KN Magazine: Articles
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 Ethical and Moral Dilemmas in Crime Fiction
In crime fiction, the most gripping moments often arise not from action, but from impossible choices. This craft article explores how ethical and moral dilemmas deepen character, heighten suspense, and transform crime stories by forcing protagonists to navigate the gray spaces between right and wrong, justice and survival.
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.
This Crazy Writing Life Performs Killer Nashville Post Mortems
In This Crazy Writing Life, Steven Womack reflects on the energy, community, and evolution of the Killer Nashville conference. With humor and honesty, he shares insights into the changing landscape of mystery and crime writing, the importance of connection in a writer’s life, and why building relationships—not just networks—remains at the heart of every successful writing journey.
My Ten-Year Journey from Clueless to Getting a Clue
Bestselling author Lois Winston shares her honest, funny, and hard-won insights from a decade-long journey through the publishing world. From scams and setbacks to breakthroughs and bestseller lists, Winston reveals what it really takes to go from clueless beginner to seasoned professional—and how every writer can learn from the clues along the way.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Legal Justification for a Traffic Stop
Former police officer and author David Lane Williams explains how traffic stops really work, what makes them constitutionally sound, and why understanding “probable cause” is essential for writers crafting authentic crime, mystery, or thriller scenes.
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.
Police and Bribes
Corruption is a painful reality in policing—and fertile ground for thriller and mystery writers. In Police and Bribes, former officer D.L. Williams explores the psychology, pressures, and rationalizations that turn good cops bad, offering essential insight for writers crafting authentic, morally complex characters.
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.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Six Terms Writers Tend to Get Wrong About Police Work
Want your crime fiction to sound authentic? In this sharp and informative guide, D.L. Williams breaks down six of the most commonly confused criminal justice terms—like jail vs. prison and parole vs. probation—to help writers get the lingo right and elevate their storytelling.
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.
The Myth of the Untraceable Poison
Is there such a thing as an untraceable poison? DP Lyle unpacks the medical myths and forensic realities behind poison detection in dead bodies. From screening tests to cunning killers, learn how the science of toxicology shapes great crime fiction.
How to be Funny in a Murder Mystery
Can a murder mystery be funny and suspenseful? This post explores how writers can balance humor and horror, offering five strategies for injecting comedy into crime fiction—without undermining tension.
Crafting Killer Back Cover Copy
Back cover copy can make or break a book's chance of being bought. Learn how to craft compelling back cover copy that hooks readers and drives sales with these simple steps, using GMC—goal, motivation, and conflict.
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 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.
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.
You Want Me to Spend Time with You?
For a character to keep readers invested, flaws are fine as long as they're presented effectively. This article explores how character development, contrasts, and redeeming qualities can make even the most unlikable characters worth following to the end.
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