Behind the Pages
Writing life, dark worlds, stubborn characters, publishing chaos, and everything that happens between the first sentence and the finished book.
-
The Silence in This Scene Is Getting Loud
An unanswered question can change an entire scene. Anna Gerard explores writing silence in dialogue, meaningful pauses, and characters who refuse to explain.
-
The Weather in My Fantasy World Has an Agenda
Rain can do more than announce a sad scene. A funny look at weather in fantasy writing, inconvenient journeys, and characters whose plans need a coat.
-
My Bookmark Is an Optimist. I Am a Mood Reader.
The reading plan has excellent intentions. Your brain wants something else. A warm, funny look at mood reading, comfort rereads, and changing your mind.
-
My Villain Has Excellent Manners. That’s the Problem.
A gracious voice can hide a terrible choice. Anna Gerard explores writing polite villains whose courtesy makes control, conflict, and refusal more unsettling.
-
A Protective Character Still Has to Listen
A dramatic rescue is only part of the story. Anna Gerard explores writing protective characters who respect choices, listen, and know when to step back.
-
Recommending My Favorite Book Makes Me Sound Deeply Suspicious
The story is emotionally beautiful. The plot summary sounds alarming. A funny look at explaining a favorite book, fictional crushes, and finding the right reader.
-
My Characters Can Keep Secrets. The Reader Still Needs a Map.
Secrets create suspense when readers understand what is at stake. On giving mystery a shape, respecting viewpoint, and making the reveal change something.
-
The Scene Was Beautiful. It Still Had to Go.
A favorite scene can be beautifully written and still slow the story down. On cutting repetition, protecting quiet moments, and saving the part that matters.
-
My Characters Have Terrible Timing
An interrupted confession can reveal a relationship—or just delay the plot. On writing interruptions that matter and finally letting characters finish the sentence.