Scott McCormick

Writing is not the best occupation for your physical health. For most of us, writing involves a lot of sitting, which is why a good walk may be the best writing exercise there is.

“How do I promote my book?” It’s a great question, especially when many classic options (book readings/signings/release parties/school assemblies) are not possible. This is where Facebook ads come in handy.

A great villain can engage an audience, energize a book, and provide a satisfying source of conflict — but the devil is definitely in the details.

If you’re feeling like your writing isn’t very good, you might be stuck in the Valley of Despair — smack in the middle of the Dunning-Kruger effect.

One way to create a memorable story is to take a minute to let your characters breathe. Build a scene where you exit the narrative structure and allow your readers to bond with the characters.

Formulaic stories are never what you're setting out to create, but understanding narrative structure and the three-act construct are foundational to telling a satisfying story.

Your story needs a good straight man (or woman) to bring your comedic, heroic, or otherwise unconventional characters into sharper focus.