Famous authors weigh in on writer’s block

writer's block

If you’ve been active in the creative writing process for a significant length of time (perhaps longer than one year), you’ve no doubt encountered challenges in generating new ideas. You may have even experienced times when you sit staring at your computer screen for what feels like an eternity and not a single idea comes … Read more

What does it mean to be a prolific writer?

writer

You’ve heard it said that the first thing you must do to become a writer is write. While it may sound cliché, it’s also true. You’ll never “become a writer” if you don’t write and write often. For those who hope to earn a living as an author, the goal is to be prolific. Think in … Read more

Will AI put authors and writers out of a job?

writers

There’s nothing anyone can do to stop progress in the modern world. In recent decades, great strides have been made to boost advanced technology in ways that our forefathers could never have imagined. A top-trending issue right now is AI, which stands for “artificial intelligence.” AI is basically computer-generated or computer-controlled robotics that enable machines … Read more

Will your book make the library criteria cut?

library

Modern-day readers have many options to purchase or acquire books. From brick-and-mortar bookstores to online shopping, yard sales and more, there is no shortage of ways to get books. Another popular means of acquiring books to read is to go to a public library. If you’re an author, your initial thought might be, “Why should … Read more

Readers do judge a book by its cover

book cover

A recent survey revealed that more than half of the people who read hard-copy books make their purchase choices based on jacket design. Remember when you were growing up and adults would instruct you to “never judge a book by its cover”? Well, they were definitely speaking figuratively, because in the literal sense, it appears that that’s … Read more

Why reading books in print needs to stay

books

Advanced technology has changed the world in many ways, especially regarding daily life routines. Many gadgets and systems and programs exist to add speed and convenience to everyday tasks. In fact, people can buy “smart” homes now! Modern living includes many people having almost non-stop schedules. They complain that they don’t have time to do … Read more

Should you use a pseudonym as an author?

Pseudonym

If someone asks you who J.K. Rowling is, you will undoubtedly know that she’s the author of the Harry Potter series. However, if someone were to ask you who Robert Galbraith is, would you know the answer to that question? If you have read, “The Cuckoo’s Calling” or “The Ink Black Heart,” you might recall … Read more

Format properly before submitting for publishing

format

If you want a publisher to consider your manuscript, there are several issues to keep in mind before submitting your work. Many publishers have certain requirements that must be met before they will agree to review your manuscript. For instance, Vertu Publishing uses specific guidelines for writers to ensure that their manuscripts are in proper … Read more

Your writing will be clearer if you do these 3 things

writing

Have you ever read a book, report or other piece of literature only to feel you have no clue what the author was talking about? You may read the same lines over and over asking yourself, “Okay, wait. What is he/she trying to say here?” Another frustrating reading experience occurs when you understand what the … Read more

The 4 primary elements of a good query letter

query letter

If you’re trying to get a publisher to accept your manuscript, then you’re a salesperson, as well as a writer. Think of the door-to-door salesmen of the past. They had products to push and a well-rehearsed spiel to help them get the job done. As a writer, your “spiel” is your query letter—the letter you … Read more