This article is by Frank Cavallo. A few years ago I published my first novel. Nothing major, it garnered a small advance, with a relatively small print run at an up-and-coming indie press. Hardly JK Rowling territory, but as I’m sure all of us can relate, it was something I’d been trying to do for … Read more
This article is by Jaiden M. Pierson. As an author, one of the hardest tasks you must undertake is to put everything that is needed into a story, without putting any more than is needed. Your readers have to put a lot more time and energy into your book than they would into a movie … Read more
In the battle between good and terrible storytelling, we look for personal conflicts with complex characters. Yet one trope gives our villain vague power and simple goals. It promises our readers a straightforward fight against the forces of evil. There’s one trope that just wants to rule them all. So let’s reboot the Dark Lord. … Read more
With National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) well under way, here are some articles and resources to help you succeed: 30 Ways to Resuscitate a Dying NaNoWriMo Novel There sometimes comes a point when you think, “Why in the hell am I doing this?” If you are asking yourself this question, here are 30 ways to … Read more
I’m sure we’ve all heard the advice “write what you know” at one time or another. It’s good, sensible advice. It works as long as you don’t look at it too closely. Because what do you actually know? In this article I’m going to look at a few tips for writing what you don’t know. When … Read more
This article is by Grant Alter, Editor-in-Chief of Dabel Brothers Publishing. When people think of comic books, most of the time, they think of spandex superheroes and BIFF BAM POW. Four color tales of caped modern-day gods swooping in to save the day, restoring order and justice and aimed at children. And those do exist, … Read more
With National Novel Writing Month fast approaching, writers all over the world are gearing up for 30 days of intense writing bliss. Coffee and energy drinks will be consumed by the gallons, tears will be shed, and fingers will be cramped. However, if you’re like me, an ex-NaNoWriMo, or Non-NoWriMo, then you might have a … Read more
When the spark of a new story ignites in my brain, often it is merely a snap shot, or the heart tug of an emotional moment. That heart tug can sometimes hit me so hard, and feel so real, that I know there is a story lurking behind it, begging to be written. Erik Bork, … Read more
This article is by George Clark. In this modern age of the internet and self-publishing, the literary world is being flooded with new entries, in every genre, every day. Distinguishing yourself from the fantasy writing crowd can be a difficult feat to accomplish. Today, I am going to be discussing a particular aspect of fantasy … Read more
A few months ago I wrote about how going for a walk can have a positive impact on your creativity (here). It’s time to build on that. How about bringing your writing tools with you? You could stop somewhere along the way to do a bit of writing. Sounds good? It is. Okay, correction, it’s … Read more