KN Magazine: Articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Mystery of Creativity
How does a left-brained tech executive become a bestselling thriller author? Avanti Centrae reveals the surprising secrets behind her creative process and how you can spark your own inspiration.
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.
Five Writing Tips No One Has Ever Told You
These five unconventional writing tips challenge the traditional advice writers often hear—offering bold insights on where to begin, how to develop plot through character, sustain tension, find your way when lost, and revise with clarity.
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