We all want our writing to be layered. Like a gourmet meal, we want there to be more to them than just what’s seen on the surface. In stories, this depth can be added a number of ways—through subplots, character arc, subtext, theme, and symbolism. Of them all, I think symbolism is one of the … [Read more...] about How to Find Symbols in Your Settings
Blog
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Cowriting Team
Learn about a day in the life of a cowriting team with Resident Writing Coach Christina Delay and her writing partner, Julie Glover. We’re often asked why and how we cowrite books. For us, it began at Under the Volcano, a grill and bar across from the marvelous Murder by the Book bookstore in … [Read more...] about Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Cowriting Team
Three Hidden Reasons Writers Procrastinate
You know the feeling. You sit down to write, open your laptop, and . . . somehow end up reorganizing your photo files, watching three YouTube videos, or scrolling through book marketing tips you won’t use. Again. Afterward, that familiar guilt creeps in. Why can’t you just do the thing you say … [Read more...] about Three Hidden Reasons Writers Procrastinate
The Emotion Amplifier Playbook for Antagonists
We all know the importance of tapping into our character’s feelings and conveying those clearly to readers. When we do this, readers connect with our characters and become invested in the story. This is how we keep them engaged beyond the first few pages or chapters. But sometimes our characters … [Read more...] about The Emotion Amplifier Playbook for Antagonists
Help! My Romance Draft Is a Mess (Now What?)
Author Accelerator Certified book coach Stuart Wakefield shares what to do if your romance draft is a mess. You finished your draft. Maybe you poured yourself a glass of something bubbly. Maybe you took a nap. Maybe you panicked. That’s all perfectly normal. (I buy myself a Ken doll which I’m … [Read more...] about Help! My Romance Draft Is a Mess (Now What?)
Should You Write What You Know or Aim to Experiment?
Savannah Cordova suggests ditching writing what you know for the new and improved version: Know what you write. Show-don’t-tell! Kill your darlings! Don’t use adverbs! Sound familiar? Most writers will probably recognize the long list of industry sayings that seemingly crop up in every single … [Read more...] about Should You Write What You Know or Aim to Experiment?
Writing 101: Semi-Colons & Other Tricky Punctuation Marks
Punctuation can be surprisingly difficult, especially when it comes to lesser-used marks like semi-colons, dashes, and colons. When these marks are used incorrectly, readers are either distracted or confused. Because this isn’t the experience we want for our readers, let’s take a look at some of … [Read more...] about Writing 101: Semi-Colons & Other Tricky Punctuation Marks
How to Hook New Readers with a Novel-Based Workshop
I've presented a lot of workshops over the years, mostly based on the nonfiction books I've written for writers. I’ve always found it easy to create a workshop based on a nonfiction book. But when it came to fiction, I hit a wall. Like many authors, I’ve seen how easy it is to fall into one of … [Read more...] about How to Hook New Readers with a Novel-Based Workshop
Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat
So, You Want to Go on a Writing Retreat? A writing retreat is a designated period and space where writers gather to focus on their writing projects. Often such retreats take place in beautiful, inspiring locations. Alternatively, retreats may be virtual, where creatives are encouraged to … [Read more...] about Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat
Monthly Contest: Guest Editor, Show-Don’t-Tell Edition
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. But this is different than any contest we've had before. Winners will receive professional feedback on a page of their choice that needs help with show-don't-tell...plus live coaching. How exciting … [Read more...] about Monthly Contest: Guest Editor, Show-Don’t-Tell Edition
Continuing a Series: Enticing Readers to Return
When writing a series, we need to adjust our writing techniques. Last year, we talked about the tricky balance of repeating information in a series from one book to another. We want to avoid giving readers a sense of déjà vu, but we also can’t assume that readers have read (or remember) previous … [Read more...] about Continuing a Series: Enticing Readers to Return
The Importance of Beginning a Book with Publishing End Goals in Mind
Liz Alterman is here to share the importance of knowing your publishing end goals for a book before you start writing it. Plus, she's giving away a query critique and an eBook to celebrate her newest release! When we sit down to write a book, it’s typically because we feel called to share a … [Read more...] about The Importance of Beginning a Book with Publishing End Goals in Mind