Chances are, you’re not the only character in your book. Here’s what every memoir writer needs to know about invasion of privacy, defamation and the law.
Brian Klems’ The Writer’s Dig
11 Tricks and Mythbusters of Writing
When it comes to writing, like all writers, I’m learning as I go. I was working on White Collar Girl, my fourth novel, I became aware of few crucial things. Let’s just say I debunked some popular writing myths and have learned some valuable tricks that I’d like to now pass along.
How Being a Journalist Can Help You Write a Novel
Whenever I pitched my book to an agent, I was always quick to point out I’d been a reporter for almost two decades. They’d have to take me somewhat seriously because everyone knows journalists can write. Right? If only that were true.
Crafting Action For Thrillers
Hi All! Barbara Poelle again….remember yesterday how I was salivating for a new thriller author? I asked my author Nick Petrie (THE DRIFTER, Putnam, out this week!) how he hooked me in…here’s what he had to say. About Nicholas Petrie: He received his MFA in fiction from the University of Washington, won a Hopwood...
Pitch Now: Agent Barbara Poelle Seeks Thrills
I am hoping that 2016 brings me that pulse pounding plot without using words like CIA, Hezbollah or North Korea. I am craaaaving a more … hmm, personal plot? Here's what I'm looking for.
7 Steps to Creating a Flexible Outline for Any Story
Mention the word outline in a room full of writers, and you’re sure to ignite a firestorm of passionate debate. Writers either love outlines, or they hate them. We either find them liberating, or we can’t stand how confining they are. Let’s take a look at how to get the most out of the...
Pulpwood Queen Kathy L. Murphy Offers Tips on Beauty, Books & More
The Pulpwood Queen & Timber Guys Book Club is the largest meeting and discussing book club in the world. I first met its founder, Kathy Murphy, at her annual Girlfriend Weekend in January 2015, where tiaras, pink feathered boas and costumes are required (yes, that’s me in the pic, dressed as Scarlett, with Kathy,...
How to Create a Professional Press Kit in 8 Easy Steps
Every press kit requires 8 main parts. Here's what to include and how to put it all together in a professional way.
9 Ways to Stop Your Novel from Stalling
Take an honest look at the real reasons our stories can stall—and discover 9 simple strategies to help you make it to “The End.”
10 Habits of Highly Effective Writers
Here are the good habits you should develop and add in your writing life if you want to find success.
Don’t Let Research Overload Get in the Way of Your Story
I believe in writing my thrillers in having an inseparable trinity of Character, Research and Plot. And I have put them deliberately in what I consider to be their order of importance: This guest post is by Peter James. James is the #1 international bestselling author of the Roy Grace series, with more than...
The Big Lie of Age and Writing
The message is loud and clear: youth has value but life is basically over in old age. It’s in the preponderance of youth in television shows, movies, on magazine covers and advertisements. And it teaches us to fear aging. It is a lie.
When Should You Send Holiday-Themed Queries?
Magazines are always looking for holiday-themed articles. But if you pitch your idea too late, you won't get it published. Here's what you need to know when querying magazine editors your holiday-themed articles.
8 Tips to Writing Unreliable Narrators
Unreliable narrators have been admired by readers and writer alike since Holden Caulfield set the gold standard—and they’re more popular than ever in today’s bestsellers. Here are 8 reliable ways to make your characters just unreliable enough to keep readers guessing.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Author Website
Your online home is your single most important tool for promoting yourself and your work. Here’s how to start today and build for tomorrow.
How to Guarantee that You Stick to Your Writing Schedule (Yes, Drill Sergeant!)
Listen here, punks! Discipline is the only way anybody ever accomplishes anything. Let these 7 tips guide you to sticking to your daily writing routine.
Author Carla Stewart Discusses the Christian/Inspirational Fiction Market
Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by as depicted in her first highly-acclaimed novel, Chasing Lilacs. Here she talks about the evolving Christian/Inspirational fiction market where she's found success.
Bring Diversity to Your Publishing—and to Your Bookshelf
Editor’s Note: The discussion of diversity in publishing has been ongoing for decades. Some authors take issue with their books being categorized as “African-American Literature,” “Women’s Fiction” or “LGBTQ” (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer). Others don’t object to the labels, but decry the difficulty of breaking in when publishers identify your readership as “niche.”...
Science Fiction Writing: It’s About the Fiction Not the Science
The single biggest trap of writing science fiction is focusing on the science, not the fiction. Here's how to avoid that trap.
How to Write What You Know – And Then Change the Story
A popular school of thought in writing is to write what you know. What if your life story isn’t nearly exciting enough to create an entire novel? Here's how to get creative.
9 Practical Tricks for Writing Your First Novel
Whether you're writing your first novel or are struggling with completing a second one (or more), sometimes you need some help focusing and figuring out how to reach your goal. Use these 9 tricks to help you go from first sentence all the way to completed novel.
How Long Does It Take To Write A Novel?
Between plotting, drafting time and editing time, you'll be surprised what the answer is.
How to Find and Approach Your Dream Agent Live Webinar By Adriann Ranta
In this live 90-minute webinar literary agent Adriann Ranta will present resources and tips for authors on narrowing down their field of agents to query, prioritizing what they want from their representation and how to ask for it. Plus, Adriann will critique your one-page query letter! It all happens at 1 p.m., EST, Thursday,...
10 Reasons Why Freelance Writers Shouldn’t Use Autocorrect on Mobile Gadgets
I strongly recommend bloggers to turn off the autocorrect on your phone. And here are 10 reasons to assure you.
6 Ways Standup Can Make You a Better Writer
The world of serious writing, fiction or nonfiction, may seem a long way from the rough and tumble world of comedy clubs, especially if you don’t consider yourself a “humorist.” Yet looking back, I could never have written 7 non-fiction books and my first novel without the lessons I learned telling jokes to drunks...