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writing

Aug
20
Hildy and Walter talk on the phone in the immortal black and white classic His Girl Friday.

How I write (hopefully) effective dialogue

Here's some advice for you to take or leave.
11 min read
May
09
Three circles. One is split into quarters, one into sixths, and one into eighths. Like pizzas!

How roleplaying games made me a better writer of characters

6 min read
Apr
11
The members of Ben Folds Five pose in front of a forested area. Ben Folds looks at the camera; the other two look away.

April mailbag

9 min read
Apr
04
Gemma and Mark sit in a room, looking at each other with wistful sadness. She's got a great grey coat.

The wife's tragic backstory every single fucking time

6 min read
Feb
20
The cover of Woodworking depicts the title cover text tumbling over a series of disorganized desks.

Your novel-writing questions answered

By someone who has (almost) published one novel.
11 min read
Feb
17

Ask Emily Anything (about writing novels)

You have questions? Emily possibly has answers.
1 min read
Jul
24
A view of a person with long blonde hair sitting on a blanket and reading. We see them from above.

Does anybody KNOW themselves? REALLY?

Or: Why do I struggle with the concept of interiority so much?
6 min read
May
22
Margot Robbie, in a red dress, rides atop a throng of people, borne up by their hands, at a massive party.

The difference between creation and criticism

It's not what you think!
5 min read
Apr
12
Elmo, the tiny, furry, red Muppet from Sesame Street, smiles. He's shrugging for some reason.

April mailbag!

7 min read
Mar
15
A man and woman, both in robes, face an unseen person just offscreen.

March mailbag!

6 min read