KN Magazine: Articles
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Needs to Know About Real Police Work: Police Batons
In this installment of Drop the Pen!, David Lane Williams explores the history, use, and realities of police batons, offering writers an insider’s perspective on how and when these “less lethal” tools are actually deployed. Blending firsthand experience with practical guidance, the article helps writers portray law enforcement with greater accuracy and nuance.
ACCOUNTABILITY BEGINS WITH INTENTION
In “Accountability Begins with Intention,” Clay Stafford reframes accountability as something that starts long before action. Rather than focusing on deadlines or performance, he emphasizes the importance of setting clear, purposeful intentions that guide consistent behavior—arguing that true accountability is rooted in clarity, commitment, and personal ownership.
Making History Relevant to Story without Slowing the Pace
In this craft article, Tori Eldridge explores how writers can seamlessly integrate historical and cultural detail into fiction without slowing the pace. Through practical techniques like embedding history in character genealogy and revealing information at impactful moments, she demonstrates how to enrich storytelling while maintaining momentum and reader engagement.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – The Manual of Becoming a Tree
In this contemplative installment of Between Pen and Paper, Andi Kopek explores what writers can learn from trees—stillness, patience, interconnectedness, and quiet growth. “The Manual of Becoming a Tree” blends philosophy, nature, and craft to reframe writing not as constant output, but as a process of deep attention, rooted presence, and gradual transformation.
THE HABIT OF FORWARD
In “The Habit of Forward,” Clay Stafford explores the quiet discipline of continuing to move ahead—especially when motivation fades or clarity is uncertain. Through reflection and experience, he reveals how progress is less about inspiration and more about consistency, showing that forward motion, no matter how small, is what ultimately shapes both the work and the writer.
Literary Alchemy: Ingredients of the Story – Conflict
In this installment of Literary Alchemy: Ingredients of the Story, Chrissy Hicks explores conflict as the driving force behind compelling fiction. From internal struggles to external battles, she breaks down how conflict shapes character, builds tension, and mirrors real life—offering practical techniques and examples to help writers craft stories that keep readers fully engaged.
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