KN Magazine: Articles
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.
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.
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.
Overcoming Blinking Cursor Syndrome
USA Today bestselling author Lois Winston explores the reality of writer’s block—aka Blinking Cursor Syndrome—and offers practical, experience-backed advice to overcome it. From news-inspired story prompts to the fine art of eavesdropping and setting boundaries, this article delivers insightful tips to reignite your creativity and get your writing flowing again.
What if?: A Most Important Question
Every author is asked where they get their ideas. This post explores how an idea transforms into a full story, starting with the crucial question: What if? It’s the foundation of every gripping narrative.
Writing Fiction, or Non-fiction, Research is Key
Research is essential for both fiction and non-fiction writing. In this post, I share how research shaped my historical fiction, including uncovering surprising facts about Thomas Edison, Josephine Baker, and the antisemitism of Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh. The value of thorough research extends to non-fiction too, as I reflect on the extensive research behind my true crime book American Ripper.
Partners in Crime (Writing)
Writing with a partner can be a rewarding experience, but it requires mutual respect, shared work ethic, and a sense of humor. Learn how collaboration in writing can take your projects to new heights, even with differing styles.
Ten Medical and Forensic Mistakes Writers Should Never Make
Writers often make medical and forensic mistakes that can undermine the credibility of their stories. From the "quick death" to the "instant athlete," this guide outlines common errors in crime writing and how to avoid them.
The Importance of Honest Feedback
Writing can be lonely, but getting honest feedback is essential to improving your craft. From critique groups to beta readers to professional editing, learn how each stage of input strengthens your manuscript and helps you grow as a writer.
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.
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.
From Claymore to Award-Winning Series
My new mystery novel, Broadcast Blues, is the sixth in a series about a TV journalist in New York City who solves murders. This post covers my journey to publishing this series, from the idea's inception to winning the 2016 Claymore Award.
Targeting Enemy Words
Targeting overused, vague, or passive words is essential to tightening your prose and engaging readers. Learn how to identify and replace common “enemy words” that weaken your writing.
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.
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.
Punctuation Is Power - Part 4: Finding your style: Free your mind and readers will follow
Finding your writing style is less about following rules and more about practicing until your voice emerges. Learn how punctuation, revision, and rhythm can help shape a voice readers will follow.
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.
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