Kids Lit
Opening Lines for Picture Books
First lines make a promise. From “Call me Ishmael” (Moby Dick, Herman Melville, 1851) to “Happy families are all alike; every…
September 8, 2022-
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Specs: Speculative FictionCommitted Writer or Dabbler?
Hey guys, I wanted to kick this whole thing off by welcoming you to the ranks. (Though I’m sure…
July 23, 2017 -
Guest post archiveGuest Post-HOW SOCIAL ISSUES CAN DRIVE STORY-Angela Andrews
Opinions. Opinions. More opinions float through a person’s mind in the course of a day than Aristotle has twelve-letter…
July 14, 2017 -
The Binge WriterAre you a Binge Writer?
I am a binge writer. I always have been, and I probably always will be. What is a binge writer you…
July 3, 2017 -
A3 Contributor Book ReleaseA New Novelist’s Dream Come True
I’ve been part of the publishing industry for many years, but today is a dream come true for me.…
November 4, 2016 -
StoryworldBoard Games that Inspire Writing
The murmur of countless alien tongues subsided as the chairman of the interstellar council called for order. The delegates…
October 11, 2016 -
StoryworldFantastic Geographical Influences on Cultures
As Tatooine’s twin suns slowly inch to the sand dunes in the horizon, a lone figure strains his eyes…
September 11, 2016 -
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 -
StoryworldAcquiring Things of Value
When writing a speculative fiction novel, determine what the things of value are in your world. Water, food, shelter-building resources,…
February 7, 2016 -
Publishing PerspectivesSubmitting a Fiction Novel to a Publisher, Part 1: The Query Letter
You’ve finally got your novel all polished up and ready to submit to a publisher. How is this done?…
November 22, 2015 -
StoryworldStoryworld Governance: A Necessary Evil
The people in your world need governance. I’m sorry. I wish I could make it untrue, but a believable…
September 5, 2015 -
Romancing Your StoryWHAT CONSTITUTES A ROMANCE?
How many of you are reading this article under protest? “I don’t write romances,” you say. Well, you might…
August 28, 2015 -
The Writer's PenCaseStorytelling – What Makes a Story Great?
What is it about a story that makes it compelling? Is it the characters? Is it the plot? Is…
August 17, 2015 -
5 For WritingThe Perils of Head-Hopping in Fiction
I used to write for VeggieTales, and if you’re familiar with the antics of Bob the Tomato and Larry…
August 6, 2015 -
StoryworldChristian Fantasy and Science Fiction: Alternate Realities
Last month we looked at writing fictitious, sentient creatures within our own universe. In summary, God has a plan…
August 4, 2015 -
BestsellersWacky Ways to Windup Your Creativity
We’ve all been there. Deadlines are looming for our blog or our novels. A tingling in the pit of…
July 22, 2015 -
A Little Red InkDialogue Tips
When you write dialogue, think like a screenwriter. Every minute of screen time, every word counts. Don’t add fluff. …
July 10, 2015 -
StoryworldChristian Science Fiction and Fantasy: Alien Nature
Atheists believe all creatures evolved over countless millennia of bloodshed, allowing only the fittest members of a species to…
July 3, 2015 -
WARFARE!Our Calling as Writers
I’ve often pondered why I write, and what does it mean to be a writer. Sometimes I labor over…
June 25, 2015 -
Things Every Writer Should KnowHow to Make Sure Your Writing is Unique
You’re a lover of books and in you burns a desire which you cannot ignore. You want to write!…
June 23, 2015 -
A Little Red Ink
Character Motivation
Everybody wants something. Why do YOU want to write, for example? Maybe you want to write a book for…
June 12, 2015
