Jorge Luis Borges once said that art is fire plus algebra. Fire drives us to tell stories. Algebra makes them work. But each of them engages a different part of the brain. So we often get stuck or start to spin in circles, unknowingly sabotaging our process while trying to fix a problem.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. In fact, writing can be fun, and your process can work with, not against you and your story.

All it takes is courage to try something different.

Hi, I’m Karmen H. Spiljak. Award-winning author. Developmental editor. Author Accelerator-certified book coach for fiction and a contributor to Jane Friedman’s blog. I’m also a story engineer who is passionate about stories that spark change.

My favourite stories include Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, George Orwell’s 1984, Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, and Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic. But change isn’t always big or loud. It happens quietly between the page and the reader, or the page and the writer. And it never happens by accident.

I created Story Allegiance because I believe in a ‘story first’ principle. As storytellers, we pledge our allegiance to the story and leave our egos behind.

I love working with writers who want to tell impactful stories and are ready to work hard.

Got the fire? I’ll bring the algebra. Let’s build something that lasts.

Together, we’ll:

• Clarify what your story is really about (and why it matters to you).
• Shape a powerful emotional core that will engage the reader.
• Identify your strengths as a writer and work on your challenges.
• Find out what’s working, what isn’t, and how to revise it.
• Build your confidence alongside your craft.
• Finish a publishable story you’re proud of

We’d be a great fit if…

• You’re serious about writing and see it as part of your future.
• You’re done with letting doubt and fear run the show.
• You want honest, constructive feedback that will help you grow as a writer and draft the best story you can.
• You believe the world is better without cruelty or bigotry, and want your stories to reflect that without preaching.
• You’re ready to try something different.
• You want a framework without formulas or templates.

And let’s be honest, probably not a fit if…

• Your story promotes hate, animal cruelty, or bigotry.
• You’re only here for compliments, not growth.
• You’re unwilling to revise deeply or explore the magical heart of your story.
• You’re only interested in quick fixes and shortcuts.You want someone else to write the story for you.

When you work with me, you get:

• A story strategist who understands the neuroscience behind story and how to write with emotional impact.
• A structured story-first approach that uses Jennie Nash’s Blueprint method.
• A creative partner who will brainstorm with you around plot holes and provide ideas when needed.
• Honest, high-level feedback with detailed markup comments that show what works, what doesn’t, and why, and illustrate how to fix it.
• A structured, empathic process to take you from a murky manuscript to a pitch-ready draft.
• A safe space where your confidence can grow alongside your story and where you rediscover joy in your writing.

I believe stories can change lives. If you’re ready to stop spinning and honour your creative spark, I’ve got your back.

Your next step

If you’re not sure where to start, have a look at my freebie ‘Story Pulse’. This tool is derived from Jennie Nash’s Blueprint Method, and it’ll help you get clarity on your story’s foundations.

[Download the guide]