For many years I wrote about fiction, story, belief, ordinary life, and the questions that shaped my work. More than two thousand essays remain here—not because every one represents my current thinking, but because together they tell the story of a writer learning over time.
Search for a subject, browse by month and year, or begin with the most recent writing below.
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The archive begins with the most recent writing. Use the numbered pages below to move backward through time.
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Fictionary’s Story Elements: POV Goal Internal
Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! Today, we explore an essential yet often overlooked aspect of storytelling: the POV Goal Internal. This story element ties directly to a…
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Fictionary’s Story Elements: Character Arc (Story Goal Tracker)
Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! Today, we delve into one of the most essential elements of storytelling: the Character Arc, also known as the Story Goal Tracker.…
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Fictionary’s Story Elements: POV Character Goal
Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! In today’s post, we explore one of the most crucial elements of storytelling: the POV Character Goal. Without a clear goal, a…
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Fictionary’s Story Elements: Point of View
Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! In today’s post, we explore one of the most fundamental elements of storytelling: Point of View (POV). Understanding and mastering POV ensures…
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Fictionary’s Story Elements: Characters per Scene
Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! Today, we’re kicking off our in-depth exploration of Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements, beginning with Characters per Scene. Understanding how and why characters…
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Exploring Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements: The Foundation of Exceptional Storytelling
Welcome back to The Pencil’s Edge! In this post, we’ll dive into Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements—the essential building blocks of storytelling that can take your manuscript from good…
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Introduction to Series: Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements
Welcome to the launch of my exciting new series exploring Fictionary’s 38 Story Elements! Whether you’re a seasoned author or an emerging writer, this series will serve as…
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Pacing and Atmosphere: Keeping Readers Hooked in Your Settings
STORY INSIGHTS – FRIDAYSThis post will weave together elements from Sharpening the Edge, The Pencil’s Philosophy, and Edge of Reality. You’ll find real-time insights from my writing desk,…
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The Role of Secondary Characters: Amplifying Your Protagonist’s Journey
WRITER’S EDGE – TUESDAYSWelcome to Writer’s Edge, your weekly resource for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Every Tuesday, I’ll share insights drawn from my experience as…
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Crafting Settings That Reflect Themes and Amplify Emotional Impact
STORY INSIGHTS – FRIDAYSThis post will weave together elements from Sharpening the Edge, The Pencil’s Philosophy, and Edge of Reality. You’ll find real-time insights from my writing desk,…
Richard L. Fricks 