Writing Tips from Amanda Patterson

Faith meets mystery. Find out why priest detective stories work, and meet 10 of the best crime-solving clerics in fiction.

We define slipstream fiction, present its characteristics, and provide examples. We also offer tips for writing slipstream fiction.

What is imagery and how do you use it in fiction writing? We define imagery and explain how fiction writers can use it in their

Every writer questions their ability to write. In this post, we give you three easy steps to help you deal with your writer’s inner critic.

What is exposition? We include a definition, the two types of exposition, how to include exposition, and examples of exposition in fiction.

What is the death trap plot device? In this post, we define the death trap, include types of death traps, and offer examples of the

Are you running the risk of overwhelming your readers? In this post, we tell you why you don’t need to put everything in your book.

In this post, we explore what hardboiled fiction is, who the hardboiled detectives are, and how to write hardboiled fiction – with examples.

We’re writing about types of memoirs – with examples. We include what a memoir is and ask: Which type of memoir is yours?

In this post, we look at literary tropes, specifically answering the question: What Is A Literary Trope & Why Should I Use One?