As characters, children can provide humor, simplicity and tension to stories. This week, ITW Members Cat Connor, Michael Stanley, William Dietrich and Kat Martin will answer the question: “Can you describe the challenges of inserting children into stories?”
more »
George Bernard Shaw said that “all professions are conspiracies against the laity.” Next week, we ask ITW Members Robert Rotstein and J. H. Bográn “How do writers invite readers into the conspiracy?” You won’t want to miss it!
more »
This week we join ITW Members L.A. Starks and J. H. Bográn to answer the question: “What are your favorite examples of thrillers that question conventional wisdom or the status quo?” You won’t want to miss this!
more »
This week we dig into character and try to answer the question: “Which determines character behavior the most – cultural background, education or wealth?” Join ITW members David Morrell, Taylor Stevens, L. A. Starks, Cat Connor, Axel Avian, Paul D’Ambrosio, Deborah Coonts, Gary Williams and Wilf Nussey for this can’t-miss discussion!
more »
This week we answer the questions: “How does a writer go about avoiding stereotyped characters? Is it possible to go to the other extreme?” Join ITW Members Jean Harrington, Barry Lyga, Thomas M. Malafarina, Amy Lignor and Jonathan Maberry for this can’t-miss discussion.
more »
This week we join ITW Members Jonathan Maberry, Thomas M. Malafarina, Amy Lignor and Beverly Swerling to ask: “Reviewers or readers may pronounce events in books as “improbable,” surprising writers who know that the events were based on their own life experiences. Have any of your own experiences, later described in a book, been deemed improbable?”
more »
This week we discuss politics in thrillers with ITW Members Jonathan Maberry, Thomas M. Malafarina, T. Jefferson Parker, Amy Lignor and Barry Lyga. “Should writers avoid politics in novels? Can they?”
more »
This week we join ITW Members Jonathan Maberry, Thomas M. Malafarina, Nancy J. Cohen, Starr Gardinier and Helen Grant to ask: “In a world with fast turnarounds in technology of all types, how do authors equip their characters with the most modern devices? How do writers explain technology without boring readers?”
more »
This week we talk book revisions: “When revising a book, do you tackle all the problems at once or do you work in layers? Which elements of fiction – point of view, eliminating wordiness, character checks – might require a special read?” with Clea Simon, Susanna Calkins, Robert K. Lewis, Jonathan Maberry, Heather Graham, Thomas M. Malafarina, Katia Lief and Pamela Beason.
more »
It was a dark and stormy night…this week ITW Members Mick Sims, Shannon Baker, Erin Hart, Owen Fitzstephen and J.H. Bográn turn to great opening lines and try to decide which one is their favorite.
more »
This week, we talk dialogue. ITW Members Mick Sims, Neil Plakcy, Alan L. Moss, Erin Hart, Barbara Taylor Sissel, Owen Fitzstephen and J.H. Bográn ponder the question, “How do you add realism to your dialogue?”
more »
This week we revisit Psychology 101, writer-style: “How do you separate yourself from the characters you write? Or do you?” Join ITW Members Mick Sims, Nancy Bilyeau, Mark de Castrique, Shelia Goss, Wendy Soliman, Owen Fitzstephen and Erin Hart for another can’t-miss discussion!
more »
This week: “Protagonists? Antagonists? Which do you prefer to write, and why?” Join ITW Members Mick Sims, Shannon Baker, Phillip Donlay, Jess Faraday, Erin Hart and Anne Petty and they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both!
more »
This week ITW Members Jennifer Moss, Susan Froetschel, Ralph Pezzullo, Tosca Lee and J.C. Carleson discuss researching locations that are beyond their reach, say for distance or no longer in existence?
more »
In real estate they say there are only three important things when buying a house: location, location, location. “Is the location of a novel as relevant?” Join ITW Members Jeffrey J. Mariotte, Jennifer Moss, Heywood Gould, Julia Pomeroy, Linda O. Johnston, Ralph Pezzullo, Lori Armstrong and Robert S. Levinson to find out!
more »
