Avoid a lawsuit if a fictional character is based on a real person

fictional character

Career authors are typically observant. They like to people-watch. Their real-life experiences, including people they know or meet, often inspire new stories and characters for their books. It’s logical to assume that you’ve read fictional stories containing people, places or events based on an author’s reality.  Slander and libel are both forms of defamation. The … Read more

4 spiritual issues for Christian fiction authors 

spiritual issues

As a general topic of discussion, Christianity is highly complex. The possibilities are seemingly endless insofar as topics that can stir conversation or debate. If you’re hoping to become an author in the Christian fiction space, you must incorporate spiritual issues into your stories. At some point, one or more of your characters will no … Read more

Here’s your Vertu Publishing submission checklist

checklist

If you’re hoping to become an author in the Christian fiction genre, you might be exploring options for a publisher. Most best-selling authors encourage new writers to forge ahead and stick to their goals when the rejection slips start arriving. To improve your chances, remember that each company has its own requirements. For example, if … Read more

7 signs that becoming an author is a good fit for you

author

If you’ve been wondering whether you’ve “got what it takes” to be a successful writer (meaning, to earn a lucrative income from the craft), there are several issues that demonstrate aptitude. For example, if you’ve always disliked reading or writing, this might not be the industry for you. Becoming an author doesn’t necessarily require being … Read more

5 writing warm-ups help authors spark creativity

writing warm-ups

Professional singers do it all the time. Before taking the stage, they run through a series of pre-performance voice exercises. Athletes, especially runners, do the same. They stretch and perform numerous exercises to loosen their muscles, raise their heart rate and psych themselves up for their event. Authors can do this as well. In fact, … Read more

Keep these 5 tips in mind when you write your first book

first book

Millions of people dream of becoming a published author. For some, the dream began in early childhood and has grown with them to adulthood. Others are struck by the realization later in life that they might want to try writing as a profession. “Taking the plunge” or “stepping out into the deep” takes courage.  If you’re … Read more

Should Christian fiction authors repeat themes and phrases?

repeat themes

If you’re an avid reader, you no doubt have several favorite authors. You might also have a favorite genre. For example, do you typically gravitate toward Christian fiction or romance novels or thrillers? (Sometimes, all three of these topics can be found in one story!) As you become familiar with a specific author’s work, you … Read more

Why does Stephen King hate adverbs?

stephen king

Truth be told, we don’t really (Oops, there’s one!) know if he does. The prolific dark fantasy, sci-fi, suspense-thriller author is credited with a whimsical quote about this part of speech. Stephen King is said to have quipped that “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”  Stephen King isn’t the only icon, editor or … Read more

(Almost) anyone can become a writer

writer

Most people consider the writing process as a creative function. This is true even for non-fiction topics. You might say that someone was “born to sing” or “born to act on stage” because he or she seems to perform effortlessly. Many people say similar things about authors. Have you read a book and thought, “Wow! … Read more

Authors, avoid these 3 Christian fiction mistakes

Christian fiction

When you realized that you could combine your deep faith and walk with Christ with your writing skills and ability to earn a living, you no doubt found it a cause for celebration. You’ve always wanted to write books and have also always wanted to share your faith with others. Writing Christian fiction enables you … Read more