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Why a Strong Plot Requires a Significant Goal

August 11, 2022

Why a Strong Plot Requires a Significant Goal

August 11, 2022

Many say plot begins with conflict. But you can’t have conflict if you don’t have an antagonistic force. And you can’t have an antagonistic force, unless your protagonist has a…

3 Tricks to Reel Your Reader in With Flashbacks

August 9, 2022

3 Tricks to Reel Your Reader in With Flashbacks

August 9, 2022

We oftentimes hear the word flashback and we begin to think of all the don’ts associated with them. Don’t use them too early. Don’t let them go on too long.…

Identify Your Character’s Emotional Triggers

July 19, 2022

Identify Your Character’s Emotional Triggers

July 19, 2022

Every one has emotional triggers – are you using this to increase the emotional tension in your story? What does your character pride themselves on having, being, doing, possessing, needing,…

Back Cover Copy Formula

July 12, 2022

Back Cover Copy Formula

July 12, 2022

Let’s be honest. Writing a book description isn’t fun. It’s grueling, mind-numbing work that I detest with every inch of my being. Mastering the art of back cover copywriting is…

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing—Which One is Best for You?

July 7, 2022

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing—Which One is Best for You?

July 7, 2022

By Colleen M. Story Have you wondered whether traditional or self-publishing is best for you? My latest novel, The Beached Ones, releases this summer with CamCat Books. This marks my…

“They’re All Gonna Die!” Wait, Why Does That Matter?

June 14, 2022

“They’re All Gonna Die!” Wait, Why Does That Matter?

June 14, 2022

By Jami Gold Want to draw readers into our story? Of course! To do so, we often attempt to make the stakes bigger. Typically, that’s a decent approach. But imagine…

Build a Character’s Voice from the Inside Out

June 7, 2022

Build a Character’s Voice from the Inside Out

June 7, 2022

Vocabulary and the way a character speaks are the outer layer of character voice—the icing on the cake. Instead of trying to build character voice from the outside in, get…

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: Female Characters

June 2, 2022

Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: Female Characters

June 2, 2022

Readers have spoken: they want more diversity in fiction. And writers are stepping up, but it can be hard to write about someone who’s different than you. Careful research is…

4 Ways Your Protagonist Is Sabotaging You (And How to Fight Back)

May 19, 2022

4 Ways Your Protagonist Is Sabotaging You (And How to Fight Back)

May 19, 2022

We love our protagonists. We spend a ridiculous amount of time, blood, sweat, and tears championing their stories. But what if they’re undermining us by behaving in ways that drive…

When You Feel Like a Hack

May 17, 2022

When You Feel Like a Hack

May 17, 2022

By Christina Delay Recently I’ve been reading Marcus Sakey’s BRILLIANCE trilogy. Yes, I know I’m behind the times, but OMG have you read these books yet? I’m enjoying them immensely,…