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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Creating Dynamic Characters: The Art of Internal and External Conflict
Welcome 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 a Fictionary Certified…
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The Power of Place: Infusing Fiction with a Sense of Home
STORY INSIDGHTS–FRIDAYS This 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, transformational…
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The Foundation of Every Great Story: A Strong Story Core
Welcome 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 a Fictionary Certified…
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New Year, New Stories: Finding Fiction in Fresh Starts
Welcome to Story Insights, our Friday exploration of writing life and creative discovery. Here you’ll find real-time insights from my writing desk, reflections on the writing journey, and…
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The Pencil’s Philosophy—Endings and Beginnings: The Writer’s Journey Through Change
THE PENCIL’S PHILOSOPHY – THURSDAYSWelcome to The Pencil’s Philosophy, my Thursday focus on writing as transformation. Here you’ll explore how writing connects to deeper understanding, how questioning leads…
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First Edge—Starting Your Writing Journey in the New Year
FIRST EDGE – WEDNESDAYSWelcome to First Edge, my Wednesday focus on beginning novelists. Here you’ll find practical guidance, encouragement, and permission to start your writing journey. Whether you’re…
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Edge Coach—Three-Point Scene Analysis for Stronger Endings
EDGE COACH – TUESDAYSWelcome to Edge Coach, my Tuesday focus on professional story development. As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I share techniques to strengthen your writing and…
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Sharpening the Edge—Mid-Book Crisis: Wrestling with Chapter 15’s Plot Snarl
SHARPENING THE EDGE – MONDAYSWelcome to Sharpening the Edge, my Monday focus on real-time novel writing. Here you’ll find insights from my current work-in-progress, sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and…
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Creation Edge—Mastering Multiple Endings with Scrivener’s Snapshot Feature
CREATION EDGE – SUNDAYSWelcome to Creation Edge, my Sunday focus on writing technology. Here you’ll learn how to use Scrivener to organize, write, and revise your novel. Whether…
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Craft Edge—Emotional Beats in Holiday Scenes: Using the Emotion Thesaurus
CRAFT EDGE – SATURDAYSWelcome to Craft Edge, my Saturday focus on fiction writing craft. Here you’ll find deep dives into writing techniques using One Stop for Writers and…
Richard L. Fricks 