storytelling

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July 31, 2018

6 Essential Writing Fundamentals Every Author Should Master

Strong stories are rarely the result of a single breakthrough technique. More often, they emerge from consistently applying a handful of fundamental writing principles. Whether you're writing novels, picture books, short stories, or articles, the same core elements tend to separate engaging writing from forgettable writing. Strong openings capture attention. Meaningful characters create emotional investment. Well-structured plots maintain momentum. Careful revision strengthens everything else. Mastering these fundamentals won't guarantee success, but neglecting them almost always leads to weaker stories. The six writing fundamentals below can help you create more compelling work and become a stronger writer over time.

June 27, 2018

How to Create Memorable Main Characters for Your Story

Memorable stories are built on memorable characters. Readers may forget a setting, a subplot, or even parts of the plot itself, but they rarely forget characters who feel real. Whether you're writing a picture book, novel, short story, or screenplay, strong characters help readers become emotionally invested in the story. The good news is that memorable characters aren't created by accident. Authors use specific techniques to develop personalities, motivations, flaws, and growth that make characters feel believable. If you're struggling to create characters readers care about, these four strategies can help.

June 26, 2018

How to Write Picture Books Without Being Preachy

Stories are one of the most powerful teaching tools ever created. They help children explore ideas, understand consequences, and learn valuable lessons without feeling like they're sitting through a lecture. Unfortunately, many writers make the same mistake: they prioritize the lesson over the story. When that happens, readers feel preached to instead of entertained. The best picture books don't force lessons onto children. They invite children to discover those lessons for themselves. If you want your story to educate without becoming preachy, these five strategies can help.

June 15, 2018

How to Create Tension in Writing: Simple Techniques That Keep Readers Turning Pages

Most people try to avoid tension in real life. We dislike uncertainty, conflict, fear, and difficult decisions. In fiction, however, tension is one of the most important tools a writer can use. Whether you're writing novels, short stories, picture books, or memoirs, tension creates curiosity. It gives readers a reason to keep turning pages because they want to know what happens next. Understanding how tension works can dramatically improve your writing.

December 2, 2017

How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans Review: A Funny Children’s Book About Vegetables

Let me just start off by saying it this way. My son doesn't typically ask to keep library books. But the other night, after reading How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans by writer David Larochelle and artist Mark Fearing, two times mind you, he quite legitimately asked if we could keep it.

Now, I don't care who you are, it begs a question. What is there to this children's book that would cause him to say such an unexpected thing? My wife and I have read thousands of books to him and, while he may not want to return a book to the library right away, he rarely asks to keep them.

November 4, 2017

Lessons on Writing, Discipline, and Publishing from Science Fiction Author Thane Keller

My brother, Thane Keller, is a science fiction author, U.S. Army veteran, husband, and father. His experiences serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have influenced both his worldview and the stories he writes. In this interview, we discuss self-publishing, writing discipline, military influence on storytelling, building fictional worlds, and what aspiring authors can learn from the long process of finishing books. Although this conversation took place in 2017, many of the lessons about persistence, creativity, and craftsmanship remain just as relevant today.

August 31, 2017

Why The Terrible PLOP Is Such an Effective Children’s Book

The Terrible PLOP by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner, is one of those children's books that proves first impressions can be misleading. At first glance, I wasn't sure what to expect. The title felt odd, the cover didn't immediately grab my attention, and I assumed the story would be fairly forgettable. I was wrong. Beneath the unusual title is a clever picture book that combines humor, suspense, rhyme, and an important lesson about fear and group behavior.

August 28, 2017

Why Sam and Dave Dig a Hole Is Such a Brilliant Children’s Book

Some children’s books entertain for a few minutes and are quickly forgotten. Others stay with both children and adults long after the final page. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, is one of those rare picture books. Beneath its simple premise is a surprisingly clever lesson in suspense, storytelling, illustration, curiosity, and perseverance.