Bryan Collins's Blog

To write a short story: start with a character who wants something they cannot easily have, place them in a situation that forces the conflict into the open, build through a series of complications, and reach a moment of irreversible change. Short stories differ from novels in compression — every element must earn its place. A short story can be written in a single draft sitting; it is revised over days or weeks.

Short stories are the hardest form to master and the best place to learn to write...

Transition words for writers include additive words (furthermore, moreover, additionally), contrasting words (however, nevertheless, conversely), causal words (therefore, consequently, thus), and sequential words (subsequently, meanwhile, thereafter). In fiction, the most useful transitions are temporal and spatial — they move readers through time and place without stopping the story. In non-fiction, logical transitions (especially contrast and causation) are essential for clear argument.

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Show don’t tell means conveying emotion, character, and information through specific sensory detail, action, and dialogue rather than direct statement. Instead of “she was nervous,” you write “she pressed her thumbnail into the meat of her palm.” The principle comes from Chekhov but was popularised by creative writing instruction in the 20th century. It is a useful default but not an absolute rule — summary and telling have legitimate uses in fiction.

Most explanations of show don’t tell are a...

The best books on the craft of writing include On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, Story by Robert McKee, and The Sense of an Ending by Frank Kermode. For fiction craft specifically, King and Lamott are essential starting points; for structure and narrative theory, McKee and John Truby go deeper.

Most writing advice is generic. The books below are specific, honest, and built on real practice — not theory divorced from the page. Th...

Words to describe setting in fiction include atmospheric adjectives like desolate, luminous, verdant, and oppressive, plus sensory verbs like loomed, shimmered, echoed, and sprawled. The best setting words engage all five senses and create mood, not just visual imagery.

Setting is more than backdrop. It shapes character, drives conflict, and signals theme. But most writers default to the same twenty adjectives — dark, quiet, cold, bright — and their worlds fall flat. This list gives you precis...

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible ways to build an income as a writer — but knowing where to start, what to charge, and how to find clients makes the difference between a side project and a sustainable career.

This guide covers everything you need: the types of freelance writing work available, where to find clients, how to practice your craft, and the best platforms to get paid.

Freelance writing is a career path where writers earn inco...

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Explore income streams for writers to get rich and learn practical ways to grow your income and build a thriving writing career.

For far too long, the image of the “starving artist” has clung to writers like an unwelcome shadow. We’ve been told, implicitly and explicitly, that our craft is a labor of love, a passion project, and that true financial success is reserved for a lucky few.

But let me tell you, that narrative is as outdated as a typewriter. In today’s digital age, the landscape ...

Explore descriptive words for personality that go far beyond “nice” and help you capture the vivid, unique traits that make people truly memorable.

We’ve all been there. Someone asks you to describe a person, and the first word that tumbles out is “nice.” Or “good.” Perhaps even “okay.” While these words aren’t inherently wrong, they’re the linguistic equivalent of a blurry photograph—they hint at something, but they fail to capture the vivid detail and unique essence of the individual. As as...

Does Grammarly make you a better writer? Explore how AI tools like Grammarly help sharpen clarity, catch errors, and support your growth as a writer.

We’ve all been there: staring at a blank page, grappling with a complex idea, and hoping our words will land with impact. In this quest for clear and compelling communication, tools like Grammarly have emerged as a ubiquitous presence.

But does relying on an AI assistant truly answer the question, “Does Grammarly Make You a Better Writer,” or...