David Farland: Story Doctor Writing Tips

Recent Writing Tips

A colorful light bulb in front of interlocking red, yellow, and blue gears, symbolizing creativity and productivity working together.

Brainstorming for Stories: How to Turn Sparks into Worlds

Brainstorming is one of the most magical—and challenging—parts of being a writer. Ideas may arrive in a rush or drip in slowly, but either way, they form the first threads of story. The truth? Waiting for inspiration won’t always serve you. Instead, the key is to explore how to spark fresh ideas from familiar tropes, surprising “what ifs,” and creative collisions. Originality doesn’t mean inventing something brand new—it means putting your unique spin on timeless patterns so readers experience them as both familiar and exciting.

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Tammy Burke September 9, 2025

A figure in a bright red cloak walks across a black-and-white field toward a tree whose shadow stretches long across the ground. The word “Foreshadowing” appears in dark red letters to the right.

Foreshadowing in Writing:

Foreshadowing is the art of planting clues that make your story’s twists feel both surprising and inevitable. Learn the different types of foreshadowing, strategies for layering clues, and how to test your twist so it hits the perfect balance.

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Tammy Burke September 3, 2025

Stone statue of a robed woman, captured against a dramatic sunrise sky with soft orange and blue clouds, symbolizing inspiration and waiting.

Why Your Writing Muse Isn’t Your Friend

Too many writers wait for the writing muse to return, convinced that inspiration is the only way forward. But waiting keeps you stuck, staring at the page. The truth? Momentum is born not from longing, but from action. Start writing, and the muse may find you already at work.

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Special Guest August 26, 2025

illustrating subtext: Two silhouetted figures at sunset sit on a bench by the water. One stands gesturing with arms wide, asking, “Is it the house?” The other sits hunched with head resting on hand, replying, “Told you. Everything’s great.”

Writing with Subtext: Saying More by Saying Less

Subtext is the unspoken layer that turns good writing into unforgettable storytelling. Learn how to weave meaning beneath the surface of dialogue, body language, and setting — and avoid the common pitfalls that can make it disappear.

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Tammy Burke August 19, 2025

A rabbit and a tortoise side by side, symbolizing the balance of fast and slow pacing in storytelling.

Mastering Pacing: How to Control Momentum Across Acts and Chapters

Pacing is the heartbeat of your story—it controls how your readers feel, how quickly they turn the page, and how deeply they connect with your characters. In this post, we’ll explore how to master both micro- and macro-pacing, balance fast and slow moments, and create a rhythm that keeps your audience hooked from the opening line to the final page.

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Tammy Burke August 15, 2025

Flat lay of a vintage teal typewriter, open notebook, glasses, and writing accessories on a wooden surface.

5 Things I’ve Learned About Writing Since Doing it Full Time

The other day, my best friend Nick (also a writer) and I were at Barnes & Noble when he walked straight up to the information desk and asked how to get his books in the store. I froze. My inner voice screamed, “No! You can’t just do that! You’ll embarrass yourself!” But as I watched him, it hit me—Nick wasn’t being reckless. He was simply acting without fear, while I was busy apologizing for my own existence.

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Special Guest August 8, 2025

Split image of a forest trail and a magical compass, symbolizing the blend of intuitive storytelling and structured plotting for discovery writers.

Balance the Map and the Magic: Outlining for Discovery Writers

Pantsing your novel? Learn how to blend structure with spontaneity using trail markers, breadcrumbs, and emotional anchors that won’t cage your creativity.

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Tammy Burke July 30, 2025

Three people of different backgrounds grasping each other’s wrists in a supportive triangle, symbolizing mutual support and connection.

Your Creative Support System

No creative journey is truly solo. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or maker, building a strong creative support system can mean the difference between burnout and breakthrough. From the people who believe in your dreams to the space and tools that protect your process—every layer matters. Here’s how to recognize, build, and honor the support that fuels your creative work.

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Special Guest July 22, 2025

A graphic titled “Book Launch vs Evergreen Marketing: Strategies for the Sprint & the Marathon” featuring a person examining paper cutout figures with a magnifying glass, surrounded by icons representing marketing tools and data analytics.

Book Launch vs Evergreen Marketing – Strategies for the Sprint and the Marathon

A successful book launch gets your story into the world—but it’s evergreen marketing that keeps it visible. Learn how to balance the high-energy sprint of release week with the long-term strategies that turn your book into a lasting asset.

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Tammy Burke July 15, 2025

A close-up of a luxurious fountain pen with a golden nib resting on a dark textured writing surface, symbolizing the craft and discipline of writing.

How to Establish a Regular Writing Routine

Want to finish your book or build a creative habit that lasts? It starts with a writing routine that fits your life. Discover how to find your best writing time, set realistic goals, and show up consistently—even if you only have ten minutes a day.

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Special Guest July 8, 2025

A digital tablet displays the handwritten words “Story Themes” as a gold fountain pen appears to write them. The tablet rests on a creative workspace surrounded by school supplies including a protractor, paint palette, notebooks, and glue. At the top, glowing text reads “Understanding Story Theme:” and at the bottom, “What It Is and Isn’t,” with a stack of books and a vintage typewriter on either side.

Understanding Story Theme: What It Is and Isn’t

If you’ve ever been told to “strengthen your theme” but weren’t exactly sure what that meant—you’re not alone. Understanding story theme is hard. It’s is

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Tammy Burke July 1, 2025

Wooden letters scattered on a black background frame the word “WHY” in the center, spelled in bold wooden block letters, emphasizing the central question of purpose.

The Importance of Your “Why”

by Chad Grayson [This week author Chad Grayson shares wisdom of the importance of knowing Your WHY] Recently, someone asked a question on social media

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Special Guest June 24, 2025

Image of a vintage compass resting on an old nautical map with faded topographical lines. The compass needle points north, and a brass telescope lies beside it. Above the image, bold white text reads: 'Strategic Authoring: Plan Like a Pro, Write Like a Rebel.' Below the image, the text reads: 'Part Four.' The background is black, emphasizing the central image and text.

Strategic Authoring: Plan Like a Pro, Write Like a Rebel – Part 4

Assess, Adjust, and Build a Writing Life That Lasts Welcome to the final installment of the Strategic Authoring: Plan Like a Pro, Write Like a

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Tammy Burke June 17, 2025

Strategic Authoring: Plan Like a Pro, Write Like a Rebel – Part 3

Rebellion, Support, and the Magic Between During this series, we’ve been laying down the essential foundation for your writing journey – Plan Like a Pro,

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Tammy Burke June 10, 2025

strategic authoring - part 2

Strategic Authoring: Plan Like a Pro, Write Like a Rebel – Part 2

Welcome back to the Strategic Authoring series—where we combine the soul of an artist with the strategy of a professional to help you write with

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Tammy Burke June 3, 2025