KN Magazine: Articles
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.
Literary Alchemy: Ingredients of the Story – Misdirection
In “Literary Alchemy: Ingredients of the Story,” Chrissy Hicks explores the art of misdirection and how it fuels suspense, deepens character, and delivers unforgettable plot twists. Through examples from classic and contemporary fiction, she breaks down techniques like red herrings, unreliable narrators, and omission, showing writers how to guide readers toward false assumptions before revealing the truth in surprising yet satisfying ways.
Literary Alchemy: The Ticking Clock
A ticking clock can turn an ordinary scene into a pulse-pounding race against time. In this installment of Literary Alchemy, Chrissy Hicks explores how deadlines—whether explosive, subtle, or psychological—heighten tension, sharpen character development, and eliminate the dreaded muddy middle. From 24 to The Woman in Cabin 10 and The Da Vinci Code, this craft article shows writers how urgency transforms plot momentum and emotional stakes.
Literary Alchemy: Ingredients of the Story – Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s craft, planting subtle clues that build suspense, deepen theme, and create satisfying payoffs. In this installment of Literary Alchemy, Chrissy Hicks breaks down how to use foreshadowing effectively—through dialogue, setting, symbolism, and character action—so readers stay engaged and every twist feels earned.
Gotta Go Through It
Reflecting on the obstacles writers face, Chrissy explores how perseverance in the writing journey mirrors the message of “Going on a Bear Hunt”—you can’t go over it, can’t go under it, you’ve got to go through it.
Prepping for Killer Nashville: Top Tips for Attendees
Prepare for Killer Nashville with these top tips for attendees, from setting goals and creating your schedule to making lasting connections with industry professionals. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned author, these tips will help you maximize your experience.
The Art of Writing Fast (Part III)
In the final part of my three-part series on the Art of Writing Fast, I dive into the crucial aspects of when and where to fast write. Learn how to manage your time, create a productive writing environment, and develop the mindset necessary to write quickly and effectively.
The Art of Writing Fast (Part II)
In Part II of The Art of Writing Fast series, we move from the “why” to the “how.” Discover how planning, tracking, scheduling, and self-care can help you fast-draft your novel without burning out—or losing your mind.
The Art of Writing Fast (Part I)
Writing fast isn’t magic—it’s mindset. In this first part of her new series, Chrissy Hicks dismantles the myth of a secret formula and explores why fast writing can fuel creativity, increase productivity, and defeat the dreaded blank page.
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