KN Magazine: Articles
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.
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.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – Column 14: The Missing Hour: The Curious Elasticity of Time
In this installment of Between Pen and Paper, Andi Kopek explores the strange, elastic nature of time—from the lost hour of daylight saving to the way memory, storytelling, and even planetary movement reshape how we experience it. Blending science, literature, and personal reflection, “The Missing Hour” invites writers to consider how time bends not only in the universe, but on the page.
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.
There’s No One Right (or Write) Way
In “There’s No One Right (or Write) Way,” bestselling author Lois Winston reflects on the overwhelming flood of writing advice that authors encounter online and in the publishing industry. From contradictory craft rules to questionable experts, Winston reminds writers that every author develops their own process over time. Through humor, personal experience, and practical insight, she encourages writers to think critically about advice, trust their instincts, and remember that there is no universal formula for success.
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.
Writing Historical Fiction
Historical fiction demands more than dates and dusty facts—it requires knowing how to transform real events into compelling narrative. In this practical craft article, James L. Hill explores three major approaches to historical fiction, from time-period-based storytelling to alternative history, and explains how much research each truly requires. Whether anchoring your story in the Battle of Trenton or rewriting the fate of the American Revolution, Hill shows how to balance accuracy, imagination, and storytelling power.
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.
Japanese Literary Terms
Neil Plakcy introduces fifteen essential Japanese literary terms—like aware, jo-ha-kyū, mono no aware, and wabi-sabi—and shows how they can deepen emotional resonance in your writing. A guide to using cultural concepts to enrich storytelling, create atmosphere, and enhance character expression.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – The Pursuit of Happiness with Lemons, Ink, and Fireworks
Andi Kopek reflects on what it means to be a writer in a world of fireworks, freedom, and quiet censorship. Blending personal history with cultural critique, this lyrical essay explores the tension between independence and auto-censorship—and how writers can reclaim their voices through metaphor, subtlety, and truth disguised in lemon juice.
Crafting Killer Back Cover Copy
Want readers to grab your book off the shelf—or click “Buy Now”? It all starts with the back cover copy. Learn how to craft compelling blurbs that hook readers using GMC (goal, motivation, conflict) and genre-appropriate voice to boost sales and reader engagement.
The Writer’s Playbook: Interview Your Characters
Struggling with writer's block? Try the "Kohl method" of interviewing your characters with unexpected questions to discover new aspects of their personality and move your story forward.
When the Words Won’t Come
Lois Winston reflects on the moments when words fail, from awkward public speaking situations to the unpredictable nature of writing humor, and the importance of preparation in overcoming Brain Block.
The Myth of the Five Senses
Should writers really cram all five senses into every page? In this sharp rebuttal to bad writing advice, bestselling author Lois Winston breaks down why less is often more when it comes to sensory detail. Learn how to use the senses effectively—and avoid killing your story’s pacing.
The Art of Paragraphing
In this article, Melissa Koslin explores the importance of paragraphing in writing, demonstrating how it influences pace, tone, and the reader’s subconscious experience. With examples from her own writing, she offers practical tips on how to use paragraphing to enhance narrative flow and intensity.
Why Book Signings Aren’t What They Used To Be
Book signings used to be the crown jewel of an author’s life—but times have changed. Join me in the Wayback Machine for a nostalgic trip to the heyday of bookstore events, and a reflection on why today’s signings often don’t measure up.
The Scene Of The Crime
Setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing element that shapes your story. Whether you're crafting a cozy small town or a treacherous wilderness, location can deepen mood, drive plot, and become a character all its own. Explore how the right setting can transform your mystery into something unforgettable.
Motifs for Murder
Motifs are a powerful tool in mystery writing, helping to develop themes, characters, and mood. This article explores the importance of motifs, such as crows, mirrors, and other repeated symbols, and how they contribute to the overall impact of a story.
The Importance of Strong Pacing and Dynamic Structure in Science Fiction
World-building is essential in sci-fi, but without strong pacing and a dynamic structure, even the richest universe can fall flat. Learn how to keep your readers turning pages by balancing description with momentum—and discover the simple pacing rule that can transform your storytelling.
Taking Inspiration Without Plagiarism
Writers naturally draw inspiration from the books they read, the news they follow, and the stories they hear—but how do you ensure that inspiration doesn’t cross the line into plagiarism? This article explores how to stay original while still learning from and honoring your influences.
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