10 Author Tips for Con Appearances
In:
Live Reading
Tips and advice for a pleasant convention experience.
Turning a Phrase: How to Write Historical Dialogue
In:
Dialogue
When done correctly, historical dialogue can be used as a tool to add polish and an air of authenticity. Done incorrectly, it can completely eject a reader from the story.
6 Ways to Save a Mary Sue
By Robbie Blair
In:
Character
If you've realized that you accidentally wrote a Mary Sue, this article will help you change that overpowered lead into a relatable character.
In Defense of (and Against) 'Write What You Know'
In:
Research
It's the most trite piece of advice any writer can receive...or is it?
The Butler Did It: Why We Always Blame the Servants
In:
Cliche
The guilty butler trope appears to damn servants by their employment status alone. After all, they know everything about the victim’s daily routine, and they’re always suspiciously nearby.
The Age of the Unoriginal Idea
In an era where every story is recycled, how do we as writers strive for originality?
5 Strategies for Enriching Your Character Arcs
By Robbie Blair
In:
Character
Are your character arcs falling flat? This article teaches you five strategies for improving them.
'Orange Is The New Black' and the Downgraded Protagonist
In:
Character
There once was a show about a girl named Piper, but no more. And that might be the best thing going for Netflix's hit series.
5 Grammar Rules That Make No Effing Sense
In:
Grammar
Sometimes the rules make no effing sense. Here are few that drive me crazy.
The Art of the Pitch and Synopsis
In:
Abstracts
You want to sell your novel or land an agent? Well, you need an elevator pitch and synopsis to do so. Here's Elevator Pitch 101.
Productivity Methods for Writers
In:
Abstracts
You want to write words, but you'd rather watch some TV and eat nachos. Don't, I'll help you get writing.
5 Things the Grammar Nazis Get Wrong
In:
Grammar
The Grammar Nazi's mission in life is to point out all the ways that you, the writer, have managed to butcher the English language. Sometimes those people are right. But sometimes they're wrong.
DIY Book Covers for the Self Publishing-Inclined Part 2
In:
Research
You've learned how to combine stock images to create vaguely interesting book covers. Time to learn some easy typography tricks.
Storyville: Writer’s Block—Where It Comes From, and How to Break Through
Information on where writer's block comes from, and how to fix it.
5 Ways to Fall in Love with Your Character
In:
Character
These tips and tricks may help you find love again!
10 Reasons To Draft 10 Times
By Peter Derk
In:
Rewriting
Ever tried drafting a piece 10 times? Maybe you should. Maybe you need to.
5 Great Books About the Craft of Writing
In:
Research
Sometimes you'd rather read about writing than write. That's okay, we got you covered.
Advice From A Literary Character: Dean Moriarty
In:
Character
Your favorite literary characters answer life's big questions.
Long Story Short: 10 Tips for Trimming an Overly Long Novel Down to Size
In:
Rewriting
Maybe you've written an epic novel that requires 110,000 words or more to tell its story. Or maybe you've written a novel that's 30,000 words too long.
So You Want to Edit A Book Part 3: The Paper Project
By Leah Rhyne
In:
Rewriting
There comes a time in every author's life where they get to see their book on paper...and then they tear it up, write all over it, and do it all over again. I'm there now. Let's talk about it.
Storyville: 10 Ways to Fool Your Readers
Ten tips for the best ways to fool your readers.
So You Want To Edit A Book Part 2: The Dreadful First Rewrite
By Leah Rhyne
In:
Rewriting
In this installment of So You Want To Edit A Book, we talk about the first, dreadful rewrite - how I do it, what I try to fix, where I mess up, and what I intentionally leave for later.
Five Ways Scrivener Can Help Your Work In Progress
Why Scrivener? What can it do for your writing? Go beyond the "click here" tutorials and consider how this software can improve your work habits and the quality of your content.
The Brick by Brick Method of Writing
By Robbie Blair
In:
Rewriting
I explore a central lesson I learned from writing my thesis: A "brick-by-brick" writing approach that makes projects more manageable, less stressful, and easier to complete.
So You Want To Edit A Book Part 1: The Dramatic First Read Through
By Leah Rhyne
In:
Rewriting
Last fall, we (maybe) wrote a book together. Now I'm editing mine, and I'll walk you through my process, a step at a time. Hopefully I've got something to share that'll be helpful to YOU!
