7 key elements of a Christian romance novel

Christian Romance

Becoming an author in the “fiction” space can be both challenging and rewarding. The most prolific writers typically focus on a specific genre, although some have been known to branch out and test other waters. If you’re thinking about trying your hand at a Christian romance novel, there are several key features you’ll want to … Read more

Use these 5 tips for writers to sharpen your manuscript

manuscript

You could probably scroll online for days when searching for resources to help improve your writing skills. Even if you learn from the best, however, as an author, you must ultimately be “true to yourself.” That is, you must discover your own uniqueness, writing style, means of telling a story that sets you apart from … Read more

Use beta readers before submitting your manuscript

beta readers

In the software development industry, products typically go through several phases before reaching their final status. Developers first create a prototype, which is a preliminary model that demonstrates the overall idea. They often refer to this as the “alpha” phase. At some point, before releasing a final version of a product, it passes through the … Read more

Testing the market for your latest book idea

Testing the market

As an author, you might be going about your everyday life when thoughts come to mind, laying the groundwork for your next (or first) novel. Such thoughts might be a bit vague or so detailed that you can see, smell and hear the story unfolding in your mind. Turning your latest book idea into a … Read more

Writing a funny story is easier said than done

funny

When you think about novels you’ve read, various genres may be relevant. Avid readers often tackle a broad spectrum, ranging from Sci-fi or fantasy to mystery, romance or historical fiction. It’s probably somewhat rare, however, to read novels that make you laugh out loud; don’t you think? Writing a funny story can be challenging.  Several … Read more

Authors can use social media as a marketing tool

social media

Your publisher can only do so much. Authors must always do the necessary leg work it takes to develop a strong presence online. There are numerous social media platforms that can serve as quality marketing tools. By determining which platforms best fit your needs, you can invest your time and energy wisely to grow a … Read more

These novels featured iconic deaths

deaths

Killing off a character (especially a protagonist or antagonist) is a challenge that many authors encounter. When you’re writing a story, you must fully develop each character in a way that makes readers feel connected to them. Determining who, if anyone, should die during a story can be a tricky process. You must also leave room … Read more

What inspires a fiction author?

fiction author

We’ve all heard about the dreaded writer’s block. Many of you reading this post have, perhaps, experienced it. Two words are imperative to becoming a successful fiction author: motivation and inspiration. A lack of either is a recipe for disaster when your goal is to create a new story.  A fiction author can find inspiration … Read more

5 challenges you might face as an author

challenges

Perhaps the wheels of your creative mind have been spinning, weaving a story that you think would make a great book. Maybe it’s not your first rodeo and you’ve taken this journey several times already, although no two writing experiences are the same.  Then again, this might be your maiden voyage—your testing-the-waters venture. Either way, you might … Read more

Use these exercises to boost writing skills

boost writing skills

There’s always room for improvement. This is a statement that is applicable to many aspects of life. It’s especially true regarding writing skills. Even the most prolific, best-selling authors can become better at their craft.  Writing skills are, for the most part, learned, although some authors seem to have inherent creativity and ability to write … Read more