by Laurie Schnebly CampbellWe’ve all heard why someone’s relationship didn’t work out:

“So-and-so ate crackers in bed.”

“They always wanted to plan everything, not just let it happen.”

“I never felt like they really GOT what I was saying.”

Just about every such failure — whether it’s between spouses, friends, business partners, siblings, neighbors, or whoever — can be boiled down to a single statement:

“We don’t see things the same way.”

by Laurie Schnebly Campbell

We all know that writers are super-powered beings who can convince readers snug in bed that they’re actually freezing on the Arctic tundra…

...eloping with the incredibly attractive leader of the enemy forces…

...saying a final goodbye to their stalwart horse…

...basking… Read the post

By Laurie Schnebly Campbell

We all know the Big Three elements that keep a story engaging. A character has a goal, which they want to achieve because of some motivation, and while trying to reach it, they run into some conflict.… Read the post

by Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Imagine a book like this.

First page: We see Alex being crowned Ruler of the Empire, it’s thrilling!
Second page: Alex is kidnaped by terrorists from Alpha Centauri, terrifying!
Third page: Alex escapes and an hour later wins the Nobel Prize, amazing!… Read the post

by Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Whether you’re writing a coming-of-age story, a serial killer thriller, a quilting cozy, a paranormal epic, a historical romance, or a children’s bedtime story, you want there to be enough tension to keep readers eagerly turning pages.… Read the post