KN Magazine: Articles
Setting Goals
Goal-setting is a crucial part of a writer’s journey—one that ensures progress, focus, and alignment with purpose. This article shares key strategies for writers to set goals that reflect their values, keep them accountable, and help them thrive both creatively and professionally.
Motifs for Murder
Motifs are a powerful tool in mystery writing, helping to develop themes, characters, and mood. This article explores the importance of motifs, such as crows, mirrors, and other repeated symbols, and how they contribute to the overall impact of a story.
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.
Punctuation is Power - Part 5: Are you in business or in hobby?
In this article, the difference between approaching writing as a hobby versus a business is explored, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, editing, and the realities of the book industry in today’s market.
Performance/Production
Learn how to create your audiobook with minimal equipment and technical knowledge. This guide covers essential tips on recording, editing, and enhancing your audiobook production.
From Claymore to Award-Winning Series
My new mystery novel, Broadcast Blues, is the sixth in a series about a TV journalist in New York City who solves murders. This post covers my journey to publishing this series, from the idea's inception to winning the 2016 Claymore Award.
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.
Writing From a Male POV – As a Woman
Writing from a male point of view as a woman author can be challenging—but also illuminating. In this post, I share why I chose a male protagonist, how I approached research and authenticity, and what I learned about gender, psychology, and character development along the way.
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.
Targeting Enemy Words
Targeting overused, vague, or passive words is essential to tightening your prose and engaging readers. Learn how to identify and replace common “enemy words” that weaken your writing.
A Killer Voice That Makes an Impact
A killer’s voice is more than just sound—it's a chilling signature that lingers with victims and readers alike. Learn how to craft memorable, terrifying voices that give your villains lasting impact.
Twists and Reveals: The Art of Keeping Your Readers Guessing
Twists and reveals are powerful storytelling tools that elevate thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction. Learn the difference between the two, how to craft them effectively, and how to keep your readers guessing to the very last page.
Twelve Steps to Writing the Cozy/Amateur Sleuth Mystery Series
Award-winning author Lois Winston outlines twelve essential steps to writing a successful cozy or amateur sleuth mystery series, sharing insider tips from her own bestselling experience.
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.
Staying Motivated in a Writing Career
Writing success rarely happens overnight—it’s a long game. Discover practical strategies and mindset shifts to stay motivated through the ups and downs of your writing journey.
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.
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.
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