KN Magazine: Articles

Clay Stafford Shane McKnight Clay Stafford Shane McKnight

ON TIME

In this reflective essay, Clay Stafford shares a painful early career lesson about deadlines and reliability. After missing an important screenplay deadline tied to an opportunity with Mary Tyler Moore’s production team, he discovered that even great work can be overshadowed by missed commitments. The experience reshaped how he viewed professionalism, discipline, and what it truly means to deliver creative work.

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Lois Winston Shane McKnight Lois Winston Shane McKnight

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.

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Clay Stafford Shane McKnight Clay Stafford Shane McKnight

THE CHAIR IS STILL THERE

On mornings when creativity feels hollow and momentum seems absent, Clay Stafford learned a crucial lesson: the work of a life isn’t built on inspiration or certainty. In “The Chair Is Still There,” he reflects on how discipline, presence, and the simple act of returning to his chair—cup of coffee in hand—reframe his creative life, strengthen his relationship to his art, and allow meaning to emerge without fanfare.

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Dale T. Phillips Shane McKnight Dale T. Phillips Shane McKnight

Making Your Plan

Success doesn’t just happen—it’s built on a solid plan. From setting realistic goals to structuring timelines, this guide breaks down how to chart a writing career with intention, efficiency, and long-term momentum. Whether you're building your first series or aiming for one hundred stories, it all starts here.

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