by MichaelDickson | Mar 20, 2018 | Tools for Writers
The front and back pages in a book are the final steps to a long creative process. Second to the cover, they are the next experience the reader has with the book. If formatted carelessly, it presents a lack of professionalism. To ensure a consistent readership...
by MichaelDickson | Mar 13, 2018 | Thriller Outlining
In a previous post, we discussed the pros and cons of using an outline to guide your writing process. After some consideration, you’ve decided to use an outline as you write your very first thriller. Good for you! But now that you’ve decided to outline your novel,...
by MichaelDickson | Feb 28, 2018 | Thriller Structure
You have an idea for a great thriller. It’s been brewing for weeks inside your head and it’s finally time to come out. You sit down open Scrivener or word doc and wait for the ideas to come flowing out…and they do. The only problem is, they’re...
by MichaelDickson | Feb 20, 2018 | Thriller Structure
Everything comes to an end sooner or later. And in fiction, how you end a story is as important as how you began it. If your thriller roars out of the starting gate with a tremendous opening and a riveting plot, but concludes with a dissatisfying ending, your readers...
by MichaelDickson | Jan 31, 2018 | Thriller Structure
Writing a memorable thriller is challenging, and you need all of the help you can get. One of the most effective tools out there as you are crafting scenes for your novel are pinch points. We described pinch points in previous posts; However, while understanding what...
by MichaelDickson | Jan 24, 2018 | Thriller Structure
Ending a thriller is nearly as important as beginning it. Effectively bringing some sort of resolution to the conflict in your story will be a key determinant of whether or not readers enjoyed your book. One of your most critical literary tools for ending your story...
by MichaelDickson | Jan 10, 2018 | Thriller Structure
Pacing in a thriller is everything, especially after the initial setup. So many thrillers begin with promise, only to bog down in the middle. Fortunately, there are numerous literary devices we can apply in our story to keep the story’s pace on track. Some of these...
by MichaelDickson | Jan 3, 2018 | Thriller Structure
In previous articles, we’ve examined how to structure a thriller with a strong opening and memorable first plot point. We’ve also reviewed how to introduce the antagonist in your thriller, via the first pinch point, and how to use the midpoint to give the audience a...
by MichaelDickson | Dec 27, 2017 | Thriller Structure
Thriller Story Structure, Pt. 9: Midpoint In a recent article, we examined the importance of the response, the key scenes and events in your thriller that occur after the setup. Of all the elements contained within the response, one of most critical yet least...
by MichaelDickson | Dec 20, 2017 | Thriller Structure
One of the most complex arguments in fiction today is whether plot or character is more important. Some writers believe that plot drives a story, and makes the difference between a good novel and a bad one. Other writers are adamant that the characters in a story are...
