Should pantsers become plotters?
How to write a book can be a hotly contested topic. Formal training dictates that outlining is a necessity of the craft, while authors often object to the practice, saying that plotting a novel takes all of the fun and creativity out of the practice. So which path is best? M.J. Blehart has strong opinions […]
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Building strong side characters
Side characters are often written without development, created for a specific purpose, and then discarded without a second thought. On our most recent First Draft Friday, author Cindy Skaggs explored why side characters desire proper attention, and how they can improve your story. xxxx xxxx They can help define your theme Cindy pointed out that […]
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FDF #21: How to Structure a Novel
At Noon ET, author Jim Woods will show you a fun, simple way to structure your book. Learn how to create a compelling story that draws in the reader and keeps them turning the page. In this live video chat, he’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips.
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Tips for building your editorial team
There comes a time in every novel’s life when it is time to leave the safe haven of the author’s computer and journey out into the world. Before it reaches retailer shelves, a variety of individuals should read and critique your masterpiece. One of the first editors who helped my novels on their journeys into […]
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FDF #20: Creating side characters that shine
At 5pm ET, author Cindy Skaggs will discuss using into secondary (or side) characters in your novel. Side characters can be instrumental in giving your book depth, opening up your fictional world, and can be a great place for additional plotlines and main character development to occur. In this live video chat, she’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips on how to make the best use of these characters.
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FDF #19: Building a stronger editing team
At 5pm ET, editor Marion Archer will discuss what you need to know about building in the right beta readers and developmental eyes, when to bring them on, and the importance of a well-rounded editing team. She’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips on how to have a stronger editing team and process.
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Tips for writing in the Young Adult voice
Author Alessandra discusses best practices for writing in the Young Adult voice with YA fiction author and ghostwriter Morgan Bader.
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FDF #18: Writing in the Young Adult Voice
At 12pm ET, Author Morgan Baden will discuss how to nail the Young Adult voice in your writing. In this live video chat with Alessandra Torre, they will explore how tone and language can make or break an authentic teen voice, and learn what makes a book be classified as YA in the first place.
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Writing mistakes to avoid in your novel
Book editor Susan Barnes reveals the most common missteps that authors make. These mistakes can cause poor reviews, lost sales, and readers abandoning your novel midway through. In this half-hour event, Susan teaches how to avoid common pitfalls and what to watch our for when you're writing and rewriting a draft.
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Is your romance novel too steamy?
Romance novels often get a bad reputation as being nothing more than tawdry scenes linked to each other by a cookie cutter plot. But as any romance reader knows, sex is just one portion of a beautiful and intricate romance novel. And in some romance novels, sex is missing altogether from the pages. In our […]
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How to become a more prolific writer
As a writer, have you ever achieved flow state - that feeling when words flow like water? Author Chris Fox explains how he writes 5,000 words an hour in this interactive chat.
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Improving your first page
If done right, a novel’s first page can be a powerful ally to generate sales. On the other side of that coin, your first page can be a powerful deterrant for readers if it misses its mark. So, how do you make sure that your first page, or first scene, captures the readers’ attention and […]
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