Category Archives: How to write a book from start to finish

The Challenge of Writing Psychological Thrillers – A Writer’s Perspective

Writing a psychological thriller isn’t just storytelling—it’s a delicate balancing act. Discover the perspectives, pacing, and mental gymnastics required to craft a suspenseful, gripping story.

The Mountain Chapter: Losing Yourself in Your Own Book

Discover the psychological intensity behind the “mountain chapter” in novel writing. Learn how to navigate high-stakes scenes, balance plot and emotion, and use line editing to create chapters that anchor your story. Includes a practical worksheet for authors.

Why Formulaic Writing Holds Your Readers

Discover why formulaic writing isn’t a flaw—it’s a storytelling strength. Using examples from CSI, NCIS, Eddie and Freddy’s Adventures and the upcoming Samantha Leary thriller series, author John Edward Nickerson explores how structure and creative freedom can coexist to keep readers hooked for years.

The Art of Pacing in Psychological Thrillers: How to Keep Readers Hooked Without Burning Them Out

Learn how to master pacing in slow-burn psychological thrillers. Discover why ebb and flow in tension is key to gripping storytelling—and see it in action with the upcoming Samantha Leary series, Murder House (2026).

The Reader’s Contract: Suspense, Trust, and Reward

Every story begins with an unspoken promise to the reader. Learn how to create suspense, plant fair clues, and reward your audience with satisfying reveals—featuring lessons from Insomnia, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Bone Collector, Se7en, and When Time Ran Out.

How to Detach from Disturbing Content as a Writer

Learn how to write dark, disturbing, or morally complex stories without getting emotionally overwhelmed. Tips, observer techniques, and a practical worksheet included.

Every World Has Rules: How to create worlds that feel real to your characters

Writers know that characters and plot aren’t enough to make a story feel real. Every story world operates under its own rules, and breaking them without explanation pulls your audience right out of the story.

In this article, we explore how two very different franchises—Law & Order: SVU and John Wick—show us the power of rules in storytelling. From moral codes to universe-specific logic, we break down why rules anchor characters, guide audience expectations, and make tension meaningful.

Plus, we give you practical exercises to define the rules of your own story worlds and ensure your characters stay consistent, believable, and compelling.

The 30-Minute Writer: How to Make Progress on Your Book Every Day

“Discover how to make real progress on your book in just 30 minutes a day with practical tips on chapter structure, quick proofreading, and links.”

Writing Characters Who Hide Behind Their Fears

The deepest fears of your characters don’t have to be shouted from the page—in fact, they’re often most powerful when hidden. People rarely announce their insecurities; they cover them with jokes, distractions, or silence. By writing characters who mask what terrifies them, you create tension, emotional depth, and a powerful connection with your readers.