Some book ideas choose you, even when the timing feels all wrong. Learn what happens when you resist, explore, and ultimately say yes.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• How a book idea found me

• Seeing the story through someone else’s eyes

• From resistance to clarity

• Owning the story as mine

• Saying yes to the idea I didn’t ask for

• Writing the story while living it

How a book idea found me

Writers love talking about book ideas. There are so many methods to summon them, like journaling, using writing prompts, or simply observing your surroundings. In these instances, when inspiration comes from within, it's easy to take ownership of the ideas and feel connected to them from the start. 

But what do you do with the book ideas that find you? The ideas that come to you from someone else's mouth instead of your own mind? The ideas you can't claim as your own, but somehow seem destined for your ears and your writing desk? What do you do when the ideas seem to c...

Learn how to craft a story ending that resonates deeply with readers, using practical steps, examples, and creative prompts to bring your conclusion to life.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Story endings overview
• 10 ways to end a story: examples + exercises 
• How to write your story's ending: 3 steps

Story endings overview

10 ways to end a story: examples + exercises

Learn how to start a story using 12 unique methods, with examples and actionable steps to craft an opening that hooks readers from the first line.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• The beginning of a story: an overview
• How to start a story: 12 methods + examples
• How to write the beginning of a story: 3 steps

The beginning of a story: an overview

The beginning of your story is your first—and perhaps only—chance to hook readers. A strong opening doesn’t just grab attention; it sets the tone, introduces the character’s predicament, and reveals the central conflict. These elements are non-negotiable, but how you present them is where creativity shines.

Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy, a cozy mystery, or a contemporary romance, the way you open your story should align with your themes, genre, and the emotional experience you want to create for readers. From diving straight into the action to opening with a subtle, symbolic detail, you have many options for hooking readers fro...

Discover the role of conflict in a story, different types of story conflict, and the steps to creating meaningful conflict in your story.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is conflict in a story?
• Types of story conflict
• The purpose of story conflict 
• Story conflict examples
• How to create conflict in your story: 6 steps

What is conflict in a story?

Story conflict is the central problem, challenge, or dilemma that the main character must confront to reach their goal. It’s the force that drives the character’s journey and keeps readers engaged. Conflict creates obstacles, stakes, and tension as the character navigates difficult situations that stand in the way of their desires.

Often, the conflict and the character’s goal are intertwined. For example, imagine a commoner and a prince in love, hoping to marry, only to be blocked by a disapproving royal family. The story unfolds as they strive to convince the royals to bless their union—or consider leaving royal life behind in...