KN Magazine: Articles
There’s No One Right (or Write) Way
In “There’s No One Right (or Write) Way,” bestselling author Lois Winston reflects on the overwhelming flood of writing advice that authors encounter online and in the publishing industry. From contradictory craft rules to questionable experts, Winston reminds writers that every author develops their own process over time. Through humor, personal experience, and practical insight, she encourages writers to think critically about advice, trust their instincts, and remember that there is no universal formula for success.
This Crazy Writing Life: When Publishing Throws You A Curve Ball—Again—And The Scammers Circle Above
Publishing is a people business—until it isn’t. In this installment of This Crazy Writing Life, Steven Womack shares the rollercoaster saga of his novel Pearson Place, from near-acquisition heartbreak to unexpected second chances. But just as hope resurfaces, scammers swoop in with AI-generated flattery and too-good-to-be-true offers. This candid, sharp-edged craft essay offers hard-won wisdom about perseverance, publishing politics, and protecting yourself in a predatory literary landscape.
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.
When a Rejection Isn’t Really a Rejection
In this encouraging and insightful craft article, bestselling author Lois Winston shares hard-earned wisdom on navigating the emotional rollercoaster of publishing. Through personal experience and practical advice, she shows how some rejections aren’t rejections at all—but opportunities in disguise.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – An Urban Legend of Writer’s Block
Join Andi Kopek for a flâneur’s tour through the mythic landscape of Writer’s Block—from the Clock Tower of Deadlines to the Charred Alley of Burnout. This imaginative column maps out creative paralysis with insight, humor, and actionable advice.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work
A retired detective turned writer reveals the most common mistakes authors make when writing cops—and how to avoid them. From evidence mishandling to Hollywood tropes, here’s how to get it right and honor the real work behind the badge.
This Crazy Writing Life: Okay, Let’s Talk About The 800-Pound Gorilla: Marketing
A bold statement: I'd rather write five novels than market one. Here's a dive into the necessary evil of book marketing for indie authors and the principles to guide your marketing journey.
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.
Gotta Go Through It
Reflecting on the obstacles writers face, Chrissy explores how perseverance in the writing journey mirrors the message of “Going on a Bear Hunt”—you can’t go over it, can’t go under it, you’ve got to go through it.
Why Book Signings Aren’t What They Used To Be
Book signings used to be the crown jewel of an author’s life—but times have changed. Join me in the Wayback Machine for a nostalgic trip to the heyday of bookstore events, and a reflection on why today’s signings often don’t measure up.
When “The End” is Just the Beginning
After navigating the highs and lows of traditional publishing—including two orphaned series—Judy Penz Sheluk took control of her writing career by launching her own imprint. In this personal and empowering post, she shares the lessons learned and how the end of one chapter became the beginning of a bold new journey into indie publishing.
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.
10 Tips for Submitting to an Anthology
Learn how to improve your chances of getting published in a short story anthology with 10 insider tips from an experienced author, editor, and publisher.
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