When a character hides their true intentions, the narrative immediately gains something invaluable—mystery, emotional complexity, suspense, and dramatic weight. But here’s a truth that many writers learn through trial and error: you can’t simply tell readers a character is hiding something.

Today on Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re diving into the art of subtext in dialogue, and because today marks the 10th day of Women’s History Month, we’ll also spotlight a woman whose courage carried powerful meaning beneath the surface of her words. Because sometimes what someone chooses not to say directly becomes the most powerful message of all.

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.