The Writer's PenCase
Plot Twists – Part I
Plot Twists [bctt tweet=”Four elements to plot twists: 1) unexpected, 2) inevitable, 3) an escalation of what preceded it,…
March 11, 2016-
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Dear Young Scribes10 Tips for Reading Through the Eyes of a Writer
For most writers, our passion to write was birthed from a passion to read. We grew up immersed in…
March 10, 2016 -
Platform and Branding3 Mistakes to Avoid With Your Social Media Strategy
Social media is an important part of building a writer’s platform. With existing networks changing and new networks launching,…
March 9, 2016 -
Craft, Writing with HumorAdding Humor to Your Writing Is As Easy as 1 – 2 – 3: The Rule of Three, to be exact.
Adding humor to any type of writing is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3. Not 1 –…
March 8, 2016 -
Developing Your Writer's Voice, UncategorizedA Simple Exercise for Finding Your Writer’s Voice
Many of us belong to writers groups that meet regularly with the goal of honing our writing skills, finding…
March 7, 2016 -
StoryworldFantasy Military Technology
Military technology is an important consideration when writing speculative fiction, but sci-fi authors aren’t the only ones who need…
March 6, 2016 -
A Pinch of PoetryAlliteration: The Sound of Poetry I
One unique attribute of poetry is the way it sounds. Using special techniques, such as alliteration, can bring your poems to life…
March 5, 2016 -
Truth Be ToldTimely
My husband knows when to walk in the door with an apple fritter. Not that there is ever a…
March 4, 2016 -
Book Reviews, Writer EncouragementGetting Reviews Part 2
Elaine Marie Cooper If you have not read Part 1 of this two-part series on getting reviews, click here…
March 3, 2016 -
Have Words, Will Travel....Travel Writing 101, Uncategorized5 Sites with 24 of the BEST Travel Blogs, Websites, and Apps
As much as I’d like to say that the following travel sites are in celebration of the renewal of…
March 2, 2016 -
BestsellersBestselling Author Interview – Kathy
[author title=”Kathy Tyers” image=”https://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/K1.jpeg”]New York Times bestselling science fiction author Kathy Tyers has spent thirty-plus years writing and publishing…
March 1, 2016 -
Child's Craft, UncategorizedQuestions Childen’s Writers Should be Asking
When I was in India recently, our team leader told of an Indian child who asked her if the…
February 29, 2016 -
Specs: Speculative Fiction3 Ways to Keep Writing
3 Ways To Keep Writing WARNING: This post is not meant to stress you, and if all…
February 28, 2016 -
Uncategorized, Write JustifiedHow’s Your Posture?
One of the occupational hazards of the writing-editing life is back and/or neck pain as a result of poor…
February 27, 2016 -
Truth Be ToldUnplugged
Have you ever considered how spoiled we are by electricity. Instant light. Ready power. I remember when my husband…
February 26, 2016 -
The Writer's PenCaseDon’t Break Promises to Readers
Nearly two years ago, when I finished my Craftsman class with DiAnn Mills, she recommended I get a book entitled…
February 25, 2016 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life, UncategorizedAll Choked Up
Have you ever tried to impress people? Given that extra effort to stand out in the crowd, to get…
February 24, 2016 -
5 For WritingLocation, Location, Location: Doing Novel Research On-Site
NOTE—Doug Peterson’s previous blog, Do Your Research Right When You’re Writing Historical Fiction, discussed his research habits. This…
February 23, 2016 -
Grammar and GraceFive More Confusing Word Pairs
For the past couple of posts, we’ve been focusing on confusing word pairs. Today will continue with a few…
February 22, 2016 -
Talking CharacterThe Power of a Single Detail
In her book The Resolution for Women, Priscilla Shirer tells a story about a tassel. She was in the…
February 21, 2016 -
Pleasant Rosebud - Romantic SuspenseHIKER IN THE HOOD (Thomas Garet series)
Thomas Garet sat on the plain grass under a pine tree by the road and untied his shoe laces.…
February 20, 2016 -
Dear Young ScribesBuild a Platform & Increase Chances of Publication
“Does building a platform really increase chances of publication?” This is a question many beginning authors ask when they…
February 19, 2016 -
Polishing Your Message, UncategorizedA Shell of a Draft . . .
Shortly after moving to the Islands, a new habit easily became walking early on the beach. On one particular…
February 18, 2016 -
Things Every Writer Should Know, Writer Encouragement
Getting Reviews Part 1
by Elaine Marie Cooper Many authors, both new and the more experienced, get discouraged when hunting for knowledgeable readers…
February 17, 2016 -
Blogging BasicsThree Problems With Comparison for New Bloggers
Particularly for new writers beginning the blogging journey, comparison can kill confidence and create problems. New bloggers often struggle with…
February 16, 2016