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“Murder your darlings,” is a popular piece of writing advice that is often attributed to William Faulkner, but which can actually be traced back to the English writer and surname collector Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. Of course, this expression is not meant to suggest that literally killing the people you care about will make you a [...]

As a writer I have received my fair share of rejection letters. Though, I have also received many exciting, sexy acceptance letters — acceptance letters that are not only filled with the praise of well-respected editors, but which often smell as if they have been spritzed with fine perfumes. I have received acceptance letters in [...]

A gift-giving guide for the beast in your life.

It is important to remember that, though I have never gained admittance to an MFA program, I have applied many, many, many times

Tentatively titled Ian’s Notebook KEEP OUT!!!!, critics are speculating that Donnelly’s first and last novel will be a frontrunner to be snubbed by next year’s Pulitzer Board.

Instead of someone in your story having an epiphany, he or she should have a sex slave named Epiphany.

Even worse, they have to deal with us writers… the most abusive, self-obsessed, and ridiculous creatures to ever besmirch God’s good earth. That‘s why when you see literary agents on the street they always look haggard, with their eyes bloodshot and stacks of manuscripts clutched desperately to their chests. It’s as if they are only getting 15% of life.

Creative writing is not about expressing your unique personhood; it’s about learning secret craft rules that will help you to purify your work of imperfections.

There is polygamy that is exciting and provocative, but, as Mr. Silverstein proved, there is also polygamy that is cultish and creepy.

Despite the fact that there is no evidence to support the claim, many colonial newspapers attributed the coining of the phrase “flash fiction” to Benedict Arnold.