Archive:
Fiction
Guest blog by: Becca Puglisi Emotional wounds are tricky to write about. Abuse, betrayal, victimization, and the death of a loved one may exist in our characters’ pasts and so must be explored. But these are also real life events that cause damage to real people. So as I talk today about personalizing wounds for […]
Read More
You have a message to share with the world, but so far, people don’t seem interested. Are you wasting your time? You are if your nonfiction fails to engage an agent or publisher. You may have forgotten the importance of storytelling — yes, even in nonfiction. Adding stories to your nonfiction: Hooks your reader from […]
Read More
Guest post by Bridget McNulty Tension is the secret sauce that ensures that “I’ll read just one more page before bed” feeling. Four ways to ensure your story has the right amount: 1. Create a conflict your characters care about Before you plan your story’s main conflicts, choose carefully. You want to create conflict that […]
Read More
Do you start your novel with a Prologue? Or do you dive right into Chapter One? The choice can determine whether readers are drawn in or never get past the first page. I lean away from a Prologue whenever possible. When I do use one, it’s only because there’s backstory the reader cannot do without. […]
Read More
Guest post by Dave Chesson Research can make or break your novel. When readers choose your book, they expect to be transported into a believable and engrossing world. Research is the key to creating an immersive environment to be enjoyed and savored. Conversely, a badly researched novel can shatter the suspension of disbelief, causing your […]
Read More