Do you use these time idioms?

idioms

An idiom is basically a string of words or phrases that have been colloquially established to have a certain meaning that cannot really be defined by the individual words being used. For example, if you were to say that it is “raining cats and dogs” outside today, most people would understand that you mean the … Read more

Author with dyslexia writes award winner

dyslexia

A newcomer to the fiction industry, Lisa Mathis, just took home the silver medal at the 2023 Book Fest Awards. Her thriller, “The Body Auction,” is taking the market by storm. Since Vertu Publishing made Lisa’s book available to the public, readers have been posting rave reviews. In addition to being proud of having a … Read more

Can colors evoke emotions in readers? 

colors

Color psychology is the study of colors in connection with human emotions. Have you ever noticed that looking at certain colors makes you feel a particular way? Not only do studies show that colors can affect emotions, there’s also evidence that various issues, such as your age or cultural background, may have an impact on … Read more

3 podcasts to help new authors

podcasts

If you’re new to writing, it’s helpful to discuss the topic with others. Talking about writing with other new writers, as well as those with more experience, provides fresh insights and perspectives that can help you improve your skills. In addition to having in-person conversations about writing, you can tap into other resources, as well. … Read more

This post is for crappy spellers

crappy spellers

There’s an old joke that writers don’t need to be able to spell words correctly because that’s what editors are for. Many people are highly skilled at writing and are well-read but can’t spell to save their own lives. If you’re a crappy speller, this post is for you. First, you’re in good company. Lots … Read more

Checklist before submitting to a lit mag

submitting

Many publications feature collections of writings, such as short stories, essays and poems. Some include author profiles, interviews, critiques or biographies. The colloquial term for this type of publication is ”lit mag,” which is short for ”literary magazine.” You might also hear a lit mag referred to as a ”literary journal.”  The first magazine of … Read more

Best-selling author shares lessons learned

lessons learned

Nobody likes rejection, especially writers. Still, it is highly unlikely that an individual (and again, especially a writer) will go through an entire lifetime without experiencing it, in some form or another. Brendon Burchard, a best-selling author who wrote, ”The Motivation Manifesto,” says that he learned six of his most important lessons about writing and life after … Read more

Inspiration for stories—where can you find it?

inspiration

Some writers are gifted with imaginations that are almost always in overdrive. There is never a shortage of ideas for new characters and plots in their minds. Most writers, however, need some inspiration for stories, once in a while. They need something to ignite the initial spark, which starts that gentle glimmer, like a warm … Read more

What are people buying and reading these days?

buying

If your goal is to eke out a living as a writer, one of the decisions you must make is whether a particular genre will be the central focus of your work. Advanced technology enables a consumer to purchase a book at a click without ever having to leave home. Some folks still enjoy browsing … Read more