By Mariah T. Writing a scene involving a car crash can be a little tricky. It's a dramatic event, and as such, if done poorly, it can look like a writer's attempt to lure the reader into having emotions through unresearched, unskilled and lazy methods. But you can write car-crash scenes to great effect if you understand your genre and do the work. The Setup The way that … [Read more...] about Guest Post: How to Write a Realistic Car Crash Sequence
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Guest Post: The 4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Entering a Writing Contest
By Emmanuel Nataf We all dream about getting published one day. But the road to seeing our names in print? That depends on how you choose to go about it. Some plunge in and start churning out a novel, while others may find themselves wandering down the e-zine alley. Still others might give up entirely and decide to work their way up in the publishing world a different … [Read more...] about Guest Post: The 4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Entering a Writing Contest
Guest Post: 5 Steps to Finding Profitable Book Topics on Amazon
By Alexandria Evensen As an independent author you must fill two distinct roles—that of the creative, and that of the entrepreneur. If you’re reading this it’s probably safe to assume you’re not just writing for fun. You’re likely trying to shape a brand, create a passive income, or use your writing skills to promote an online business. Your writing topics should align … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 5 Steps to Finding Profitable Book Topics on Amazon
Starting and Growing Your Blog
When it comes to blogging, there's a lot to know. Here are some resources to help you, whether you're starting out or looking to grow your blog. Blog Posts "12 Steps to a Great Blog Post" on Australian Christian Writers "13 Blog Post Blunders You Should Avoid (And What to Do Instead)" on Your Writer Platform "9 Grammatical Errors (and How to Avoid Them)" on Self … [Read more...] about Starting and Growing Your Blog
A Roundup of Publishing News
A lot has been happening in the publishing and writing world. Here is a quick roundup. Publishers and Companies "Microsoft has closed its e-bookstore, and everything you purchased will vanish in July" on PC World: "Microsoft will offer refunds, plus a bonus if you've marked up an ebook." "Epic Launches Original Content Program" on Publisher's Weekly: "Redwood, Calif.-based … [Read more...] about A Roundup of Publishing News
Guest Post: 10 Tips and Tricks to Get Writing Inspiration Anywhere and Anytime
By Lucia Tang Writers aren’t prophets. No matter how hard we wish, we can’t just take dictation from some divine voice in our ears — we’re supposed to find our own inspiration. But when you’re on the run from a deadline, in a fight with a chapter, or just sick of wishing the book in your head would magically appear on your laptop, finding inspiration can feel like a DIY root … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 10 Tips and Tricks to Get Writing Inspiration Anywhere and Anytime
13 Apps for Reading and Creating Your Own Content
Apps are great. They're convenient, and there are many that make it easy to create your own content, and of course read a lot of content. Below are a few I've found interesting: Authors: "You get your own custom Authors App. Your App appears in the major Android tablet app stores - Amazon, NOOK, Google Play - with your own custom icon. Plus, when your readers and fans … [Read more...] about 13 Apps for Reading and Creating Your Own Content
Thinking About Book Covers
Having a good book cover is an important aspect of indie publishing. The cover is the first thing your reader will see, and if the cover speaks to them, they'll be more likely to try out your book. Author M. J. Patrick has a great post that shows a cover, and asks you what you think of the book, based only on the cover (such as who's the audience for this book, and what's … [Read more...] about Thinking About Book Covers
Book Events and Festivals
Going to book events and festivals is a great way to meet people and get inspired. Since I've mostly lived near two coastal cities, most of the events and places (which include some pretty cool bookstores) I've found are either in New York or San Francisco. Still, a good start! Feel free to add more suggestions in the comments. New York NY Literary Events Calendar … [Read more...] about Book Events and Festivals
Tools and Resources for Editing Your Manuscript
We all know that after writing comes editing. It's good to work with professional editors, but there are tips and tricks and tools that you can use before working with an editor that can help you save a bit of time and money. Here are a few. Etherpad: "A highly customizable Open Source online editor providing collaborative editing in really real-time." Grammarly: … [Read more...] about Tools and Resources for Editing Your Manuscript
Job Boards and Resources for Writers and the Publishing Industry
When it comes to books and jobs, there are a few routes you can go: the writing route and the publishing industry route. For people interested in getting involved with book publishing, and being in the industry, there are a number of job listing sites. Some of the ones I've found helpful over the years include: Publisher's Weekly Jobzone Publishers Lunch Job Board … [Read more...] about Job Boards and Resources for Writers and the Publishing Industry
Becoming A Writer (And Improving Your Writing)
Writing comes in all shapes and sizes. Here is a list of links to help you get started writing and also make your writing better. Getting Started Writing "How to establish a writing routine for 2019" on Publication Coach: Advice includes making time, committing, and developing rituals. "Authors, Are You Applying What You Learned Last Year To Your Current Writing?" on … [Read more...] about Becoming A Writer (And Improving Your Writing)
21+ Magazines To Write For
Writing for magazines is a great way to build your portfolio (quick self-promotion: you can see my new portfolio here). Here are some magazines and presses that accept submissions, in a variety of genres. Some pay for work, some do not. Please read the submission guidelines! Vestal Review: Flash fiction. All-Story: Short fiction. Sleet Magazine: Poems, flash fiction, … [Read more...] about 21+ Magazines To Write For
Writers: Traditional or Self Publish
When it comes to books, authors have many options for how they want to connect with readers. The first question to ask is, do you want to be traditionally published or do you want to self publish? Jane Friedman has a great breakdown of the publishing paths, the value of each route, and things to watch out for. The Porch Swing Chronicles also has a post about being a hybrid … [Read more...] about Writers: Traditional or Self Publish
Guest Post: 4 Pro Tips on Writing Injuries
By Mariah If done well, writing about long-term injuries can add an important element to a work of fiction. The character's psychological development from the initial shock to adapting to the consequences of his injury provides an emotional and uplifting story that can inspire readers. Injuries of all kinds will affect people in different ways, and those responses can lead … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 4 Pro Tips on Writing Injuries
