From Advice to Stories: Here’s What’s Changing

After years of sharing writing advice, I'm making the leap every writer dreams of: becoming the author I've always wanted to be. This October, Myers Fiction launches with original stories, starting with an eco-thriller that'll make you question what lurks in the shadows of our changing world.

In Medias Res: Starting in the Middle of the Action

Starting in medias res isn't about explosions or car chases—it's about emotional impact. True mastery means dropping readers into a moment that already matters, whether that's an emotional crisis, a conversation that changes everything, or a discovery that reshapes the story. It's meaningful disruption, not mindless spectacle.

Backstory: Weaving the Past into Your Plot

"Backstory is like seasoning—a little goes a long way, but too much ruins the dish. The 90/10 rule suggests readers only need to glimpse 10% of your character's history. The key is revealing past details when they become emotionally or narratively necessary, not when you think they're interesting."

Plot-Driven vs. Character-Driven Stories: Finding the Balance

Think your story needs to be either plot-driven OR character-driven? That's the biggest myth in writing. The truth is simpler: great stories use both. When Jason risks everything for a stranger during a high-speed chase, you learn his character through action. When Mr. Darcy quietly saves Lydia, plot reveals his true nature.

Falling Action and Resolution: Bringing It All Together

Your readers want to see what happens after the climax. The falling action and resolution give the reader the 'so what' of the story. They also justify why the reader spent however many hours and abandoned real world responsibilities to read your book.