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
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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
How Authors Thrive in a World of AI-Generated Books
The rise of AI-generated books is sparking concern among many. We all know the book market is huge, yet the speed at which new works are being added prompted Amazon to place a '3 books per day' upload limit. I think we all agree that's more than a little worrying. It's frustrating, too. Vying for … [Read more...] about How Authors Thrive in a World of AI-Generated Books
Backstory Balancing Act
How to handle a character’s backstory is a universal struggle for all of us writers. How much should we include? How long should a flashback be? When is it okay to give a character’s backstory? Is backstory even necessary? As an editor, I’ve seen it all. Books that start with a long flashback, … [Read more...] about Backstory Balancing Act
Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Pursuing a Personal Goal
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: Pursuing a Personal Goal
How Writers Can Stay Hopeful in a Tough Publishing Climate
By Eleanor Hecks Many writers are all too familiar with rejection. You pour your heart and soul into a piece, imagining how it might sound to readers, only to face the crushing reality of a “no” in response. For writers, the publishing world can feel like an endless uphill battle paved with … [Read more...] about How Writers Can Stay Hopeful in a Tough Publishing Climate
How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI-Generated Books
AI is reshaping the book industry, and writers are polarized; some have integrated AI into their writing process while others refuse to. No matter which camp you align with I'm sure you share a growing concern: creatives are not the only ones publishing books. Thanks to AI tools, anyone with a … [Read more...] about How to Leverage Humanity to Outshine AI-Generated Books
How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
Writing intense scenes can be one of the most exciting parts of storytelling. Whether it’s a gripping fight, a romantic encounter that leaves hearts racing, or an emotional moment that hits readers hard, these scenes pull readers in and keep them hooked. But creating truly intense moments takes more … [Read more...] about How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Knowing About a Cover-Up
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: Knowing About a Cover-Up
How to Find Your Writing Niche and Connect with the Right Readers
It’s not easy finding new readers these days. The secret to drawing just the right readers your way might be finding your niche. A niche isn't just your genre—it's the unique angle, theme, or audience focus that makes your writing distinct. It sets you apart and makes marketing feel natural … [Read more...] about How to Find Your Writing Niche and Connect with the Right Readers