April 
November is a highly competitive month for fiction authors. This time of the year is known as “Q4” or “the fourth quarter” in the publishing industry. Authors can gain an edge over competitors by adopting a “Christmas in July” strategy. Whether a current manuscript is specifically a Christmas novel or romance, mystery, fantasy, etc., isn’t … Read more
Comparing the writings of authors, such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain or Nathaniel Hawthorne to writers of today like John Grisham, Freida McFadden and Cara Bastone might seem like comparing apples to oranges. As with fashion, music and other industries that change with the times, writing has evolved (or, as some critics would say, “devolved”) … Read more
Prior to sending your novel to a publisher, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure it has achieved its full potential. The best means for doing so is to use beta readers and professional editors. Don’t even think about submitting a manuscript until you’ve completed a thorough edit and revision—preferably, more than … Read more
Is it possible to earn a decent living as an author without hitting the best-seller list? Yes, it is, if you’re good at what you do. If you’re a prolific author and consistently provide quality material for your readers, you can build a loyal fan base even if your name isn’t in the Top Five … Read more
Have you ever been excited to read a book, then disappointed by the time you finished it? You felt let down, like something was missing. You determine that the author didn’t focus on character development. This is a big mistake, one that inexperienced writers often make. Character development should be a top priority for fiction … Read more
With a background that includes earning a degree in Philosophy and teaching English in Thailand, Thomas R. Britten is also a husband and father of three. In addition to his studies and work in a secular environment, Britten spends a lot of his time preparing sermons for his congregation as a Protestant pastor. He has … Read more
Some authors churn out book after book. Others write one best-seller that stands the test of time. Either way, every story begins with inspiration. Someone or something is going to spark the idea that leads to your next novel. What or who will it be? While some ideas arise in a sudden or unexpected manner, you … Read more
If you were to interview the most prolific authors of all time, you’d no doubt discover that many of them have unique routines and tips to share with budding authors. What works for one writer, however, may not be a good fit for another. For example, Kurt Vonnegut (who was, perhaps, not as prolific as … Read more
Storytelling has and always will be an integral component of the human condition. The oldest surviving written tale comes from Mesopotamia, 2100 B.C., entitled, “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” This is widely considered the world’s first narrative. Since then, millions of books, translated into many different languages, have captivated readers throughout the world. Stories shape lives even when (or, perhaps, especially when) … Read more
If you’re considering becoming an author, one of many decisions you’ll make is to determine a genre. While some authors create stories in multiple book categories, prolific writers (especially those with best-sellers) typically establish a chosen genre as part of their brand. It’s helpful to analyze market data when choosing what types of stories you’re … Read more