The Importance of Story Setting For Writers
A simple setting, but one that pulls readers in, makes them want to be part of your story and actually resonates in their soul. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
6 Golden Rules of Writing Middle Grade
How can you—a grown-up (gasp!)—effectively write the middle-grade voice? Here's how.
Why Facebook Is My Dream Publicist
Like a dream book publicist, Facebook has helped me in many ways. Here's how it can help you as a writer.
Tips for Creating Voice in Your Writing
Here are a few things to consider if you’re looking to write a story with a strong voice.
How to Succeed as a Female Writer in TV & Film
Being a writer in TV and film is difficult as is, but being a female writer throws and extra wrinkle in things. Here's how to find success in the challenging screenwriting world.
The Difference Between Character Habits And Quirks
What exactly is the difference between behaviors, habits, mannerisms and quirks? Read on to learn the subtle (yet important) differences between them.
Rewriting the 7 Rules of Dialogue
Understand why and how to break these 7 common rules about writing dialogue, and you’ll write more effective, nuanced and engaging character conversations.
The 8 Perks of Writing a Column
Editors are always looking for knowledgeable, entertaining, dependable freelance columnists to fill their ever-recurring white space. Become one and enjoy these potential perks.
A Plotter’s Roadmap to NaNoWriMo
I envy pantsers, I really do. But for those of us who need to plot, I have tips on how to do that while still having fun with the month-long writing crazy of NaNoWriMo.
9 Tips and Strategies for Promoting Your Book Locally
There are so many ways to get the word out about your book starting with your own community. Here are a number of strategies for you to use to promote your book.
5 Writing Tips to Creating a Page Turner
Nothing (other than fame and glory) makes an author happier than hearing from a reader who couldn’t put down their book. So what makes readers skip going to bed when they should and instead decide, Just one more chapter? My agent, Barbara Poelle, and I decided to sit down and distill...
Writing Fantasy: How to Write Fresh When Following a Recipe
How do you entice readers to try out a new world when everyone already loves the old one? Why start from scratch when the recipe works?
5 Reasons We Need More New Age Fiction
You’d think New Age Fiction would be overflowing with titles. But it’s not. This makes no sense. Here’s why:
What It’s Like to Land a Book Deal
From the moment you touch fingers to keyboard or pen to paper, you dream of this moment. Here's what it's like when it finally happens.
How to Stay Sane When Writing About Dark Topics In Thriller and Mystery Novels
I’ve been asked how I separate myself from writing such dark themes after living in my villain’s head for months? It’s not easy. But here's how to do it.
The 5 Biggest Fiction Writing Mistakes (& How to Fix Them)
Start your revision by addressing these, and you'll immediately change your story for the better.
7 Surprising Things I Learned Self-Publishing a Book
Learning how much goes into writing, producing, and launching a self-published book that looks pro and gets attention was an eye-opening experience. Here are the top 7 facts you should know.
6 Questions Writers Must Answer When Writing Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you go about the task of "world-editing" in the early stages of an urban fantasy, paranormal, or near-future science fiction story.
The Four ‘R’s of Writing Characters of the Opposite Gender
As a female writer, it's tough to create powerful male narrators. To do it you have to do a lot of preparation. Here are four methods to help simplify the process for you.
Why You Shouldn’t Censor Yourself When Writing
It took one great professor (and one semi-explicit story) to teach me one of the best lessons I ever learned as a writer. Here's why you shouldn't censor your writing.
Do I Need A Publicity Firm For My Book?
Here are the six steps you should consider when selecting the right publicity firm for you.
6 Ways To Tell the Difference Between a Supportive and Toxic Writer
Being a writer is challenging and competitive, time-consuming and exhausting. The last thing you need is negativity. Here's how to surround yourself by supportive people.
Indie Dystopian Novelist Amira Makansi Shares Her Secrets to Self-Published Success
Learn how this mother-daughters writing team found success self-publishing their work.
What Every Writer Needs to Know about Keeping a Personal Diary
Put aside any thought of a little pink diary with Hello Kitty on the cover, secured by a lock that can be jimmied with a toothpick. I’m here to talk about why keeping diary may hold the key to achieving a meaningful adult life. It’s a realization I came to not...