Writing Tips

"Readers want the same story, only different." Read my entire article with J.T. Ellison #authortalks #writingtips #amwriting

"It’s important to finish a book. Not just start one, or come up with an idea. Write the whole damned thing." Read my interview with bestselling author Lisa Jackson #authorinterview #killernashvillemagazine #amwriting

Every writing career reaches a moment when deeper learning makes the difference. That moment begins with the Thursday Master Classes at the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, where writers spend focused time learning directly from experienced professionals in intensive, hands-on sessions that strengthen craft, sharpen strategy, and advance careers. Seats are limited, and these sessions fill quickly, so now is the time to secure your place.

Four million books a year… and counting. How do you stand out in a world where anyone can publish, and AI can do it in under an hour? This sharp, no-holds-barred look at today’s publishing landscape dives into the chaos, the challenges, and what it really means to be a writer right now. Read This Crazy Writing Life: Four Million And Counting! Please, Somebody, Make It Stop! by Steven Womack now.

Your voice is your fingerprint. Download your free copy of The 7 Truths Every Writer Needs to Hear, then join the “Clay Stafford Success Points” newsletter for guidance on building more fulfilling and profitable careers. #writingtips #successpoints #claystafford

What I learned this week! What's your biggest piece of advice? Sign up for my Success Points Newsletter for weekly writing insights.

Great dialogue doesn’t live on the page—it lives in the breath, rhythm, and voice of a real person. If your words don’t sound natural out loud, they’re not finished yet.

What is one thing you learned this week? Share in the comments. For weekly writing insights sign up for my success points newsletter now.

Love can be dangerous… especially on the page. Dive into The Dark Side of Romance: Suspense and Murder and discover how passion, tension, and high-stakes conflict collide to create unforgettable stories. When love meets danger, the results are anything but predictable. This is just one of over 1,100 streaming courses available on Killer Nashville University—designed to sharpen your craft, elevate your storytelling, and push your writing further.

In this thought-provoking installment of Between Pen and Paper, Andi Kopek explores the strange elasticity of time—from the “missing hour” of daylight saving to the way memory, storytelling, and even other planets reshape how we understand it. It’s a reminder that while clocks measure minutes, writers measure meaning. Read the full article now on Killer Nashville Magazine. Sign up for the Killer Nashville newsletter today. https://www.killernashville.com/subscribe

When a real crime becomes more than just a case file, that’s where the story truly begins. In my conversation with Scott Eden, discover how narrative nonfiction isn’t just about facts or investigations, but about uncovering the people, the world, and the deeper story behind the crime. From spotting the moment a magazine article becomes a book to building stories around compelling characters, this piece is a must-read for writers looking to turn real events into unforgettable narratives.

If you've ever wondered how Crime TV is evolving, listen to the newest Killer Nashville University resource. Listen now. Sign up for the Killer Nashville University newsletter to never miss out on our newest uploaded. https://killernashvilleuniversity.com/newsletter/ #CrimeTV #CrimeFiction #WritingTips

Think you know where your story is going? Think again. The best twists don’t just surprise readers, they make them question everything they thought they knew. In this craft article by Chrissy Hicks, learn how to use misdirection, red herrings, and hidden truths to keep readers guessing and turning pages. Ready to master the art of the unexpected? Sign up for the Killer Nashville Magazine newsletter to never miss out on the latest issues. https://www.killernashville.com/subscribe

Crime fiction often explores intense and graphic subject matter, but where should writers draw the line? In this session, authors discuss how far they go when depicting violence, the balance between impact and restraint, and the challenges of writing visceral scenes that engage readers without overwhelming them. Listen now. To receive the most recent uploads, sign up for the Killer Nashville University Newsletter today. https://killernashvilleuniversity.com/newsletter/