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.
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.
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.
Freedom Fighters: Harness the Power of Motivation and Discipline to Beat Procrastination
All writers face the inner enemy of procrastination. In this insightful and empowering guide, Mary Lynn Cloghesy and Jason Schembri explore how motivation and discipline can work together to help writers conquer resistance, build better habits, and stay on track toward their goals.
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.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: You Have the Right to Learn About the Miranda Warning
Writers, stop winging police dialogue. If your cop character is cuffing suspects, they’d better know when (and how) to use the Miranda Warning. Here’s what every writer needs to get right about real-world police procedure—and why it matters.
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.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: Effective Use of Weather to Create Tension and Introduce an Atmosphere of Menace
Weather can do more than set the scene—it can create tension, foreshadow violence, and immerse readers in menace. This post explores how psychological thrillers use weather and atmosphere to amplify suspense and deepen characterization.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – Maintaining Resolutions
In this February edition of "Between Pen and Paper," we flaneur through the messy corners of broken New Year’s resolutions—both ours and our characters’. Learn how SMARTI goals can transform your writing habits (and even your serial killer's ambitions) from vague intentions into sustainable habits. Fun included.
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.
Upper Cross Syndrome: What is it? Why should you care?
Writers spend countless hours at their desks, but how is that affecting your body? This post introduces Upper Cross Syndrome—a common muscular imbalance among writers—and offers practical advice for preventing pain, boosting focus, and sustaining long-term health.
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.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – Finding Inspiration
Inspiration is a mysterious force that drives writers. In this column, we explore how to find inspiration in everyday life, personal experiences, and nature, and how these moments fuel our creativity and storytelling.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a rapidly growing format and can significantly expand your audience and sales. This post explores why authors should consider audiobooks, how to produce them, and how to effectively distribute them through platforms like ACX.
Writing Fiction, or Non-fiction, Research is Key
Research is essential for both fiction and non-fiction writing. In this post, I share how research shaped my historical fiction, including uncovering surprising facts about Thomas Edison, Josephine Baker, and the antisemitism of Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh. The value of thorough research extends to non-fiction too, as I reflect on the extensive research behind my true crime book American Ripper.
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.
Partners in Crime (Writing)
Writing with a partner can be a rewarding experience, but it requires mutual respect, shared work ethic, and a sense of humor. Learn how collaboration in writing can take your projects to new heights, even with differing styles.
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