Writing Break

Genres and subgenres are ever-evolving. This week, we trace one horror lineage from a crumbling 1764 castle all the way to today's femgore boom, dig into a detective fiction metamorphosis that spans three centuries and two continents, and sit with a publishing story that should unsettle every working writer, one where AI hijacked a fired journalist's own byline to keep publishing under his name.Plus: this week's overthinking prompt, built to work whether you write genre fiction or literary fiction.An AI-generated review of Resident Evil Requiem written by a fake 'iGaming and sports betting analyst' briefly hit Metacritic | PC GamerFired Journalist Finds AI Publishing Under His NameWhat Is Femgore? | Book RiotHome : America's Editor - Let's work together.More Writing TipsSubscribe because you deserve a Writing Break.Music licensed from Storyblocks.

How much can you really accomplish in two minutes?This week on Writing Break, I share a simple exercise I call The Two-Minute Wait, which can help you better understand your relationship with time and improve the way you manage it.We also discuss this year's International Booker Prize news before exploring storytelling traditions from around the world, including Nordic noir, magical realism, Gothic horror fiction, wuxia, Japanese literary fiction, West African oral storytelling, and the art of translation.Whether you're looking to become more productive or broaden your understanding of storytelling, this episode offers practical ideas you can apply immediately.✨ Support Writing BreakRate, review, and share with a fellow writer. Every kind word helps keep the show going.International Booker Prize Doubles Purse, Changes NameInternational Booker Prize winnerHome : America's Editor - Let's work together.More Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks

Everyone in your life thinks your book would make a great movie, play, or video game. But adaptation isn't a copy-paste job because every medium solves storytelling problems differently. This week, we put one scene through four different mediums to see what each one reveals about craft, whether or not you ever plan on adapting anything.

AI continues reshaping publishing, and writers cannot afford to ignore what's happening. In this week's news episode, we explore the growing legal, ethical, and professional questions surrounding AI, authorship, copyright, and creative ownership.

Should you write what you love or write what sells? Is it possible to do both?In this episode of Writing Break, we explore how writers can stop chasing trends and, instead, find the overlap between personal passion and commercial viability.

Cross-genre fiction is thriving, but blending genres successfully requires more than adding a dragon to a murder mystery (sad, but true). If you're writing a cross-genre novel, planning to write one, or wondering whether your manuscript accidentally became one, this episode will help you blend genres without confusing your readers.

What keeps a novel interesting after the premise stops being new?In this episode, I share the most important question to ask yourself while writing, no matter what genre you're writing. I also analyze why some novels start out strong but struggle to sustain themselves to the end.

This week's episode is a Writing Break clip show packed with writing advice across multiple genres and storytelling forms.If you've missed part of the recent genre series or just want a concentrated episode full of practical writing insight, this one pulls together some of the strongest segments from recent episodes.

Some novels should have been novellas. In this episode, we get into the latest publishing and book trend news, and we talk about why shorter forms can create stronger stories. If you've ever wondered whether your manuscript is actually a novella in disguise, this episode is for you.

Short stories don't give you less to do, just fewer places to hide. They are often seen as a stepping stone for writers, but they demand a level of precision many writers underestimate.In this episode, we look at what short stories are actually designed to do. We explore how strong short fiction is built around a single emotional movement, why focus and constraint matter, and how detail selection, pacing, and endings carry more weight in a limited space.We also break down short story forms and word counts, from microfiction to novellas, and discuss how length shapes structure, scope, and publishing opportunities.

What happens when you break the rules of storytelling?In this episode, we explore how to experiment with intention. We look at nonlinear structure, fragmented narratives, and hybrid forms and why they only work when the writer maintains control over meaning, pacing, and emotion.Key takeaway: You can break structure, but you cannot abandon it.

In this episode, we break down the publishing developments editors and agents are talking about right now and what they mean for working writers.

Comics, manga, and graphic novels combine image and word to tell stories in a way prose cannot. In this episode, we examine what actually changes when storytelling moves into panels, and why many writers struggle when they approach the form with prose habits.

Elements of Western novels are infiltrating other genres and modernizing the mythology of the Wild West. In this episode, we head out to the frontier to explore how classic Western storytelling transformed into the modern neo-Western.

Want to write a cozy mystery? This episodes explores the way cozy mystery blends charming communities, amateur sleuths, and clever puzzles to create crime stories that feel suspenseful without becoming dark or graphic.From Murder, She Wrote to modern bookstore-and-bakery mysteries, cozy stories invite readers into tight-knit communities where secrets simmer beneath the surface and clever sleuths piece together the truth.

What's the difference between Young Adult and New Adult fiction? We explore the life stages, voice, and themes that define each genre, plus publishing news on AI copyright, contracts, and book bans.

Romantic suspense blends love and danger. Learn how to balance emotional tension with high-stakes conflict, build trust between characters under pressure, and deliver satisfying dual resolutions that keep readers turning pages.

In this business-focused episode, America's Editor breaks down the major industry shifts that are changing how books are discovered, distributed, and monetized. You'll learn what recent developments mean for working authors.

In this episode of Writing Break, we take a deep dive into paranormal fiction's lasting appeal and why stories about ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings continue to dominate bestseller lists.

Over the past couple of months, we've covered dystopia, utopia, action, adventure, magical realism, children's literature, satire, and a whole lot of fantasy. This clip show puts some of those writing tip segments together for you as a literary aperitif before we begin Season 9, where we'll be talking about blending all of these flavors together to create your signature genre. I'm very much looking forward to that.

In this episode of Writing Break, we explore how to use comedy as a storytelling tool without sacrificing character, plot, or emotional weight.We'll look at different types of humor on the page, what satire is meant to critique, and why timing, voice, and intention matter more than punchlines. We'll also cover the most common mistakes writers make when trying to be funny and how to avoid turning clever jokes into narrative dead ends.

In this episode of The Writing Break, we explore dystopian and utopian fiction and discuss the latest publishing news.

In this episode of Writing Break, we explore the Action and Adventure genre, which is all about forward motion. If you're writing adventure novels, action scenes, or fast-paced fiction, this episode breaks down the craft behind the thrill.

The episode opens with a look at current publishing news affecting authors, including reading behavior shifts and trends. Then we look at the three major stages of children's literature and why understanding developmental stages matters. Perfect for writers curious about children's books, writers who think they already understand the category, and anyone interested in how readers develop.

This week on Writing Break, we're exploring how to weave the extraordinary into the ordinary without breaking the spell of magical realism. We're also discussing Amazon's increasing censorship of authors and artists.

Who are you becoming as a writer? Forget making a list of New Year's resolutions; instead, write a narrative for 2026. This bonus episode includes prompts for a creative reset to prepare you for the year ahead.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.

This Christmas Day bonus episode explores the creative power of stubbornness and includes three reflective prompts to help you close out your year with clarity and intention.

In the final part of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the soft side of the genre: Cozy Fantasy, Slice-of-Life Fantasy, Eco-Fantasy, Children's Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Comical/Satirical Fantasy, Fairy-Tale Fantasy, and Fairy-Tale Retellings.

In Part II of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the darker and more modern branches of fantasy: Dark Fantasy, Grimdark, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary/Modern Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Romantasy, Progression Fantasy, LitRPG, and Gamelit.

In Part I of this three-episode Fantasy Subgenre Series, we dive into the grand-scale branches of fantasy: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Historical Fantasy, Alternate History, Mythic Fantasy, Indigenous/Mythic-Region Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Steampunk, and Gaslamp Fantasy.

Pour yourself something spiced and settle in as we revisit writing tips from this season's genre deep dives.

If your book is “for everyone,” it's actually for no one. In this sharp yet encouraging episode, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for new authors: not wanting to be boxed in by genre.

Your life is a story, but not every moment needs to be shared. In this episode of Writing Break, we're exploring memoir and creative nonfiction, the genres where truth becomes art. Learn how to shape your real experiences into stories that captivate readers, how to handle the tricky business of writing about other people, and how to balance honesty with craft.

In this episode, we'll unravel what “literary fiction” actually means, what readers expect when they open a literary novel, and how you, as a writer, can approach it without falling into the trap of pretension. We'll also look at how to build your portfolio, no matter what genre you're writing.

Just in time for Halloween, this episode explores the expectations and pitfalls of writing horror and how to write fear in any genre.

Gothic fiction is where beauty meets terror. In this episode, we explore how to write Gothic stories that grip readers with atmosphere, ambiguity, and desire:

Good historical fiction makes the past feel as alive as the present. In this episode, we explore how to write immersive, character-driven stories that honor history without feeling like a textbook.First, we talk about the importance of writing contests.

Science fiction bends natural laws with speculation grounded in possibility. In this episode, we explore the foundations of sci-fi storytelling. Plus: publishing news on new imprints, prize controversies, AI audiobooks, and why indie presses are thriving.

This week, we journey into the realm of fantasy and uncover how to build worlds that feel alive without overwhelming your readers with exposition. Tune in for writing advice, publishing insights, and a well-deserved writing break.

In this episode, we'll explore the chemistry, conflict, and tropes that make romance irresistible, plus hear nine hard-won lessons from debut author Esther Walker. Even if you're not writing romance, these insights will make you a stronger storyteller and a more resilient writer.

What makes a thriller thrilling? In this episode of Writing Break, we discuss pacing, stakes, suspense, and more. We also look at what, if anything, BookTok can do for you.Spread a little love by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing Writing Break with a fellow writer who loves a good thrill.

Season 8 of Writing Break sets sail with mystery and detective fiction. From archetypal sleuths to red herrings and fair-play clues, learn how to craft puzzles that keep readers guessing. Plus, the latest publishing news, including a $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement and turmoil at the Library of Congress.

In this bonus episode, we're wrapping up Season 7 with a stitched-together master episode featuring all five segments from our Querying Literary Agent series.Whether you're just starting your submission journey or navigating the silence after sending your pitch, this complete guide has you covered.

Querying literary agents and not hearing back can feel like shouting into the void. In this episode, recorded mid-recovery from a concussion (yes, really), we're turning that creative purgatory into purposeful progress. If you've sent out queries and find yourself obsessively refreshing your inbox, this is your antidote.

In the final installment of our four-part series on querying literary agents, we break down what to expect when a literary agent replies to your email. From form rejections and useful feedback to the coveted request for more materials, today's episode is all about helping you navigate agent responses.Plus, in publishing news:A $44 million scam targeting writers has resulted in federal chargesFan fiction hits the bestseller lists with Dramione-inspired debutsA bestselling memoir-turned-film faces accusations of fraud and fabrication

In today's episode of Writing Break, we're dog-sitting, dodging deadlines, and diving deep into the dreaded query letter.

Today we're (finally!) continuing our four-part series on querying literary agents. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, querying without doing your homework is like picking a random person off a dock and asking them to captain your boat across the ocean. In this episode, I'm sharing how to research literary agents and find the ones most likely to say yes to your book.

Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a Big Five publisher versus an independent press. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or submitting directly to publishers, this episode will help you clarify your publishing goals.Plus: A roundup of the latest publishing news, including the growing backlash against tech giants using books to train AI.

It's time for a heavy dose of writing wisdom, clipped and curated from recent episodes. Whether you're plotting, editing, procrastinating or just looking for a creative nudge, this episode's packed with the good stuff: smart takes, helpful reminders, and maybe a little tough love.Missed a few episodes? I've got you covered.Featuring:✍️ First-draft and second-draft writing advice✍️ Actionable writing tips from bestselling authors✍️ The reality of traditional publishing✍️ Plus more gems you might've forgotten (or ignored

Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position your book effectively in the publishing industry.

The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now, from how AI is reshaping publishing to restrictions that could impact book accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding these changes will help you navigate publishing smarter.I also share a piece of writing advice I give to authors that I'm now following myself as I write my first book-length work. Eight Independent Publishers Form Cooperative to Share Resources, Cut CostsLondon Book Fair 2025 to Focus on AI, Developing ReadersKill Your Darlings - Writing BreakLibrary Database Providers Clash Over Subscription ModelsNew Bills in Iowa Threaten to Tighten Obscenity Provisions for LibrariesWill the Diamond Bankruptcy Change the Comics Business Forever?Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.