Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today's the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We've had past winners tell us they've found their dream editors through … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
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How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Published
If only there was a magic formula, a secret trick that would improve your chances of getting published. Well, there is—but it isn’t magic or secret, and in the end, it can’t guarantee publication. But it’s still the best formula I know of for getting a shot at a contract. Some of this might not … [Read more...] about How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Published
Character Secret Thesaurus: Doubting One’s Faith
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus: Doubting One’s Faith
Use This Method to Identify Your Story’s Stakes
Stakes are a crucial part of your story because they define what will happen if the protagonist fails. To build reader empathy, you need this piece in place because when the reader sees what’s at stake, and they recognize why it matters to the character, the story becomes important. It … [Read more...] about Use This Method to Identify Your Story’s Stakes
Thirty Ways to Promote Your Book
Depending on where you are on your writing journey, you may be finding out that writing your book is just the beginning of your journey as a writer. Finishing a book is a huge accomplishment, requiring significant time, energy, focus, and love. Job number one in a writer’s life is getting that … [Read more...] about Thirty Ways to Promote Your Book
Character Secret Thesaurus: Faking an Illness
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus: Faking an Illness
Be Our Valentine: Save 25% at One Stop for Writers®
With Valentine's Day around the corner, Becca and I want to ensure you have a bigger budget for any I-Love-You gifts, so for the next two weeks, you can snag a One Stop for Writers subscription at 25% off with the code VALENTINE25. We love helping writers bring their strongest, most immersive … [Read more...] about Be Our Valentine: Save 25% at One Stop for Writers®
Book Structure for Disorganized Writers
A while back, I shared a post at WHW about Scene Writing, and why it’s such a valuable tool for writers (especially those like me, whose brains get easily overwhelmed by details). This post also shares my tricks for keeping a story organized even if you have a disorganized brain or process. A … [Read more...] about Book Structure for Disorganized Writers
Character Secret Thesaurus: Concealing a Sexual Identity
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus: Concealing a Sexual Identity
Making Nice Guys & Girls Realistically Flawed
We’ve talked a lot around here about why characters need flaws. Those negative traits make characters relatable to readers, they contribute to their arc, and, oh, a whole bunch of other things. Flaws are especially important for any character navigating a change arc, where their weaknesses are … [Read more...] about Making Nice Guys & Girls Realistically Flawed
Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today's the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We've had past winners tell us they've found their dream editors through … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Having an Addiction
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Having an Addiction