KN Magazine: Articles
This Crazy Writing Life: Binge Writing In This Crazy Writing Life
In This Crazy Writing Life, Steven Womack reflects on binge writing, distractions, and the challenges of balancing creativity with the chaos of everyday life. From clickbait breakthroughs to Whac-A-Mole metaphors, he explores the unpredictable rhythms of a writer’s world.
Creating Your Personal and Business Road Map to Success as an Author! – Wrapping Up the Lessons Learned
In the final installment of her craft series, Pamela Ebel ties together the essential strategies for building a successful writing career—reminding us that writing is both an art and a business. From identifying your readership to managing contracts and sustaining long-term goals, this article provides a practical framework for mapping your personal and professional author journey.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – The Pursuit of Happiness with Lemons, Ink, and Fireworks
Andi Kopek reflects on what it means to be a writer in a world of fireworks, freedom, and quiet censorship. Blending personal history with cultural critique, this lyrical essay explores the tension between independence and auto-censorship—and how writers can reclaim their voices through metaphor, subtlety, and truth disguised in lemon juice.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and How to Avoid Them
Writers, beware: repetitive strain injuries can sneak up and derail your creative flow. In this practical and empowering guide, Mary Lynn Cloghesy and Jason Schembri explain what RSIs are, how to spot the warning signs, and the ergonomic, physical, and mindful practices that can keep you writing—and living—pain free.
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.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Why Cops Yell Sometimes—The OODA Loop Phenomenon
In this informative and eye-opening article, David Williams—veteran officer and SWAT medic—explains the psychology behind why police officers raise their voices in high-stakes situations. Through real-life stories and expert insight, he introduces the OODA Loop and explores how understanding this decision-making model can improve both writing and real-world de-escalation.
This Crazy Writing Life: Some Random Reflections On The Reality of This Crazy Writing Life
In this candid and insightful column, Steven Womack dives deep into the overwhelming realities of the publishing world—from sobering statistics to the evolution of indie publishing. With wit and honesty, he unpacks the frustrations, surprises, and small victories that come with living this crazy writing life.
Creating Your Personal and Business Road Map to Success as an Author: Creating Situational Awareness of Time and Events Impacting Our Journey
Writing full-time isn’t just a career shift—it’s a life overhaul. In this article, Pamela Ebel breaks down how to reassess your goals using situational awareness. Through perception, comprehension, and projection, learn how to stay aligned with your purpose even as time, life, and industry trends (like AI) reshape the landscape.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – The Many Flavors of “No”
Rejection isn’t the exception in a writer’s life—it’s the main course. In this wry, heartfelt essay, Andi Kopek serves up strategies for transforming rejection into nourishment for the creative soul, reminding writers they’re still cooking—even when they’re not the flavor of the day.
The Unreliable Narrator: How to Heighten Suspense and Keep Readers Guessing in Psychological Thrillers
Unreliable narrators are the secret weapon of psychological thrillers—pulling readers deep into a character’s mind while keeping them on edge. From fragmented memories to emotional delusion, discover how this narrative device builds suspense, sows doubt, and keeps the truth just out of reach.
Police and Bribes
Corruption is a painful reality in policing—and fertile ground for thriller and mystery writers. In Police and Bribes, former officer D.L. Williams explores the psychology, pressures, and rationalizations that turn good cops bad, offering essential insight for writers crafting authentic, morally complex characters.
This Crazy Writing Life’s Conversation with Emma Boyer of Written Word Media
In this insightful conversation with Emma Boyer, Vice-President of Digital Operations & Author Relations at Written Word Media, Steven Womack explores how indie authors can successfully navigate book marketing. From giving books away for exposure to leveraging targeted digital platforms, Emma shares practical advice on overcoming the challenges of indie publishing and building momentum with readers.
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.
Creating Your Personal and Business Road Map to Success as an Author: Creating Your First Readership Following!
Writing isn’t just an art—it’s a business. Pamela Ebel guides new authors through the process of building a sustainable writing career by creating a personalized road map that includes goal setting, stakeholder engagement, and early audience cultivation.
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.
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.
Submit Your Writing to KN Magazine
Want to have your writing included in Killer Nashville Magazine?
Fill out our submission form and upload your writing here: