Would Writing a New James Bond Novel be a Dream or Nightmare?
By: Ginger | Posted on July 4, 2025
What author hasn’t dreamed of putting their own spin on a legendary franchise? For fans of James Bond, the idea of writing an official 007 novel feels like the ultimate honor—a chance to step into Ian Fleming’s iconic shoes and send Bond on a brand-new mission. But that dream might come with more pressure than perks. Between tangled timelines, sky-high reader expectations, and the weight of cultural legacy, writing a Bond novel becomes a creative challenge filled with potential pitfalls. That’s why, despite being a lifelong superfan, Ginger would hesitate to take on the task of writing a new James Bond novel. It’s a challenge that stretches far beyond plot or pacing. Working within such a well-established universe while staying true to your own voice comes with enormous roadblocks. Still, it’s a fascinating thought experiment for any writer to explore. What would it really take to craft a Bond story… Read More >
The Pros and Cons of Writing Fan Fiction
By: Ginger | Posted on June 27, 2025
Fan fiction is everywhere, from the depths of online archives to the origin stories of bestselling authors. While it can be a powerful way to practice your craft and build a fanbase, it also exists in a legal and creative gray area that every writer should understand. Fair use protections only go so far, as shown by a recent case involving a James Bond tribute that attracted unwanted attention from the copyright holder. Still, many franchises embrace the passion of their fans, and some writers have even turned early fan fiction into full-fledged careers. Like most creative shortcuts, though, writing in someone else’s universe comes with both rewards and risks. This week, Ginger explores how fan fiction can sharpen your skills, grow your audience, and even serve as a stepping stone into self-publishing. But only if you navigate it wisely. It’s a been a while since I’ve written a post… Read More >
How Season 2 of 1923 Became a Masterclass in Audience Betrayal
By: Ginger | Posted on June 20, 2025
Warning: This blog contains major spoilers for season 2 of 1923 (and season 1, for that matter). The first season of the Yellowstone spinoff prequel 1923 was a hit that audiences fell in love with, building on plot points and unspoken promises that had fans eager for its return. Unfortunately, instead of delivering a sweeping reunion, a long-awaited victory, and the emotional payoff everyone was waiting for, season 2 of 1923 gave us a slow unraveling of its most beloved characters, disconnected subplots, and a final twist that felt more like betrayal than tragedy. For authors, this is more than just frustrating television. It is a cautionary tale about what happens when a story breaks faith with its audience. In this week’s blog, Ginger unpacks the show’s missteps and how they undermined the unspoken contract between storyteller and reader. Mistakes like these risk more than bad reviews. They risk losing… Read More >
Campfire Stories As a Blueprint for Unforgettable Books
By: Ginger | Posted on June 13, 2025
What makes campfire stories so captivating? Aside from the atmosphere created by crackling flames and darkness held at bay by firelight, these stories grab our attention right away, hold us spellbound, and linger long after the last log burns out. These timeless storytelling techniques have thrilled listeners for generations and continue to shape the novels readers love most. From gripping openings to unforgettable endings, campfire stories follow a structure that speaks to something deep within us. In this week’s blog, Ginger breaks down those core elements and shows how they can serve as a blueprint for crafting fiction that sticks. Whether you’re revising your first draft or starting something new, this is a reminder of how powerful your storytelling can be when you tap into what has always worked. The other weekend, my wife and I escaped the stifling grind of suburban life for the rolling beauty of Belvidere, New… Read More >
Turning Inspiration Into Original Writing
By: Ginger | Posted on June 6, 2025
Most writers walk a line between influence and invention. What we grew up on, whether books, movies, or television shows, serve as creative fuel for both our conscious and subconscious mind. Just because a new book is inspired by a story from the past doesn’t mean it is inferior, or that the new work lacks originality. In this week’s blog, Ginger shares how his son’s Dragon Ball obsession recently sparked conversations about storytelling, creative “fixes,” and why influence is not the same as imitation. As Ginger explains, many of his own novels have been shaped by the iconic favorites of his youth. From anime and space operas to sword-wielding brutes, these inspirations helped form some of his most original ideas. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a single story to inspire generations of new ones, so instead of shying away from the stories that led you to writing in the… Read More >
Video Game TV Adaptations: Balancing Fidelity and Creativity
By: Ginger | Posted on May 30, 2025
Every author dreams of seeing their stories brought to life on screen, but the journey from page to production is full of creative risks. This is true no matter the medium the story starts in, but some formats bring more complexity than others. Consider the recent video game TV adaptations of HBO’s The Last of Us and Prime Video’s Fallout. Converting the interactive nature of a game loved by millions into a television show that must appeal not only to diehard fans but also to viewers unfamiliar with the source material brings a unique set of challenges. In this week’s blog, Ginger explores those two adaptations to examine what each one got right, and where they may have gone wrong. There is a delicate balance between honoring an original story and reshaping it for a new format. When done well, it can strengthen your bond with existing fans and draw… Read More >
The Art of Ambiguous Endings
By: Ginger | Posted on May 2, 2025
When done right, an ambiguous ending becomes the part of your story that readers talk about long after the final page. When done wrong, it can be maddening, risking not only reader frustration but also the kind of backlash that leads people to abandon your work or even warn others away. So why do these kinds of endings often lead to deeper emotional investment, more buzz, and greater loyalty? And how can you craft one that feels intentional and satisfying rather than confusing or disappointing? Those are exactly the questions Ginger explores in today’s blog, using real-world examples, practical techniques, and even a few cautionary tales. With tips on planting clues, maintaining the balance between mystery and resolution, and tailoring your ending to your genre and audience, this post is packed with actionable advice for any author ready to turn their final pages into powerful conversation starters. One of my favorite… Read More >
Mastering the Cliffhanger
By: Ginger | Posted on April 25, 2025
More than just a plot device, cliffhangers are a strategic storytelling tool that can turn casual readers into devoted fans. Whether used at the end of a chapter or in the final lines of a book, a well-placed cliffhanger fuels momentum, builds anticipation, and drives series read-through. When used effectively, they become one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal. In this week’s blog, Ginger explores a variety of ways authors can harness the power of cliffhangers in their writing. Drawing on examples from bestselling books across genres, he outlines practical techniques for crafting compelling hooks at both the chapter and series level. On top of that, he offers guidance on when cliffhangers work best, when they risk frustrating readers, and how to strike the perfect balance. If you’re aiming to deepen engagement and make your work truly unputdownable, mastering the art of the cliffhanger is essential. A… Read More >
What Wicked Can Teach Authors About Adaptation
By: Ginger | Posted on April 11, 2025
Many authors dream of seeing their books transformed into Broadway sensations or blockbuster films—but the journey from novel to script isn’t always smooth, or even successful. Even with industry interest, the adaptation process can be full of creative compromises, unexpected detours, and reinventions that risk losing the heart of the original story. That’s what makes Wicked such a fascinating case. Originally a novel, then a record-breaking musical, and now a critically acclaimed film, Wicked has thrived across a variety of adaptations. In today’s blog, Ginger digs into Wicked’s wildly successful evolution to uncover what it got so right, and what authors can learn from its journey. From story structure and thematic depth to the art of staying flexible while preserving your story’s core, Wicked offers authors a blueprint for crafting work that can leap off the page and come alive on stage or screen. I recently watched the Wicked movie… Read More >
Should Your Redeemed Villain Live or Die?
By: Ginger | Posted on April 4, 2025
There’s something irresistible about watching a character we once hated fight their way back to redemption. But not all former villains get to ride off into the sunset. Often, they’re still sacrificed for the good of the story. But whether they live or die is not determined by flipping a coin. As an author, it’s your job to weigh several key factors when deciding the ultimate ending for your reformed antagonist. In today’s blog, Ginger walks us through how to evaluate your villain’s past sins and redemption arc to strike the right balance between satisfying storytelling and reader expectations. From the severity of their actions to the motivations behind their transformation, he breaks down the essential elements that should guide the fate of your redeemed villain. Whether it’s Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Negan from The Walking Dead, I’m a sucker for a bad guy who eventually sides… Read More >
