Ellen Buikema

Conflict in Fiction Writing, 7 Main Types

Conflict creates tension and stakes, making the story engaging and relatable. Ellen shares several possible conflict types to keep your readers entertained.

Jessica Piper (@piper_for_missouri) on Threads

What Does Your Swag Say?

We love picking up swag, but how does swag reflect your brand when you're an author? Amy M. Reade shares some helpful suggestions.

Don’t Just Sit There. Do Something with Dialogue Beats!

Used effectively, dialogue beats can be story-changers, not only in filling out a scene but also in developing character. Michelle Barker show you how.

Writing Without Following the Rules Too Closely

Sometimes taking a walk on the wild side, stepping outside the writing rules, can lead to great results. Here’s the why and how.

The Jo Lallo Short Story Method: Theme, Intro, Climax, Concept

Jo Lallo shares his method for writing short stories with Variations on Theme, Intro, Climax, and Concept. These ideas can really shake up the writing process.

Querying Is Not a Verdict on Your Book | Writers In The Storm

Querying can change how you see a book you once believed in. Learn how Jenn protects her confidence in her story through the query process.

Trump’s stock trade report: a corruption roadmap

This week, Trump filed a financial report required by the Office of...

What Ten Years Did to My Publishing Process

Lisa takes a moment to review what has changed in her publishing process over the last 10 years. Spoiler: a lot, and most of it is easier.

World Anvil: Make Readers Fall in Love With Your World

Don't build an encyclopedia, build a candy store. Jaime Buckley shares how he uses World Anvil to make readers fall in love with his fictional world.

The One Book Marketing Strategy I'd Use Again | Writers In The Storm

Kris Maze shares a book marketing strategy that fits both her budget and launch goals for book exposure: a Goodreads Giveaway.

Common Publishing Scams to Watch Out For | Writers In The Storm

Scams prey on our emotions. Rachel Warmath shares how to spot scammers before they can separate you from your hard earned funds.

Should we expect every child to excel in the same manner in academics?

Ellen L Buikema's answer: No. Everyone learns in their own way at their own time. Many factors are involved. Genetics, and motivation are two major considerations. Many of my younger students were...

Paid Newsletter: Smart Income Stream or Expensive Distraction?

A paid newsletter is having a moment and looks like easy recurring income. But is it? Penny Sansevierei shares the possibilities.

The Soul of a Story and the Places It Hides

Instead of arriving with instruction, a story behaves more like people--no instruction booklet. Sarah Sally Hamer shares her search for the story's soul.

How Repeating Character Emotion Weakens an Emotional Scene

Susan Watts shares several discoveries that completely changed the way she revises emotional scenes, making the scenes stronger.

Writing: A Room of Mischievous Interns | Writers In The Storm

Ever feel like you're in an out-of-control meeting when writing? What if you could corral all your thoughts in one creative direction? Try some of these ideas