you fall in love with a married hottie like Jennifer O’Neal during […]