The Craft of Writing : Should Writers Use a Pen Name?
If you’ve spent any time around writers, you’ve probably heard the question more than once. “Should I publish under my real name, or should I use a pen name?̶
The Craft of Screenwriting: The Rewrite Is the Writing
One of the most dangerous lies new writers tell themselves is that finishing the first draft means the hard part is over. In reality, the first draft is usually where the real work
The Craft of Screenwriting – The False Choice Between Character and Plot
One of the most common debates in storytelling is the argument between character and plot. Writers often ask which matters more, as if the two are separate forces competing for con
The Craft of Writing: Why Your Title Matters
Most writers spend enormous amounts of time worrying about plot, character, dialogue, and structure, yet many treat the title of their story like an afterthought. They finish the s
The Craft of Writing – Scene Tension: Why Some Pages Feel Alive
One of the most common problems in early drafts—whether in novels or screenplays—is not bad dialogue, weak description, or even poor structure. It is the absence of tension. Th
John Risner
John Morgan Risner is a screenwriter, novelist, and story analyst, and the founder of Screen Writer Ink. With over a decade of experience teaching screenwriting and filmmaking at the university level, he has helped writers develop stronger stories through a focus on character, structure, and cinematic storytelling. His work spans multiple genres, including thriller, horror, and mystery, with an emphasis on character-driven narratives. He is also a film historian with a deep knowledge of classic and modern cinema, including the James Bond films and novels. Through Screen Writer Ink, he provides writers with practical, experience-based insight into the craft of storytelling—helping them move beyond theory and write with clarity, purpose, and control.
