It can be really helpful to write down a list of questions for your readers to answer about your piece. Like,

• Did they find your story exciting, or did they fall asleep reading it?
• Did they solve the mystery before your detective had a chance?

Also, set a deadline. ...

33. Turn into a word processor

• Change self-limiting vocabulary like "have to" to "choose to."

34. Program your biocomputer

• Control what information you take in. Garbage in, garbage out.

35. Open your p...

When Holmes first met Dr. Watson, his soon to be partner in solving crimes, the detective deduced his personal history from his appearance.

Holmes sees his new acquaintance's symptoms of tropics, sickness, and injury, and is able to see how they fit together and offhand claim: "You have bee...