Kids Lit
What DO librarians want in a picture book?
Is there anything more fun than being in the library Children’s room at story time? I was the lucky…
June 21, 2021-
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Mystery/Thriller/SuspenseThe Mystery of Describing These Genres
Ever heard someone say, “I love a good mystery!” That’s more likely than hearing“I love a good suspense story.”…
June 17, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade8 Middle Grade Books for Summer
How excited are you for summer vacation?! I have no clue what I am going to do this summer,…
June 16, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fiadvances in rocket propulsion to inspire your science fiction
There’s an important difference between Science Fiction and Scient Fantasy. Scient Fiction is based on real world science, even…
June 7, 2021 -
ScreenwritingShow Business
After I submitted my last screenwriting post, I received feedback for my latest WIP. Although it wasn’t what I…
June 4, 2021 -
Writing for YAAvoiding Preachy Prose
Much young adult fiction today deals with contemporary issues and is a reflection of the times. Authors have important…
May 27, 2021 -
Romancing Your StoryWalk on By: Secondary Characters
Secondary characters are the seasoning in your story soup. Who can be secondary characters, or sidekicks? Often, they’re the…
May 23, 2021 -
History in the MakingThe Tale of Two Celebrations
Smell the churros? That cinnamon doughnutty aroma that draws you to the vendor’s stand? Or maybe your eyes are…
May 20, 2021 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Dramatic Tension
What is dramatic tension? Merriam-Webster states dramatic is “sudden and extreme, greatly affecting people’s emotions” and defines Tension as…
May 17, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Three Tips for Middle Grade Historical Fiction Authors
I once asked New York Times bestselling author Melanie Benjamin her top tip for writing historical fiction. She gave…
May 16, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Should You Base Your Novel on Your RPG Camapaign?
Many fantasy writers got their introduction to the genre not through books but through Table Top Role Playing Games…
May 7, 2021 -
Screenwriting
Know the Rules
In my latest screenplay, I decided to take a risk and break the rules. I wanted to give my…
May 4, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First Novel: Creating Characters
In past blog posts, I’ve written about choosing a genre, story premise, and GMC. A key element of any…
April 27, 2021 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Pets as a Plot Ploy
Are pets an asset or an albatross in our mystery, suspense, and thriller genre? Pets have shown up in…
April 21, 2021 -
History in the Making
What Time is It?
When writing historical fiction, it’s important to be aware of your timeline. Timelines are significant in all genres of…
April 20, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Getting Started on Instagram, part 2
Part one of this two-part article covered how to get started on Instagram. This second part explores growing your…
April 16, 2021 -
Magazine and Freelance7 Ways to Make Sure Your Article Doesn’t Sell!
Everyone knows there are certain rules that must be followed in order to present an article to a publication.…
April 14, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Four Popular Options for Map-Making Software
World building is a critical part of any speculative fiction work. As we create new worlds, one of the…
April 7, 2021 -
Screenwriting
Visual Storytelling
One of the best and most common pieces of writing advice screenwriters get is to always use visual storytelling.…
April 4, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Getting Started on Instagram Part 1: Sign Up, Bio, and Engaging Posts
Today’s authors must have a platform to market their books. In addition to a personal website, email lists, speaking…
March 28, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First (or Second) Novel: Story Premise & GMC
I love new, fresh story ideas. When I first started writing stories, I would attempt to capture a thought…
March 27, 2021 -
Romancing Your Story
Humoring Your Romance
I always say that a book that can make me laugh and cry is an outstanding book that will…
March 23, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
A proven process for dealing with Rejection
The long-awaited email from the agent arrives. With a trembling hand, you open it. Polite greeting, generic praise and…
March 7, 2021 -
Screenwriting
Do You Know What You Mean?
Recently, I uploaded my latest screenplay to a screenwriting website for Hollywood producers and studios to view. I was…
March 4, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Story retellings: Interview with A. K. Pittman
Allison Pittman, writing as A. K. Pitman, has a brand new book out, and it’s a YA P &…
February 27, 2021
