Do you need a writing coach?
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been sure what exactly a writing coach does. I’ve always sort of shelved them into the stack of things that I’d rather not think about. The idea of someone hounding me to “write, write, write” sounds like a special kind of torture. But hey – I can’t judge what I […]
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Transitioning from nonfiction to fiction
Authors new to fiction need to be aware of the stylistic differences between fiction and nonfiction. Here are tips on how to breathe emotion and life into your fiction works.
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Writing believable scenes in your novel
Bestselling thriller author Fiona Quinn discusses her research methods and how to achieve realism in fiction in this video chat.
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More tips about writing Psychological Thrillers
British thriller author Andy Maslen discusses the elements of a Psychological Thriller in this episode of the writing show First Draft Friday.
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Writing a Psychological Thriller
Psychological thrillers are blowing up the bestseller lists. Here's our latest First Draft Friday interview with author Andy Maslen, a recent entrant into the genre.
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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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