April

As we ring in a new year, many of us set goals, which may include things we hope to accomplish in our careers, finances, relationships or personal lives. As opposed to a bucket list, which often features things we hope to do before we die, the goals we set for a new year are often … Read more

If you submit a fiction novel manuscript to a publisher and haven’t fully developed your characters, chances are you will receive a rejection notice. Great writers understand that characters in a fiction novel must be relatable so their readers will feel connected and willing to invest their time reading the whole story.  A fully developed … Read more

If you call to mind stories like “The Great Gatsby,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” or “Crime and Punishment,” you might remember your literature teacher assigning these books in high school. Perhaps you’ve read them more than once. These novels fall under a category known as “classic literature.”  What makes a specific book a classic … Read more

If you were the type of student who enjoyed English classes in elementary school, you may recall learning about adverbs. These words often end in “ly” (but not always, so be careful!), and their purpose is to modify adjectives, verbs or other adverbs. They do this by expressing manner, degree, place, time or frequency. In … Read more

If you’ve been wanting to restore the traditional practice of family read-aloud time, then the Christmas season is the perfect time to start. If you have children in various age groups in your family, you can choose selections accordingly, something simple and full of beautiful illustrations for the younger kids, followed by some longer chapter … Read more

We all take advantage of advanced technology in our daily lives. Computers, the internet, Bluetooth and more, are valuable tools that add convenience and support to our work and home life. Such tools help millions of people, including authors, to generate income. Living in a modern world doesn’t negate the value of books and, more … Read more

As a fiction author, you step into a world of make believe every time you sit down to write. Creative thinking is a key to success in the fiction space. Speaking of spaces, you should have a unique space set aside at home that is only used for writing. Its location and style are your choice, and … Read more

Whether you have always aspired to become an author or people have suggested that you write a book, you may have finally decided to act. Either way, if you’re new to the writing industry but hope to have a book published, there are several key issues to keep in mind.  While there are industry standards, … Read more

Whether you’re just starting out or have been earning a living in the writing industry for years, you have no doubt encountered challenges along your journey. Maybe you’ve been hit hard by writer’s block or have received 10, 20 or more rejections on a manuscript you believe in with all your heart. As in all … Read more

When you want to lead your readers on a suspenseful journey, your story must satisfy their curiosity, as well as their need for closure; unless, of course, you plan on writing a series and wish to end with a cliffhanger. The best mysteries typically include a protagonist and antagonist—which are basically a hero and a … Read more