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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Never Make Your Critique Partner Cry!
Giving feedback is an art, especially in critique partnerships. Learn how to offer constructive criticism that encourages, not discourages, while keeping your critique partner’s feelings in mind. It’s all about balance, communication, and a shared commitment to growth.
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.
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.
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.
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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