One of the most thrilling moments in a writer’s life is receiving that long-awaited yes—an acceptance letter after dozens, maybe hundreds, of rejections. It’s the kind of moment that’s meant to be savored, a bright spark of validation in a career often defined by perseverance and uncertainty. But sometimes, even that joy can curdle. Recently,ContinueContinue reading “When an Acceptance Turns Sour”
Category Archives: editing
When Revision or Feedback Kills the Magic
As a slush reader, one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve experienced is seeing a story I loved—a story that stood out from the pile, that felt fresh and alive—come back as an R&R (revise and resubmit)… and lose everything that made it special. It’s not that the writer lacked talent—far from it. The originalContinueContinue reading “When Revision or Feedback Kills the Magic”
The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’
To be succesful at writing, I’ve come to believe that its more your ability to juggle, than anything else that will help you. But there’s a peculiar myth that runs through popular culture—the idea that success boils down to one secret, one golden rule, one repeatable habit that will unlock greatness. Ask a Hollywood starContinueContinue reading “The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’”
The Creative Power of Chaos: Why Randomness Makes Your Writing Stronger
Writers love control. We plan plots, build worlds, craft character arcs, and agonize over word choice. Writing can feel like architecture—careful, precise, calculated. But sometimes, we need a little chaos. Enter randomness. Randomness might seem antithetical to craft, but it’s actually one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s creative arsenal. Whether you’re rollingContinueContinue reading “The Creative Power of Chaos: Why Randomness Makes Your Writing Stronger”
Writing Is Like Going to the Gym: Why It Gets Harder, Not Easier—and What to Do About It
When you start going to the gym, it’s hard. Your muscles ache. You’re not in the habit, so every visit feels like a chore. But then—suddenly—it starts to click. You feel stronger. You might even look a little better in the mirror. The early “easy gains” roll in. You get hooked. And then? It getsContinueContinue reading “Writing Is Like Going to the Gym: Why It Gets Harder, Not Easier—and What to Do About It”
When Is a Story Truly Done?
Five years ago, when I sat down to write a short story, it was a different experience entirely. Back then, my main concern was the plot: What was the neat science idea? What was the twist? Once I had delivered a clean arc with a beginning, middle, and end, I called it finished. A quickContinueContinue reading “When Is a Story Truly Done?”
Mastering Dialogue: Dos and Don’ts
Writing dialogue can be one of the most challenging aspects of storytelling. Well-crafted dialogue brings characters to life, advances the plot, and engages readers. Poor dialogue drags, bores, disconnects your reader from your character and derails your reader’s experience. To help you master the art of dialogue, here are some dos and don’ts I haveContinueContinue reading “Mastering Dialogue: Dos and Don’ts”
The Hidden Ground: Layers of Meaning in Storytelling
When I paint, I begin with a ground—a foundational layer brushed across the canvas to prepare the surface. Sometimes it’s a neutral tone, sometimes a subtle color. You don’t see it in the final image, not exactly. But it’s there, affecting everything laid on top. A cool blue ground makes the warm tones above itContinueContinue reading “The Hidden Ground: Layers of Meaning in Storytelling”
How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks
Editing, is actually one of my favorite parts of writing. It’s where your rough draft is polished into something professional, compelling, and clear. But what is the best way to optimize your editing time? I’ve come to an approach through trial and error, and I hope these tips and tricks will help you refine yourContinueContinue reading “How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks”
Open House: On Strangers, Judgment, and the Writer’s Unease
Today, strangers are walking through my house. They are peering into closets, glancing at the scuff marks on the stairs, maybe silently judging my taste in rugs or the fact that I’ve never fixed that one crooked cabinet door. I’m not there to see it—I’ve been banished to a local café by my realtor, likeContinueContinue reading “Open House: On Strangers, Judgment, and the Writer’s Unease”
Gideon P. Smith 