The Writing Desk
Curious about what makes a story work?
Here you'll find articles on dialogue, structure, editing, and the craft of storytelling. Some explore the techniques behind memorable writing; others trace the journey from first idea to finished piece.
Whether you're writing your first paragraph or polishing your fiftieth draft, the hope is that you'll leave with fresh inspiration, practical ideas, and the confidence to keep going.
Take a seat. The work begins here.
Writing Cracking Dialogue
Dialogue is more than words on a page. It’s the pauses, gestures, subtext, and tension. Here’s how to write dialogue that crackles—whether you’re crafting a novel, a scene, or a razor-sharp drabble.
Mastering the Twist in Short Fiction
A great twist ending doesn’t just surprise the reader—it reshapes everything that came before. Here’s how to plant the clues, play fair, and deliver a twist that feels both shocking and inevitable.
Anatomy of a Double Drabble
How a cactus prompt and a fixed opening line sparked a 200-word Double Drabble. A behind-the-scenes look at writing ‘Desert Logic’.
The Curious Case of Miss Personification
Learn how personification can bring abstract ideas vividly to life. With examples from Shakespeare and beyond, discover how a single imaginative touch can make your writing far more memorable.
The Perils of Polishing Your Words
Struggling to finish your writing? Perfection paralysis keeps many writers stuck in endless edits. This lighthearted “recipe” shows you how to let go of perfect, trust your instincts, and finally publish your work.
The Quiet Twist
Learn how to master the subtle twist that changes everything. Not every twist explodes at the final line; some quietly shift the meaning of everything that came before—a technique perfected by writers like Chekhov and Mansfield.
Five Famous Twist Endings (And Why They Work)
Explore five famous twist endings in literature—from O. Henry to Roald Dahl—and discover the storytelling techniques that make these surprising finales unforgettable.
Marilyn Read Ulysses—And So Can You.
Marilyn Monroe kept a copy of Ulysses in her car and read it aloud to untangle Joyce’s famously difficult prose. If Marilyn could tackle Joyce, surely the rest of us can at least bluff our way through.