Writers in the Storm

by Lisa Miller

One definition of a landmark: Prominent features used for orientation.

Landmarks may mark a boundary. Landmarks often mark locations with historical, cultural, or geographical significance.

How do landmarks relate to a story?

Story Landmarks are events or interactions within a story. They help keep the reader oriented to what has happened so far and what the reader might anticipate coming. Readers expect specific Story Landmarks within each genre.

No love genre can exist without the two main characters meeting and developing a growing attraction.

Police procedurals and mysteries often begin with the discovery of a body and then investigating suspects that may be blamed for the death.

If the writer leaves out even one of these Story Landmarks, especially early in the story, readers may feel unsatisfied and hesitate to read another book from this author.

Four-part structure makes the most sense to me to study and develop stories. I call each of these parts Zones. Each Zone making up approximately ¼ of the story.

Each of those four Zones has elements and situations of character development unique to that part of the story. Those are the Story Landmarks.

Think of this four-zone overlook as having a square story arc shape.

Scenic Overlook of the Four Story Zones With Story Landmarks

Each Zone has its own purpose and personality.

Think geographic or climate zones.

The desert in summer gives us different obstacles and challenges than does a mountain range in winter. We must wear certain types of clothes and carry specific equipment to survive a hike in these two very different ecosystems.

The same is true of the protagonist moving through the four zones of a story. His or her behavior and the obstacles he or she will face will be different in each zone and impact the character’s need to change.

Zones Need to be Connected

What I’ve discovered in all my studying of story breakdowns and analysis is how connected the Zones must be.

You can’t have the needed Reactions in Zone 2 without the Set-up in Zone 1.

Zone 2 is necessary to force the protagonist from reaction behavior and thinking into becoming a Warrior and taking action in Zone 3.

The All is Lost Moment aka the 2^nd Plot Point at the end of Zone 3 thrusts the Protagonist into their lowest point in the story and movement into Zone 4.

Sacrifice and transformation in Zone 4 make the Protagonist ready to face the Climax so that the story and the characters can find a Resolution.

Each Zone needs to prepare the Protagonist and the reader for what is coming next in the story.

The Three Most Important Story Landmarks

These are the non-negotiable Landmarks. Every story must have them.

These are the Landmarks that transition the story from one Zone to the next Zone.

They are the 1^st Plot Point at the end of Zone 1, the Midpoint at the end of Zone 2, and the 2^nd Plot Point at the end of Zone 3.

The 1^st Plot Point is what thrusts the protagonist out of the Ordinary World of Zone 1 and into the Exotic World of Zone 2.

To give that feeling of a big change, I want you to think of that end of Zone 1 as making ready the catapult.

Your character is going to be literally or emotionally catapulted into Zone 2. So, the beginning of Zone 2 is no soft landing, and the Protagonist is likely confused about where he is.

An Example

I’m a practical teacher. I encourage my students to find examples from successful writers or filmmakers. Study what an effective scene or character looks like on the page or in a show. I call these books, shows, or movies Creative Guides.

This Creative Guide example come from Jennifer Estep’s Kill The Queen novel. That story has one of the most literal 1^st Plot Points I’ve read.

Part One of the novel is The Royal Massacre. So, we know right up front this is likely an action, fantasy with lots of death involved.

The main character, teenager/young adult Lady Everleigh, has a low level of magical powers and is relegated to the shadows of the royal court. She’s 17^th in line for the throne.

During a big royal event, her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her own mother, the Queen, and takes the throne by force. All the royal family is being killed in front of Lady Everleigh.

Vasilia turns towards Everleigh, who is standing, horrified, by the wall surrounding the castle. Vasilia throws a deadly bolt of lightning at Everleigh, whose hidden power is her immunity to magic. The bolt of magic doesn’t kill Everleigh, but the force throws her over the wall and down into the wilderness below.

Everleigh literally falls into the Exotic World of Zone 2.

Focusing on the Most Fun Zones

The most worked on parts of a story or novel are usually the beginning and the end. Zones 1 and 4.

But my two favorite Zones to work on with my students are Zones 2 and 3. Often maligned as the Mushy Middle.

In Part 2 of the Story Landmarks blog I’ll dig deeper into the specific Landmarks of Zones 2 and 3 and how they impact a story.

About Lisa

Lisa taught middle-school science and was a certified counselor in Texas for 30 years. Her passion for teaching met her love of writing. After not finding the writing classes she needed, Lisa spent several years on a deep study of story structure. That led her to create a powerful and well-loved online course Story Structure Safari.

She has joined the staff at Deleyna Marr’s No Stress Writing Academy  where she is developing new classes. Her Creating A Constellation of Characters is available there January and June 2027. Story Structure Safari runs every September and April. The next Safari is September 2026.

Top image licensed from Depositphotos.

(Without Losing Your Voice)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

If there's one thing I've learned after decades in this industry, it's this:

Being a writer has never been easy.

And today? It seems like the writing world changes almost weekly.

Artificial intelligence continues to evolve. Search engines are changing the way readers discover books and articles. Social media platforms constantly reinvent themselves. Publishing options expand while reader expectations shift. It's enough to make even experienced writers wonder if they can keep up.

The good news is that—while the tools change—the foundations of good writing don't.

Over the years, I've collected a handful of guidelines that continue to keep me grounded regardless of what the publishing world throws my way. They're not rules, and they're certainly not the only way to approach this writing life. These are just principles that have helped me navigate changing trends without losing sight of why I started writing in the first place.

Perhaps they'll encourage you to create your own list.

16 Guidelines That Help Me Stay Grounded as a Writer

1. Your writing isn't as good—or as bad—as you think it is.

When it comes to what we writer, emotion tends to cloud our perspective. Some days we believe we've written something great. Other days…well…we're convinced everything belongs in the trash. Usually, the truth is somewhere in between. I’m still reminding myself to separate my feelings from my work.

2. Never stop learning.

The day we think we've mastered writing is the day we stop growing.

Today's writers don’t only have to learn the craft of writing. We need to know about new publishing models, marketing strategies, and how to use AI responsibly without surrendering our creativity.

Thankfully, curiosity is still one of a writer's greatest strengths. That trail can help us stay current in this ever-changing publishing paradigm.

3. Don't lord your knowledge over others.

Every writer is somewhere different on the journey.

Instead of proving how much we know, it’s important to look for ways to encourage someone who's a few steps behind. That mindset is how healthy writing communities are built.

4. Give back to the writing community.

I've heard writers say they've "outgrown" critique groups or writing organizations, and that hurts my heart. Personally, I don't think we ever outgrow community. But while we need to choose communities that challenge us to grow, we can’t forget our role in encouraging those who are just beginning.

5. Stop marketing primarily to other writers.

Writers are wonderful encouragers—but they usually aren't our primary audience.

It’s important that we spend more time where our readers gather than where writers gather. We must build relationships with the people who actually read our kind of books.

6. Don't expect everyone to write the way you do.

One of the most discouraging statements I heard early in my career was, "Real writers write every day."

That's simply not true.

Some writers have lives—and temperaments—that a daily habit of writing. Others write in focused blocks around work, family, or ministry. Our goal isn't to imitate someone else's routine.

Instead, we must find the schedule that allows us to work to our strengths and produce work we’re proud of.  

7. Write consistently.

Consistency matters more than frequency.

Whether we write every morning or every Saturday afternoon, it’s vital that we treat our writing like the calling it is.

8. Welcome critique.

Constructive feedback is one of the fastest ways to improve. Learning not to take critique personally may be one of the hardest lessons writers ever learn—but it's also one of the most valuable.

9. Enjoy the journey.

Publishing is filled with milestones that slip by all too quickly.

• Finish the manuscript.
• Celebrate.
• Sign the contract.
• Celebrate.
• Launch the book.
• Celebrate.
• Then keep writing.

The goal of this writing life isn’t a single destination. If we only enjoy the result, we'll spend most of our writing lives waiting to be happy.

10. Write something just for fun.

Not every word has to earn money. Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is write something no one else will ever read simply because it brings us joy.

11. Don't lose sight of your "why."

My purpose has never been publishing. Writing is part of how God wired me. When I remember why I write, disappointments become easier to navigate and successes become easier to face with gratitude.

12. Try something that stretches you.

Growth usually feels uncomfortable. Whether it's speaking, podcasting, short-form video, newsletters, or experimenting with a new genre, don't let fear of something new keep you from the attempt. That’s the only way we discover a new strength.

13. Practice gratitude.

Comparison in the writing world—and the world in general—is louder than ever. Social media makes it easy to believe everyone else's career is moving faster than yours. Counting the things we are thankful for will silence comparison faster than anything else I’ve ever tried.

14. Don't assume you'll be the exception.

Publishing still requires patience. Yes, amazing things happen and God opens unexpected doors.

But most successful writers got there through years of learning, revising, submitting, and persevering. Overnight success is an exception for a reason—it’s a true rarity in the publishing world. Don’t wait for the exception to appear, make things happen by doing the work.

15. Let technology support your voice—not replace it.

AI is one of the most powerful writing tools we've ever been given. It's excellent for brainstorming, organizing research, overcoming blank-page syndrome, improving workflow, and handling repetitive tasks. But readers don't connect with perfect words. The people who read what we write are looking to connect with someone real—someone authentic.

Yes, use technology to remove obstacles. But never let it replace the experiences, wisdom, humor, faith, and personality only we can bring to the page.

16. Refuse to write from fear.

Fear wears many disguises.

• Fear of rejection.
• Fear of criticism.
• Fear of falling behind.
• Fear of AI.
• Fear of being overlooked.

And the list goes on. But fear doesn’t produce our best work.

Final Thoughts

The publishing world continues to change—that’s here to stay. New tools will continue to appear. Marketing strategies will continue to evolve. AI will become even more capable. But great writing has always been—and will always be—about connecting with another human being.

We have to remember not to chase every trend. It’s up to us to always be learning—willing to use new tools wisely. And most of all, protect the unique voice we’ve each been given.

What writing guideline has helped you most over the years? I'd love to hear it in the comments.

About Edie

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives, often using creativity to empower this connection. The Write Conversation, the blog she developed and manages, reaches thousands and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017.

As a social media and blogging expert she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Connect with Edie on her blog, The Write Conversation, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and other places on social media.

Featured image by Maklay62 through Pixabay

by Ellen Buikema

Readers have expectations and want the writer to fulfill those expectations. The story’s content and ending need to follow the genre’s rules. Some stories must have a happy ending.

When novels are labeled with the wrong genre category, readers feel misled and may decide to take a pass on reading future novels by a particular writer due to their disappointment. An emotional contract has been broken—trust tossed out the window.

“Readers pick up a romance because they want emotional satisfaction. They want to believe that love wins. If the story doesn't deliver that payoff, it risks feeling like a broken promise regardless of how beautifully written it may be.” Jenn Windrow

Inaccurate Genre Labels Impact

When a book is misclassified, it probably won’t reach its intended audience, meaning fewer sales and reviews.

Many readers, especially those who enjoy horror, mystery, and romance, have specific literary taste and know their preferred sub-genres well. When your novel isn’t in the right category, not only are you missing your target readers, you are also increasing the probability that a group of readers will find your book, buy it, and not enjoy it.

Consequences of Misclassification

• Readers may miss out on an enjoyable read.
• Books that don’t follow genre conventions struggle to be discovered.
• Writers face difficulties in promoting their work if it isn’t categorized correctly to connect with the right audience. A huge marketing issue.

Possible Reasons for Inaccurate Genre Labels

• Using marketing trends instead of the books real content. A book may be labeled to fit market trends rather than its real content.
• Misunderstanding thegenre conventions, leading to the wrong classifications.
• Having multiple genres blended in one novel, leading to complications for traditional labeling.

Many books use multiple genres. To determine what genre or genres to use in this case, decide your core theme.

What is driving the plot? If the main goal is solving a crime, consider classifying it as a mystery first, even if takes place in an other-worldly environment.

How does the story end? If the main conflict is a relationship and ends in “they live happily ever after,” the classification would be considered romance.

Understanding genre classifications is critical for maximum reader discovery.

Read your chosen genre extensively to have a good feel for its expectations. Ask for feedback from beta readers to help identify the best fitting genre based on their views of the book's content.

Genre Conventions—The Rules …

Genre conventions are agreed upon rules, traits, themes, and elements generally associated and accepted within a particular genre of all artforms: fine art, film, literature, music, dance, or other media.

6 Examples of Literary Genre Conventions

Mystery

Mystery genre characteristics include a crime or puzzle that needs to be solved, an investigator as a main character, and clues along with distractions from the real issues to interest the reader. The story builds suspense and reveals “who done it” at the story’s climax.

Comedy

Comedy in literature typically focuses on everyday situations, adding elements of exaggeration, irony, and slapstick humor, to showcase the wackiness of human existence. It provokes laughter and also occasionally simultaneously pokes fun at cultural and political issues.

Romance

The romance genre is characterized by a main love story with relatable characters, navigating their relationships, personal/societal issues, and an emotionally satisfying ending. It often includes various subgenres, such as contemporary, historical, YA romance, erotic and paranormal romance.

Horror

Horror stories often feature a protagonist facing a powerful, sometimes supernatural being that doesn’t see reason, set in isolated locations to create tension. This genre explores themes of fear, courage, and the struggle between life and something worse than death.

The atmosphere in a horror story is like an ominous character in its own right. Creaking woodwork, flickering lights, bumps in the night, all add to the story’s tension.

Sci-Fi

Sci-Fi speculates on things that aren’t—yet. “It is always the art of the possible, never the impossible.” -Ray Bradbury

Science fiction stories include scientific as well as technological concepts. It also warns about consequences, but not in a “preachy” way. “Every science fiction movie I have ever seen, any one that’s worth its weight in celluloid, warns us about things that ultimately come true.” -Steven Spielberg

Historical Fiction

Features of historical fiction include a specific setting—generally at least 50 years in the past—a blend of true historical events with fictional characters and plots, as well as a focus on historical accuracy regarding society and culture.

Historical fiction often explores themes such as identity, love, and loss, providing an immersive experience for readers without “showing your research.” Too much historical fact will pull your reader right out of the story.

Final Thoughts

It’s beneficial to conduct research for any story, but is of particular importance for science fiction, same for historical fiction.

For a comprehensive list of sub-genres look here.

Using accurate genre labels will help send the readers who love your genre to your books, making everyone happy.

Do you find it difficult to classify your story in one particular genre? What do you do when you are unsure of the best genre label for your work? Have you run across books that have been mislabeled?

* * * * * *

About Ellen

Author, speaker, and former teacher, Ellen L. Buikema has written Parenting ... A Work in Progress, non-fiction for parents, and The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon chapter book series with stories encouraging the development of empathy—sprinkling humor wherever possible. Her Works in Progress are The Hobo Code, YA historical fiction and The Crystal Key, MG Magical Realism/ Sci-Fi, a glaze of time travel.

Find her at https://ellenbuikema.com or on Amazon.

Top Image by Lubos Houska from Pixabay