by Kate M. Colby Have you ever felt super-motivated to write, learn a new recipe, clean out your closet, etc. at the most inconvenient time, only to completely lose all motivation when you finally have a free moment? Yeah, me too. So, how do you reclaim that burst of inspiration when you have… Read More Five Ways to Hang Onto Motivation
by Cassie Newell It’s interesting how names come about in literature and other facets of life. Do you ever wonder how names come about in writing and whatnot? I read an interesting fact today. It was about how Clark Kent came to be Superman. If you know me very well, you know I… Read More What’s In a Name? More Than You Think
by Sarah from Paper, Words, and Coffee Picture it. Your favorite character slowly circles an enemy, sword drawn. The reader is frozen in anticipation. This is it; the beginning of another epic fight scene that will have them sitting on the edge of their seat, chewing their nails, completely oblivious to reality. There… Read More How To Write a Great Fight Scene
by J.U. Scribe Have you ever felt burnt out? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt that way. As an introvert it doesn’t take much to burn out. Sustained interaction with co-workers, family members and the general public day in and day out can drain us out. Add that to the grind… Read More Why Writers Need To Recharge
by Larry Kahaner Dear Author: Thanks for sending us your manuscript. The plot is unique, the characters are compelling and the writing is top notch. It’s one of the best books we’ve ever read. Unfortunately, it’s not right for us. Best Regards, The Publisher What the…?
by Chelsea Particularly not, but considering the fact that almost every teenage girl can connect with Dessen’s stories, it makes us feel like anyone can write a good young adult novel as long as you can relate. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not discrediting this woman: she’s incredibly smart and I’m impressed that she… Read More Can Everyone Write a YA Novel?
by S.E. Jones I like analysing things. I don’t think there are any particular rules that have to be followed in fiction, but I think understanding the effect things have on the reader is very useful. I think understanding that promises are made to the reader, that satisfaction is sought, and that particular things… Read More What You’re Promising By Writing a Novella
by L. G. Estrella Adjectives are wonderful words. A few well-used adjectives can add spice to a passage of writing. However, a few poorly used adjectives can lead to disaster, and two of the easiest ways to misuse adjectives are to either use too many or to use adjectives that are just over… Read More Using Adjectives (Less is More)
by Suzanne Purkins Today, I thought it would be fun to talk about what makes a fictional character believable. It’s easy to describe what a character looks like and give her/him/it a cool name. But how do you make your readers care about what happens to that character? What’s the secret to bringing… Read More How to Develop Realistic Characters
by Kate M. Colby Despite the “how to” title of this post, I’m not going to offer a series of steps to reach your goals. Obviously, each goal, each person, and each situation is unique, and frankly, you shouldn’t need me to tell you the steps to meet your aspirations. But what I… Read More How to Approach Your Long Term Goals
