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.
Edge of Reality–When Blue Lights Lead to Christmas Magic: A Novelist’s Gold Mine
EDGE OF REALITY – Welcome to Edge of Reality, my Friday feature examining current events through a writer’s lens. Here you’ll discover how real-world stories can inform and…
The Pencil’s Philosophy—Why Stories Matter Most When Times Are Hard
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…
First Edge—Permission to Write Imperfectly During the Holidays
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…
Edge Coach—Mastering Character Goals in Fictionary: A StoryCoach’s Guide
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…
Sharpening the Edge—Writing Through Holiday Distractions: Real Solutions from My Writing Desk
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…
Creation Edge—Setting Up Your Back Matter in Scrivener: A Professional Approach
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…
Craft Edge—Using Character Arc Progression Tools in One Stop for Writers
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…
Edge of Reality–Small Town Excellence: A Novelist’s Guide to Writing Achievement Stories
EDGE OF REALITY – Welcome to Edge of Reality, my Friday feature examining current events through a writer’s lens. Here you’ll discover how real-world stories can inform and…
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…
First Edge—Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life
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…
Richard L. Fricks 