writing

Authoring a novel is exciting, but let's face it, few writing projects are more challenging. The key to a successful novel often lies in the preparation – and that starts with creating a well-structured outline. Let's explore how to craft an outline that will serve as the blueprint for your…

New authors often find themselves lost in the creative wilderness, wrestling with the decision of whether to keep wrestling with a problem manuscript or cut their losses and start over. Writing a book is a challenge. There's no shame in realizing that a project isn't working as planned. Let's look…

If your protagonist sucks, your story will suck. The engine that drives every story has three parts: a protagonist, something the protagonist wants, and an antagonist (human, environmental, psychological, etc.) who obstructs the protagonist's attainment of that goal. When you relate what the protagonist does to overcome the obstacles in his…

World-building is the element that sets the sci-fi and fantasy subsets of adventure fiction apart from other genres. If you're a budding SFF author, it's am indispensable craft. And mastering it requires finesse and ingenuity. Yet it's not as daunting as some new writers fear. Today, let's explore the intricate…

In my years of writing and editing experience, I've noticed that new writers tend to let their ideas flow like an untamed river. They get the release of seeing their thoughts realized on the page, but they risk inundating readers with words - some of which are the story while…

There's no shortage of advice for indie authors these days. If you're thinking of self-publishing a book, there are scores of professionals who stand ready to offer you tips on everything from cover design to pricing to social media advertising. This abundance of free expertise isn't just limited to marketing…