Archive:

Fiction

Write What You Know: Understanding this Classic Writing Advice

August 5, 2024

“Write what you know” is one of the first pieces of advice many aspiring fiction writers hear when they embark on their journey to become an author. (And if you’re a nonfiction writer, stay with me.) On the one hand, the idea of writing what you know makes perfect sense. If you’ve ever read a […]

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28 Book Genres and Why They’re Crucial

August 5, 2024

Guest blog by Vanessa Tym Mary Shelley didn’t intend to invent a new book genre when she wrote Frankenstein in 1822 but now, over 200 years later, every library and bookstore has a science fiction section. Since the inception of categorizing literature, dating back to ancient Greece, we’ve been updating, expanding, and rethinking what genre […]

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Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests Through 2024

August 5, 2024

Regardless where you are on your writing journey, you can benefit from entering contests. The right contest can tell you: Where you stand How you measure up against the competition What you still need to learn And you could win cash. That’s why my team researched a wide range of high-quality contests. We’ve included free […]

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How Long Does It Take to Write a Book?

August 5, 2024

Writing a book can take a lifetime. But realistically, how long should you expect yours to take?  If you’re trying to balance a full-time job, a family, or every other priority life throws in your path, where will you find the time—and how much time do you need? Your book should serve as a way […]

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Crafting Realistic Characters: A Deep-Dive into Character Flaws

August 5, 2024

Timeless, beloved fictional characters have flaws that make them accessible and believable. Even superheroes. And while a lead character’s flaw or weakness might be major, it doesn’t have to be. It could be a simple lack of patience or an annoying sense of self-importance. Indiana Jones had a major aversion to snakes. In short, you […]

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