KN Magazine: Articles
The Writer’s Playbook: When Your Journey Collapses
When disaster hit the Pontiac Silverdome, it set off a chain reaction that reshaped the future of the Detroit Pistons. In this powerful reflection, a former staffer draws striking parallels between that collapse and the author’s journey—reminding us that breakdowns often ignite the boldest breakthroughs.
The Art of Writing Fast (Part I)
Writing fast isn’t magic—it’s mindset. In this first part of her new series, Chrissy Hicks dismantles the myth of a secret formula and explores why fast writing can fuel creativity, increase productivity, and defeat the dreaded blank page.
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.
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.
The Writer’s Playbook: The Drummer Boy
From writing a Christmas musical that touched thousands to publishing suspense novels, this is the story of how one writer’s unexpected journey—from church skits to book deals—became a masterclass in creativity, calling, and perseverance.
The Difference Between Passive Voice and Passive Verbs
Too many writers confuse passive verbs with passive voice—and avoid “was” like the plague because of bad advice. USA Today bestselling author Lois Winston sets the record straight with clarity, nuance, and real-world writing examples.
Character as a Haunted House
What if your character was a haunted house? In this evocative metaphor, Aimee Hardy explores how to build emotional depth and complexity by layering secrets, fears, and façades into character development.
Editors- You DO Need Them
Editors aren’t optional—they’re essential. Whether you're self-publishing or submitting to a publisher, investing in the right kind of editing at the right time is crucial to your success as a writer. Here's what you need to know.
Why I Hate Self-Publishing
Self-publishing used to mean your book was too bad for anyone else to touch. But the world’s changed, and so have the rules. Here's a candid look at the past, present, and future of indie publishing—and why giving away your work might just be your smartest move yet.
The Writer’s Playbook: Michael Jordan, Me, and a Poster
Breaking into the writing world isn’t just about talent and hard work—it’s also about timing and luck. A backstage story from the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk contest offers surprising parallels to the writing life and what it really takes to break through.
Agents- You Don’t Need Them
The gatekeeping power of literary agents is fading. From query letter struggles to payment pitfalls, this piece explores why modern authors don’t necessarily need agents—and how to navigate the publishing world without them.
The Use of Mysteries in the Classroom
Mystery novels by Tony Hillerman and Craig Johnson offer more than just suspense—they provide rich opportunities for students to explore Native American culture, develop critical thinking, and better understand history and literature through engaging storytelling. Perfect for high school and college classrooms alike.
The Writer’s Playbook | A Ripe Kumquat
What do football fumbles and ripe kumquats have in common? Similes. This playful behind-the-scenes story from the Detroit Lions' radio booth morphs into a smart, engaging guide on writing vivid, effective similes in fiction—when to use them, how they work, and how not to kill your story with a clunky comparison.
A writer's hardest work begins when the presses stop!
So, you’ve written the book, recorded the audiobook—now what? This third installment in our podcasting series dives into the hard work that begins after production: building a sales funnel, reaching your audience, and turning your content into a full-spectrum publishing platform.
Zenith Man
After defending eccentric TV repairman Alvin Ridley against a shocking murder charge, McCracken Poston spent decades seeking closure—and the right words to tell the story. With a new understanding of autism, the help of a few key allies, and a pen from the past, Zenith Man finally came to life.
Horror with Character
In crafting the LIT horror series, the author dives deep into character-driven storytelling—building complex, imperfect individuals who blur the line between hero and victim. This is horror not just designed to terrify, but to reflect the humanity behind the fear.
Productivity
Writing one book is hard. Writing many is obsession. But if you want to succeed as an author, productivity isn’t just about typing faster—it’s about building systems, cultivating habits, and embracing the creative grind. Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this piece explores practical, personal, and inspiring ways to keep the words flowing and the books stacking up.
The Scene Of The Crime
Setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing element that shapes your story. Whether you're crafting a cozy small town or a treacherous wilderness, location can deepen mood, drive plot, and become a character all its own. Explore how the right setting can transform your mystery into something unforgettable.
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.
Timing is Your Time’s Best Friend: Calendar Management for the Soon-To-Be-Published Author
The months before and after a book launch are a whirlwind for any author. Whether you’re traditionally published or going indie, the key to success is proactive calendar management. In this guide, authors Kim Conrey and Roger Johns break down the production and promotion timelines every soon-to-be-published writer should know to stay ahead of the game—and stay sane.
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