Free Craft Guide
Freida McFadden's
The Intruder: A Novel Study Deep Dive
See how a #1 bestseller is built. A detailed craft study of Freida McFadden's The Intruder — the opening hook, an in-depth look at one chapter, and a structural analysis with 5 charts.
The Blue Garret Newsletter
The Blue Garret is my twice-monthly letter for fiction writers: craft and structure — including my Novel Study analyses — honest notes from the editing trenches, and encouragement to keep your own work alive. Plus a Thing of Joy in every issue, because we all need one. Come join us!
Browse by craft lens
I'm Kristen Tate — a developmental editor and the author of Novel Study, a close-reading project examining how contemporary novelists construct captivating fiction. I hold a PhD in English literature and work with writers at all stages, from first drafts to final polish.
Learn more about Novel Study and my editorial work at thebluegarret.com.