Plot Articles

By Chelsea HindleWe’ve all been there. We’re immersed in a fantastic action sequence, our hearts pounding with adrenaline. We fear for our favorite characters’ lives and then—Something happens. We notice the author mentioning something we know is inaccurate. The...

By Grace CaylorHave you ever watched a really cheesy Hallmark movie? Or read a romance novel that was too predictable and had practically zero conflict?Certainly, as writers, we ought to write romances that are more natural and realistic, which of course means there...

Are you one of those people who skip fight scenes? Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson says some people skim or skip fights. Most of them are women. Now before you scream “Heresy!” and start burning down houses, take a minute and think about why some readers don’t...

By Kathleen and Erin RammHow do you write a first chapter that captivates your audience and fills them with excitement to continue reading? What sets apart the gripping first chapters and the first chapters that make you quickly shut the book and go open the...