More Writing Advice…
The 19 Best Science Fiction Books of 2019
Looking for the best science fiction books of 2019? Check out this complete list.
read more
Why Social Media is a Death-Trap for Writers
Do writers need to market themselves on Social Media? Here’s the answer…
read more
Welcome to My Writing Blog!
Hey there, I’m P. S. Hoffman.
This is my blog, where I share writing techniques and other fiction-improving content.
I mostly write science fiction and fantasy, but my reading tastes range far and wide. So please, talk to me about anything writing related.
And feel free to comment on any article you read, because it helps me figure out what to write about next!
Don’t forget to subscribe for some (very infrequent) email updates.
More Recent Articles…
How to Write Without Fear
When you’re stuck, writing is torture. This will show you how to overcome your writing fears… and conquer Writer’s Block.
read more
How to Craft Distinct Character Voices
Do all your characters sound the same?You are losing readers. Read this to make all your dialogue rapid-fire and intense.
read more
89+ Outstanding Gift Ideas for Writers and Storytellers
Need great gift ideas for a writer? Wouldn’t it be great if there was some giant, massive, so-big-it-could-serve-as-a-second-moon list of outstanding gift ideas for the writer in your life? You got it. This is the ultimate guide to gift ideas for writers. This list...
read more
The Ultimate Guide to Writing Extraordinary Heroes
How do you write a hero who stands out? Not any ordinary hero... ...we're talking about writing a hero who is... Inspiring Full of character So addicting your readers will beg for sequels... This article will give you a firm grasp on how to write a truly engaging...
read more
Should You Quit NaNoWriMo? 13 Reasons to Keep Writing
Should you quit NaNoWriMo? Or is there one really good reason to keep going…? This list is for the people teetering on the edge of “giving up.”
read more
13 Smart Shortcuts to Write Brilliant Characters
Everybody loves reading about a smart character who wields her intelligence like a battle-axe. But actually writing a smart character? And building out a believable, yet rewarding, arc for geniuses? That's no easy feat. So I've sketched out some "shortcuts" to help...
read more
The 13 Best Science Fiction Books of 2018
What are the best science fiction reads in 2018? This list has it all – wormholes, grimdark, Douglas Adams-style humor, and the very latest mind-bending scifi books.
read more
12 Common Mistakes Editors are Sick of Seeing
What are the 12 most common mistakes authors make? I interviewed professional editors to find out…
read more
26 Ways to Write “Instantly Likable” Characters (Part 2)
Want to write more likable characters? Want readers to “beg for more” of your protagonists? Check this out: the second half of the series.
read more
26 Ways to Write “Instantly Likable” Characters
Want people to actually finish your stories? You need to make them care about the characters first. Here’s the first part of the list: “26 ways to write likable characters.”
read more
How Brandon Sanderson Motivates His (Incredible) Main Characters
Writing great character motivations requires these 4 steps. With these, you will be able to turn any of your characters into living, breathing people with real lives.
…hopefully, their real lives are devastatingly interesting, so you’ll write books that people will beg to read.
read more
7 Secrets to Powerful Character Motives
Armed with these seven secrets, you’ll have a much easier time creating characters that feel alive.
Your readers will cheer for them, feel every failure, and won’t be able to put your books down.
read more
5 Ways to Describe Your Character (Without Actually Describing Them)
Want a better way to show what your character looks like? Stop describing them – and start using these 5 strategies to create vivid, beautiful characters.
read more
How Can You Write Diverse Characters (without Stereotyping)?
Want to write characters from different Cultures? Backgrounds? What about other races and privilege levels? This will make sure you do it in a way that engages your audience… while respecting other demographics.
read more
19 Best Writing Channels on YouTube
The Best Writing Channels on YouTube… are surprisingly plentiful. Find 19 of your next writing classes right here!
read more
21 Quick Writing Tips from 21 Drafts
After 21 drafts of the same short story… I learned 21 things that I need to share with you. These will make a huge difference when you start writing your next story.
read more
The Most Important Rule of Writing?
What do you care about most? The First Law of Writing is the one most new writers forget.
Why aren’t you writing about what you love?
How to (Actually) Cure Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block is real. But the problem is… we don’t know which writer’s block we have. Read this, and you’ll know how to cure all 3 types.
read more
Why There Are No “Rules” in Writing
There are no rules in writing. Don’t believe it? Read this – and you’ll understand why it’s called the Zeroth Law.
read more
3 Vital Keys to Every Great Horror Story
How do horror authors do it?
Read this, and you’ll have the three keys to every great horror story ever written. It’s simpler than you think…
5 Best Books (for Writers) by Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin has passed away. But her work will stay with us for a long time to come. Here are several books and other writings you should read – to improve your writing skills.
read more
How to “Fail Better” at Your 2020 Writing Goals
Want to conquer your writing goals this year? Want to know how to set better writing goals? This article will tell you everything you need to know… and give you some inspiration.
read moreWhat will you get when you subscribe?
Free writing tips and strategies delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam, no unwanted emails. Change your subscription at any time.