Articles

Kevin T. Johns is a writing coach, editor and author who helps genre fiction writers plan, draft and finish their novels. He hosts The Writing Coach Podcast.

Why Storytelling Is Your Most Powerful Book Marketing Tool

Storytelling isn’t just for novels. Learn how emotion, change, and authenticity can strengthen your book marketing and help you connect…

How Magic Systems Create (or Destroy) Tension in Fantasy

A magic system rulebook is your behind-the-scenes blueprint for consistent worldbuilding. Use six foundational questions—source, access, cost, learning, limits, and…

When to Break Your Own Magic System (And How to Earn It)

A magic system rulebook is your behind-the-scenes blueprint for consistent worldbuilding. Use six foundational questions—source, access, cost, learning, limits, and…

The Magic System Rulebook: A Tool for Consistent Worldbuilding

A magic system rulebook is your behind-the-scenes blueprint for consistent worldbuilding. Use six foundational questions—source, access, cost, learning, limits, and…

The Magic of Internal Consistency

There is a wonderful Disney+ documentary series titled Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2, and I encourage anyone interested in…

How to Make Magic Feel Real in Your Fantasy Writing

As authors, we all want our fantasy writing to feel realistic and immersive. We want to create the kind of…

Stop Mumbling Spells: How to Write Magic That Resonates

Details matter in writing as a whole, of course, but they are perhaps particularly important in fantasy novels, where world-building…

The Myth of the Lone Genius: Why Great Writers Don’t Work Alone

Let’s bust a myth. You know the one: The brooding writer, alone in a cabin, typewriter clacking, cigarette burning, whiskey…

Welcome to Murder High: Enrollment is Free This Weekend!

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, and to celebrate, I’m giving away ebook copies of my hit novel M School for…

Short Books, Big Impact: Why Your Novel Doesn’t Need to Be a Doorstop

Let’s talk about something most writers won’t admit: You’re trying to write a book that’s too long. Almost every writer…

Why Great Art Gives You Goosebumps

Every now and then, I come across a piece of art that feels like it was made just for me.…

Unlock Your Writing Potential with These 3 Key Pillars

Want to write better, feel supported, and build your career? These 3 pillars form the foundation of a thriving writing…