Today on Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re talking about what it really means to write with cultural authenticity—why it matters, how to do it responsibly, and how to avoid turning lived experiences into stereotypes or scenery. And because today marks the 10th day of Black History Month, we’ll also spotlight a Black literary giant whose work remains a masterclass in writing culture truthfully, unapologetically, and on its own terms.

Today on Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re going deeper into the craft of writing hidden desires—the emotional engines that quietly drive decisions, sabotage relationships, and eventually force characters to confront themselves.

If you want your story to resonate, if you want your characters’ bravery to feel earned and unforgettable, you must be willing to let their courage hurt. Today on Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re talking about how to write courage with consequences—bravery that leaves scars, changes outcomes, and refuses to let the story return to “normal.”

Not every hero starts out chasing the right goal. Not every protagonist begins noble, selfless, or wise. Sometimes what makes a character compelling isn’t their purity—it’s their conflict. Because deep down? The best stories are about people who need change… but who are too stubborn, scared, or self-deceived to admit it. That’s where flawed desires come in.

It’s not just about starting a story—it’s about snatching your reader’s attention before they even settle into their seat. A great first line doesn’t wait. It doesn’t whisper. It doesn’t knock. It kicks the door in and dares the reader not to follow. So, what makes a first line memorable? Let’s dig in.

Whether you're writing a fast-talking sidekick, a stoic hero, a scatterbrained genius, or a bitter ex, every voice should stand on its own. Let’s dig deep into what it means to craft distinct character voices that resonate—and how to avoid blending your cast into one, indistinguishable blur.

As we reach the last Tuesday of the year, the 30th of December, it’s only fitting to talk about the art of waiting. Right now, the world itself is suspended in a strange pause—between the closing of one chapter and the quiet hope of another. The same is true in your fiction. Your characters—and your readers—can sit in that pause, in that unbearable space between what was and what’s coming. The tension of waiting isn’t just a pause in action. It’s the loaded silence before

In today’s Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we dive deep into the art of crafting powerful endings—those that echo like a final note of a symphony, or a prayer whispered just before sunrise.

Today on Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’ll explore how to write flashbacks that hit hard and heal slow. We’ll break down how to use them without disrupting your pacing, how to trigger them naturally, and how to make sure they elevate—not deflate—your story. Let’s get into it.

Letting your characters walk into the unknown is one of the most powerful tools in your writer’s toolbox. It’s what separates flat stories from unforgettable ones, and passive characters from legends.

Letting your characters walk into the unknown is one of the most powerful tools in your writer’s toolbox. It’s what separates flat stories from unforgettable ones, and passive characters from legends.

Some stories throw in arguments for drama, action for excitement, or misunderstandings for tension. But meaningful conflict? That’s what leaves a mark. It doesn’t just entertain—it transforms. In today’s Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re diving deep into how to create conflict that matters, resonates, and changes your characters—and your readers—for good.

If you’ve ever read a book that lets you step into the shoes of multiple characters and feel every heartbeat, fear, or revelation from their unique lens—then you’ve experienced the magic of a well-crafted multi-POV story. But let’s be clear: this isn’t easy work. It’s a high-wire act between depth and confusion, clarity and chaos. When done well, multiple points of view don’t just tell a story—they reveal a world. So today, let’s break it down: the why, when, and how of writi

In this week’s Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re exploring how to write grief with authenticity and purpose—how to let loss shape your characters in a way that feels honest, moving, and deeply human.

Whether your character is a hero, villain, mentor, or sidekick, how they show up on the page shapes how your readers connect with them. So why waste the opportunity? Today, we’re talking about how to make your character’s first appearance unforgettable.

When you use it right, it gives your reader VIP access to your characters’ true hearts. The fears they hide. The doubts they wrestle with. The desires they bury. It's where the real story unfolds—not just in what happens, but in how your characters process what happens. If you’ve ever wanted to make your stories more emotional, more relatable, and more unforgettable, learning how to write inner monologues with authenticity is key. So let’s get into it.

Just like filmmakers did with the Back to the Future trilogy. The final moments of the first film flipped everything on its head: just as Marty settles back into normal life, Doc Brown returns with the unforgettable warning—“You’ve gotta come back with me! Back to the future!” In that moment, the hook was set. Cliffhangers like this don’t just drive sequels—they create legacy. In fact, the end of Part II launches us straight into Part III.

Friendships in fiction should be multifaceted, just like they are in real life. They can be loyal yet complicated, nurturing yet competitive, comforting yet confrontational. And when they’re written well, these relationships elevate your characters, deepen your plot, and move your readers. Let’s talk about how to write friendships that feel real, raw, and unforgettable.

A compelling villain doesn’t exist merely to “be bad.” They challenge your hero, force them to grow, and often embody the darkest mirror of the protagonist’s internal struggle. Villains are not obstacles—they are catalysts. If your readers remember your villain as vividly as your hero, you've done your job right.

This week’s Tony Tips Tuesdays™ dives into the nuanced art of writing characters who protect others but not themselves—and why they leave such an indelible impact on readers.