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Free Video from Written Well
Free Video from Written WellLead instructor Adam Stemple breaks down the June numbers and talks about the trends and opportunities they provide. This time he talks about the tools he uses to get these results, the big upswing in dystopian fiction, the continuing effect of romantasy, and much more.
7/2/25 trends & Opportunities
7/2/25 trends & OpportunitiesLead instructor Adam Stemple breaks down the June numbers and talks about the trends and opportunities they provide. This time he talks about the tools he uses to get these results, the big upswing in dystopian fiction, the continuing effect of romantasy, and much more....
6-2-25 Trends & Opportunities
6-2-25 Trends & OpportunitiesAdam talks trends and opportunities for the upcoming summer. Romantasy stays strong and Dystopia starts growing....
Critique with Rob
Critique with RobI’m excited to show you folks this latest video. It’s a little over an hour critique I gave to site member Rob who bravely volunteered to have his critique recorded. But it’s more than just a critique, it’s both a talk and an example of how to both give and receive critique. We touch on a lot of subjects during the critique, and should be of interest to every site member, not just the ones who write SF, as Rob does. If you want a critique from me, please post in the forums. If you are willing to have it...
5-5-25 Trends & Opportunities
5-5-25 Trends & OpportunitiesLead instructor Adam talks about the numbers from April and breaks down some interesting movements in the genres of dystopia, police procedural, military fantasy and more....
It’s About Character
It’s About CharacterAny time I am asked how to write a particular part of a book — dialogue, action, sex, description etc. — the answer is always the same: it’s about character. If the aim of every portion of your book is to illuminate the inner workings of the viewpoint character of that scene, then you will write those portions well. What do I mean by that? Let’s start with a word I love: idiolect. While dialect is the way a certain group of people speak, idiolect is how a certain individual speaks. What you want to do when writing is apply...
4/2/25 Trends & Opportunities
4/2/25 Trends & OpportunitiesRomantasy still going strong and leaking into other fantasy subs besides dark and epic. Police procedural has *gasp* actual police procedurals in the top 30....
Steampunk Beat Sheet
Steampunk Beat SheetExport All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Gears and Goggles (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in a world of gears, steam, and clockwork contraptions, highlighting their unique skills, inventions, or place within a society powered by steam technology. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a brilliant inventor, a daring airship pilot, or a resourceful mechanic, is introduced in a world where steam power reigns supreme. Their unique skills, inventions, or their position within a society driven by gears, cogs, and clockwork contraptions are established, painting a picture of a character who is both a product of and...
Space Opera Beat Sheet
Space Opera Beat SheetExport All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist(s) (Approx. 0-3,000 words): Introduce the protagonist(s) against the backdrop of a vast galactic civilization, highlighting their unique skills, backgrounds, and the personal or political conflicts that motivate them. Dig Deeper The protagonist(s), whether they are daring space pilots, cunning diplomats, or rebellious freedom fighters, are introduced in a galaxy teeming with diverse alien races, advanced technology, and interstellar conflicts. Their individual skills, backgrounds, and motivations are established, setting the stage for their involvement in a galactic struggle that will determine the fate of civilizations. The Galaxy...