Creating young characters that feel real is a delicate balance. While it’s tempting to make them stand out by adding unique qualities, it’s important to resist making them overly precocious or stereotypical—doing so can strip them of their genuine, relatable qualities, making them feel more like a plot device than a fully realized character. Writing child characters that resonate requires a careful balance of age-appropriate traits and emotional depth to avoid falling into the trap of making them overly mature or one-dimensional.
Advice
for Writers
Advice
for Writers
Navigating Post-Publication Blues: Moving Forward After Release
As writers, the dream of seeing our work published is a monumental milestone. We pour so much of ourselves into our books, and when the moment finally arrives, it’s exhilarating. But once the excitement of publication fades, some authors find themselves experiencing, shall we say, the post-publication blues.
Best Hybrid Publishing Companies 2025
The publishing world has changed dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when authors had to choose between going fully traditional or completely solo. Now there’s an exciting middle ground: hybrid publishing! For authors seeking their path forward in 2025, researching the best hybrid publishers is a crucial first step in the publishing journey.
The Psychology of Rewriting: Understanding the Challenges
Rewriting is often described as the heart of writing—where the real magic happens—yet it’s also one of the most daunting phases of the creative process. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern not just in my own rewriting journey but in the struggles other writers share: rewriting feels impossibly hard. But why? Let’s dive into the psychology of rewriting and explore strategies to approach it without losing momentum.
Creating Children’s Education Books: Balancing Fun and Learning
Writing children’s education books is a creative challenge that requires weaving compelling stories with meaningful lessons. The best educational books for children are those that make learning feel like an adventure, seamlessly combining imagination and information!
Stories in the Stars: Using Astrology and Astronomy in Your Writing
Since ancient times, humans have looked to the stars for guidance, inspiration, and a sense of wonder. Astrology and astronomy offer writers a treasure trove of themes, symbols, and settings to enrich their storytelling. So, whether you’re weaving constellations into a fantasy world or using astrological traits to develop characters, exploring the stars can add depth and intrigue to your writing!
Writing Multigenerational Stories: Braiding the Past, Present, and Future
Multigenerational stories resonate because they explore universal themes like family, legacy, and connection. They invite readers to journey through time, understanding how decisions made in one era ripple through the lives of future generations. Whether it’s the epic sagas of One Hundred Years of Solitude or the heartfelt connections in The Joy Luck Club, these stories capture the complexities of human relationships over time.
Every writer has a collection of unfinished works gathering metaphorical (or literal!) dust. These old drafts, whether rough or nearly polished, hold the potential to spark new ideas, refine skills, and even transform into publishable pieces. Revisiting these projects allows writers to uncover hidden gems that may have been set aside due to inexperience, changing interests, or the constraints of time. Understanding the difference between a rough draft and a working draft is key to unlocking their potential.
The Silence of Snow: Writing Atmospheric Quietness into Your Work
In writing, silence can be just as powerful as sound, and few settings evoke quiet like a snowy landscape. Whether crafting an eerie stillness, a meditative pause, or a tranquil respite, sensory writing techniques help translate the ineffable quiet into compelling prose.
How to Write Stories Based on Reality
Writing fiction based on a true story offers a unique challenge and opportunity for authors. Blending the structure and creativity of fiction with the reality of actual events can create a compelling, emotionally rich narrative. However, it also requires care in balancing truth with artistic license.