Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools a writer has to bring a story to life. It reveals character, builds tension, and can move your plot forward in subtle or dramatic ways. But writing dialogue that feels authentic while also serving your story isn’t always easy.

If you’ve ever struggled with flat conversations, dialogue that feels like filler, or characters that all sound the same, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at how to write dialogue that captivates your readers and drives your story forward.

Writing a compelling story takes more than just a string of action-oriented scenes. It requires a clear and engaging plot that keeps readers invested from beginning to end. But what happens when your plot hits a snag? Maybe your story feels flat, your characters lack motivation, or the pacing drags.

Don’t worry—you are not the first writer to encounter plot problems.

Mystery and thriller novels have captivated readers for centuries. Agatha Christie being one of the most iconic writers in the thriller genre—and a personal favorite of mine.

No matter if it is a heart-pounding suspense of a thriller or the mind-bending puzzle of a mystery, these stories keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Few tropes capture the hearts (and frustrations!) of readers like a well-written love triangle. When done right, they pull readers into an emotional tug-of-war, balancing longing, loyalty, and betrayal. But crafting a compelling love triangle isn’t as simple as creating two love interests and letting your protagonist waver. It’s an art. Here’s how to do it effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.

Point of view (POV) is one of the most important decisions you'll make when writing your novel. It sets the tone, shapes your reader's experience, and determines how much they connect with your characters. But finding the perfect POV isn’t always straightforward. Here is an overview to help you choose the best POV for your story and keep your readers fully immersed from start to finish.

Romance is one of the most beloved and enduring genres in literature, captivating readers with tales of love, connection, and happily-ever-afters. However, as with any genre, romance has its share of familiar tropes. While these tropes resonate with readers for good reason, writers often face the challenge of making them feel fresh and new. Let’s dive into some of the most popular romance tropes and explore ways to refresh them, keeping your love story both engaging and unique.

Romance is one of the most beloved genres in fiction, but it’s also one of the trickiest to get right. If you’ve spent any time on #BookTok or visiting any number of the dedicated romance stories taking root in many cities, readers want to be swept off their feet. As in life, not every moment will sweep us off our feet and readers crave authenticity—relationships that mirror the complexity of real life. So how do you craft a love story that feels fresh and genuine without falling into the trap of clichés? Here’s how to write romance that lingers in your readers’ hearts.

The young adult (YA) genre has captivated readers of all ages with its compelling characters, relatable themes, and vibrant storytelling. You're in the right place if you've ever dreamed of writing a YA novel that resonates with readers. What makes this genre so relatable is the central storylines that take place during adolescence, which most of us experience from themes of self-discovery, coming of age, identity, and the transition into adulthood. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a captivating and authentic young adult novel.

Characters are the heart of any story. As readers, we either love them or love to hate them. As writers, investing in our character’s development or arc is critical to keeping readers engaged. After all, readers find the character’s journey and internal and external changes mostly relatable—even if it’s unconscious. A character’s journey is what drives an emotional investment in a story. That’s why a well-developed character arc can make the difference between a forgettable book and one that stays with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

The number piece of feedback I provide to my editing clients is, “show more, tell less.” The good news? This is a writing skill that can be developed and send you on your way toward becoming a published author.

Since this topic has been helpful, this is the second blog post on the topic. You can find the first blog post here.

Do you know that feeling when you're reading a book and the characters start talking, and it just feels so real, like you're eavesdropping on a conversation? That's the magic of great dialogue.

Great dialogue feels natural and conveys or reveals information that keeps the story moving forward. This makes dialogue multifaceted and layered.

If you dream of crafting a literary masterpiece like Lessons in Chemistry or The Hunger Games, you know that a captivating and original story idea is the key. But what if you’re having a hard time coming up with an idea for your book? Here are five creative techniques to unearth those elusive story concepts.

Have you ever read a book and struggled to visualize the setting? More times than not, you’re experiencing what it feels like to read something that is TELLING you what is happening and not SHOWING you. 

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell,” but wonder what the AF that actually means…

You’re in the right place.  

Are you a first-time novelist looking to craft a compelling plot for your story? When ideas are swirling around, it can feel challenging to capture all of them and understand which ones will be most impactful for writing a compelling novel. Here are 5 essential plot structure tips.

Women's fiction is a diverse and vibrant genre that explores the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of a central character on a journey toward a deeper relationship with themselves and with the world around them. It delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and self-discovery. As an author, writing women's fiction requires a nuanced approach to create authentic and relatable stories that resonate with readers.

Women’s fiction can be defined as a novel with a female main character who is navigating her role in society as she is faced with significant life change requiring her to transform through emotional reflection and personal growth, which outwardly changes her relationships and surroundings, leading to a hopeful ending.