Crystal CrawfordMay 22, 20211 minIntroducing: Trope Talk Videos!Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and join us as we chat book tropes! I just launched a fun, new thing on YouTube: Trope Talk with MJ and...
Crystal CrawfordOct 16, 20209 minCan an Onion Help You Write a Better Novel? (Introducing, the Plot Onion!)this newest resource is for fiction-writers who – like me – struggle to keep the big-picture story neatly in mind while writing...
Crystal CrawfordSep 19, 20203 minOvercoming Writer's BlockAll writers encounter writer's block from time to time. Here are 4 simple techniques to get those words flowing.
Crystal CrawfordAug 10, 20191 minIf You Write Fiction, This Is for You!Announcing my new "crash course in fiction writing" guide!
Crystal CrawfordDec 29, 201715 minA 1-Year CHALLENGE to Help You Supercharge Your Writing CareerI often receive comments on how I’ve managed to build an online community around my writing. Here's a step-by-step of how I did that...
Crystal CrawfordNov 13, 20176 minDon’t Have Scrivener? How to Use Microsoft Word for All Your Writing NeedsDon’t have fancier software, but have Microsoft Word? Learn how to make the most of it for your writing process.
Crystal CrawfordOct 30, 20174 minWhat to Do When Writing SucksWhat to do when it suddenly feels like writing sucks and you wonder why you ever decided to do this in the first place.
Crystal CrawfordOct 6, 20176 minTitles and BlurbsA quick bullet-point list of tips for choosing a title and writing a blurb--these are essentially the notes from a live Writers Chat I did..
Crystal CrawfordSep 25, 20174 minHow to Create Memorable CharactersVibrant, memorable characters are the heart of storytelling and the window through which you are able to access your readers’ emotions.
Crystal CrawfordSep 18, 20173 minHow to Create a Captivating SettingWelcome to the first of a series of “How To” guides I’m going to be writing over the next few weeks!
Crystal CrawfordAug 28, 20172 minCall for CommunityWriting is solitary, but I have learned how much stronger and better, my writing can be when I have the benefit of a writing community.
Crystal CrawfordAug 14, 20174 minHow to Overcome the Fear of Sharing Your WritingHow do you overcome the fear of others reading your work? The simplest answer to this is actually the most difficult to execute...
Crystal CrawfordJul 31, 20177 minWattpad Can Make You a Better WriterWhile my writing is no longer on Wattpad, I still stand by this post--Wattpad really did make me a better writer.
Crystal CrawfordJul 17, 20176 minThrow It to the WolvesThrow your writing to the wolves. Sure, it may get uncomfortable. You may even get hurt a bit. But you may also find something wonderful...
Crystal CrawfordJul 10, 20172 minCringe-Worthy Can Be GoodThere are two reasons a reader might cringe while reading a story... The difference between these two reasons can make or break a story.
Crystal CrawfordJul 3, 20177 minCreative IndependenceWhat is Creative Independence? I’m glad you asked. 😉
Crystal CrawfordJun 26, 20173 minFail BravelySo this is my motivational speech to you today, any of you who are writers: GO FAIL. Here's why...
Crystal CrawfordJun 19, 20174 minPlot or Characters – Which Matters More?Characters or plot – which matters more? When you’re planning out a story, how do you decide what to focus on?
Crystal CrawfordJun 5, 20178 minThe Power of Dialogue… And How to Write ItWant to write powerful, believable dialogue that captivates your readers? Here are 4 Aspects of Powerful Dialogue.
Crystal CrawfordMay 29, 20178 minCourage in WritingThere are two types of courage writers need. Both are necessary to produce quality work and establish a solid writing career...