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Martha L. Thurston
Martha L. Thurston
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Martha L. Thurston

Month: June 2026

Writing pencil and sharpener on notebook page

Why First Drafts Are Supposed to Be Messy

Posted on June 30, 2026June 29, 2026 By marthathurston

There is something intimidating about a blank page. Before a single word is written, the story feels perfect in your head. The characters are vivid. The scenes are emotional. The dialogue sounds natural. The plot makes sense. Then you sit down to write, and somehow the beautiful idea in your…

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Writing a couple of people standing in front of a wall

The Difference Between Plot-Driven and Character-Driven Stories

Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 By marthathurston

Every story needs two important things: something that happens and someone it happens to. That sounds simple, but writers often hear stories described as either plot-driven or character-driven, and the difference can feel confusing at first. Does a plot-driven story still need strong characters? Does a character-driven story still need…

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Behind the Scenes woman reading book

Behind the Scenes: Inspiration for Cole in Stealing Home

Posted on June 24, 2026June 24, 2026 By marthathurston

When I first came up with the idea for Stealing Home, I wasn’t quite sure all of the dynamics for the story. Despite the fact that I had these two characters who were drawn to one another with one having faced a traumatic injury, it still didn’t fit what I…

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How to Gain Confidence as a New Writer

Posted on June 23, 2026June 22, 2026 By marthathurston

Starting out as a writer can feel exciting, intimidating, and overwhelming all at the same time. You may have story ideas, blog post topics, or book dreams sitting in your mind, but the moment you try to put them on the page, doubt creeps in. “What if this isn’t good…

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How to Create Characters Readers Actually Care About

Posted on June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 By marthathurston

A great plot may get readers to open a book, but great characters are what keep them turning pages. Readers do not need every character to be perfect. In fact, they usually prefer the opposite. They want characters who feel real, make mistakes, want something badly, and have something to…

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Writing pink heart lights decors

10 Romance Tropes Readers Never Get Tired Of

Posted on June 19, 2026June 18, 2026 By marthathurston

Romance readers may love fresh characters, unique settings, and unexpected twists, but there are certain tropes they return to again and again. A well-loved romance trope is not a shortcut or a cliché when it is written with heart. It is a promise. Readers know the emotional journey they are…

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New Releases

Stealing Home Launch Date Set

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 By marthathurston

My latest book will launch Friday, June 19th! I’m so excited! Yesterday, I almost tackled the delivery guy when he arrived with my box of proof copies. I waited by the door in anticipation to see my latest book arrive in all her glory. When I opened the box, I…

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Writing yellow crumpled papers

What to Do When You Think Your Writing Isn’t Good Enough

Posted on June 16, 2026June 14, 2026 By marthathurston

Every writer has had the thought at some point: What if my writing just isn’t good enough? Maybe you reread a chapter and all you can see are awkward sentences. Maybe you compare your draft to a published book and feel like you will never measure up. Maybe you have…

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Writing person reading book on brown and beige textile

10 Ways to Make Your Opening Chapter More Compelling

Posted on June 15, 2026June 14, 2026 By marthathurston

Your opening chapter has one major job: make the reader want to turn the page. It does not have to explain everything. It does not have to introduce every character, every backstory detail, or every piece of worldbuilding. In fact, trying to do too much too soon can slow the…

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Writing silhouette of man and woman during sunset

How to Write a Paranormal Romance Readers Will Love

Posted on June 12, 2026June 11, 2026 By marthathurston

Paranormal romance is one of those genres that gives writers the best of both worlds. You get the emotional pull of romance, the danger and mystery of fantasy, and the freedom to create a world where anything is possible. Werewolves, vampires, witches, ghosts, fae, demons, angels, shifters, psychics, cursed bloodlines,…

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Recent Posts

  • 15 Common Plot Holes and How to Fix Them
  • How to Write a Slow Burn Romance Readers Cannot Put Down
  • BTS Wednesday: How I choose character names
  • How to Keep Writing When No One is Reading Yet
  • Books to read if you love romance

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