KN Magazine: Articles
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.
FIVE KEYS TO CREATING BELIEVABLE VILLAINS
Believable villains aren’t built on pure evil—they’re shaped by humanity, vulnerability, justification, body language, and the people around them. In this craft article, Venita Bonds explores five essential keys that help writers create multidimensional antagonists who feel disturbingly real.
The Unreliable Narrator: How to Heighten Suspense and Keep Readers Guessing in Psychological Thrillers
Unreliable narrators are the secret weapon of psychological thrillers—pulling readers deep into a character’s mind while keeping them on edge. From fragmented memories to emotional delusion, discover how this narrative device builds suspense, sows doubt, and keeps the truth just out of reach.
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.
Whose Head Are You In?
Point of View is one of the trickiest but most vital elements of fiction. In this insightful guide, bestselling author Lois Winston demystifies POV with clarity, examples, and practical advice for writers of all genres.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: Effective Use of Weather to Create Tension and Introduce an Atmosphere of Menace
Weather can do more than set the scene—it can create tension, foreshadow violence, and immerse readers in menace. This post explores how psychological thrillers use weather and atmosphere to amplify suspense and deepen characterization.
The Difference Between Passive Voice and Passive Verbs
Too many writers confuse passive verbs with passive voice—and avoid “was” like the plague because of bad advice. USA Today bestselling author Lois Winston sets the record straight with clarity, nuance, and real-world writing examples.
Character as a Haunted House
What if your character was a haunted house? In this evocative metaphor, Aimee Hardy explores how to build emotional depth and complexity by layering secrets, fears, and façades into character development.
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.
Writing From a Male POV – As a Woman
Writing from a male point of view as a woman author can be challenging—but also illuminating. In this post, I share why I chose a male protagonist, how I approached research and authenticity, and what I learned about gender, psychology, and character development along the way.
But It Really Happened
Many fiction stories are rooted in unbelievable but true events. This post explores how real-life crimes inspire crime fiction and how writers transform fact into compelling fiction while walking the line between truth and creativity.
A Killer Voice That Makes an Impact
A killer’s voice is more than just sound—it's a chilling signature that lingers with victims and readers alike. Learn how to craft memorable, terrifying voices that give your villains lasting impact.
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.
Subplots Can Tighten Your Story’s Saggy Middle
Struggling to keep your story’s middle from dragging? Discover how subplots can add depth, drama, and momentum to your narrative—and keep readers turning pages all the way to the end.
Show Don’t Tell
“Show, don’t tell” is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolkit. Learn how to paint vivid scenes that draw readers in and avoid the pitfalls of flat, uninspired prose.
The Magnificent 7: Universal Story Plots and the Twelve Archetypes
Explore the seven universal story plots and twelve timeless archetypes that form the foundation of compelling storytelling, and learn how to apply them to your own writing.
Fact to Fiction: Turning Real Crime into Story
What happens when a real-life crime haunts a writer? Learn how journalist-turned-author Anne Davigo transformed decades-old criminal cases into the gripping thriller Bakersfield Boys Club—and the legal, emotional, and structural decisions behind the story.
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