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.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Why Cops Yell Sometimes—The OODA Loop Phenomenon
In this informative and eye-opening article, David Williams—veteran officer and SWAT medic—explains the psychology behind why police officers raise their voices in high-stakes situations. Through real-life stories and expert insight, he introduces the OODA Loop and explores how understanding this decision-making model can improve both writing and real-world de-escalation.
What is A Thriller?
In this post, we explore the defining characteristics of a thriller, particularly psychological thrillers. From creating suspense and high stakes to delving into mind games and unreliable narrators, this genre keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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.
When Secondary Characters Demand the Spotlight
Secondary characters can take center stage unexpectedly, bringing new layers and depth to a story. This post explores how to develop secondary characters into primary ones and the benefits of giving them the spotlight.
Twists and Reveals: The Art of Keeping Your Readers Guessing
Twists and reveals are powerful storytelling tools that elevate thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction. Learn the difference between the two, how to craft them effectively, and how to keep your readers guessing to the very last page.
Adding Tension, Suspense, & Intrigue to Your Story
Master the art of creating suspense, tension, and intrigue in your fiction with these tips. Learn how to engage readers by building complex characters, withholding information, and using suspenseful techniques that keep them turning the pages.
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