writing advice – Stories Rule Press

The Power of Knowing Your Character’s Arc (Before You Start Writing)

5 November 2025 / Mark Posey

Writing a story without understanding your main character’s arc is like driving cross-country blindfolded — you might arrive somewhere, but odds are it won’t be where you meant to go. Every protagonist travels an emotional and psychological path, changing (or refusing to change) because of the story’s events. When you understand that inner journey — and how it collides with the outer, plot-driven one — every scene gains purpose, every choice deepens meaning, and your rewrite count drops dramatically. Know your hero’s lie, the truth they need to learn, and what the story will throw at them to force that transformation. Everything else flows from there.

The Bigger They Are…

29 October 2025 / Mark Posey

A “reasonable” villain might seem believable—but it’s also the fastest way to kill tension in your story. The best antagonists aren’t fair opponents; they’re towering, terrifying forces that make the hero dig deep and evolve. From Goliath to the Borg, it’s the impossible odds that make victory unforgettable.

The Best Bad Choice: Why Impossible Decisions Make Great Fiction

8 October 2025 / Mark Posey

Great fiction doesn’t come from easy wins—it comes from impossible choices. When your protagonist is forced to pick between two equally awful options, the story stops being about “victory” and starts being about what they’re willing to lose. That’s when stakes rise, true character is revealed, and readers stay glued to the page.

If You’re Not Crying, You’re Doing It Wrong

1 October 2025 / Mark Posey

Writing fiction should make you feel something. If you’re not laughing, crying, or at least smirking at your own words, your readers won’t either. Emotional resonance starts with the writer. From cardboard characters to scenes that don’t belong, here are five reasons your story might be falling flat—and what to do about it.

Passive Voice: The Sneaky SOB in Your Manuscript (and How to Kick It Out)

10 September 2025 / Author Services, Editing, Mark Posey

Passive voice sneaks into even the sharpest manuscripts, draining life out of your prose and leaving it limp as wet cardboard. Learn how to spot the culprits—“was eaten,” “were taken,” and those sneaky “by” phrases—and flip them into strong, active sentences that keep readers hooked.

Why Your Story Needs a Ticking Clock (Yes, Even Yours)

3 September 2025 / Mark Posey

Stories without time pressure tend to meander. Add a deadline—a ticking clock—and suddenly characters have to act, risk, and choose. From thrillers to romances, nothing raises tension faster than running out of time.

We’re In A Relationship?

16 July 2025 / Mark Posey

The editor-author relationship is professional and reciprocal: clear, honest feedback from the editor, and respect and understanding from the author. In the end, it’s your book — but professional editing comes with professional expectations.