More than just publishing a book, this journey is about showing my own children that dreams are worth pursuing. I want them to know that their mom is more than someone who packs lunches and reads bedtime stories—I’m someone who set a goal and made it happen. My hope is to inspire them, and other children, to believe that they can do anything they set their minds to.
I’m a mother of three and married to my high school sweetheart. I’ve been writing since the age of twelve. Writing has always been a healing mechanism for me, an escape from my reality. I have a book of poems published on Amazon titled Awakenings From the Dark.
By day, Robin is an academic research consultant and freelance fiction editor. She has degrees in medieval literature, historical linguistics, and political rhetoric. When not working or writing, she enjoys reading cozy mysteries, dark fantasy, and cute romances; playing video games, Magic: the Gathering, and tabletop role-playing games; and annoying/cuddling her two cats.
For many poets, social media can seem daunting. The idea of reducing profound emotions into character limits or crafting an aesthetically pleasing post may feel foreign. But with the right strategy, social media can transform a poet’s reach, turning casual browsers into devoted readers.
There’s something powerful about putting emotions into words. When we write stories or poetry, we aren’t just expressing feelings—we’re transforming them. Whether creating a character who struggles like we do or crafting a metaphor that captures something too difficult to say outright, writing helps us work through emotions that might otherwise stay bottled up.
A writing retreat is a dedicated period of time and space set aside specifically for writing. During a retreat, you can focus entirely on your creative projects without the usual interruptions from everyday life. This focused time can lead to increased productivity, enhanced creativity, and a deeper connection to your writing.
Perfectionism in writing often arises from a fear of failure or criticism. We set impossibly high standards, believing that anything less than perfection is unacceptable. This mindset creates a vicious cycle: fear leads to procrastination, procrastination breeds guilt, and guilt reinforces the belief that we are “failing” as writers.
At its core, a story bible serves one purpose: to keep your story consistent. It’s where you track character descriptions, relationships, settings, world-building rules, plot timelines, and more. Whether you’re writing a standalone novel, a trilogy, or an entire fictional universe, your story bible becomes the anchor that holds everything together!
Obsession in literature refers to a character’s persistent and intrusive focus on a particular person, idea, or goal—often at the expense of their well-being, relationships, or even sanity. This intense preoccupation can drive plots forward, create compelling conflicts, and offer deep psychological insight into characters.
A book press kit is a collection of promotional materials that offer detailed information about you, the author, and your book. It’s designed to make it easy for media professionals to write articles, conduct interviews, or feature your book in their publications. By providing all the necessary details in one place, you increase the likelihood of gaining media coverage and reaching a broader audience.
Meta writing allows us to layer depth into our narratives and encourage readers to think critically about the text. It draws attention to the fact that a story is, in fact, a construct. Done well, it invites readers to engage with the text in new, profound ways. In this post, we’ll explore how to incorporate meta writing into your work and maintain balance so that your self-awareness enhances the experience, rather than detracting from it!
Roland Barthes introduced the “death of the author” theory in his 1967 essay, arguing that the identity and intentions of the author should not limit the interpretation of their work. He proposed that once a text is created, it becomes independent, allowing readers to derive their own meanings without being influenced by the author’s personal context or intentions. This perspective empowers readers to engage with the text on a more personal level, fostering a diverse range of interpretations and new insights.
As an introverted author, the thought of promoting your book can feel daunting. The idea of hosting high-energy events or launching extensive social media campaigns might not align with your natural preferences. However, effective marketing doesn’t have to involve extroverted tactics! In this post, I’ll share strategies tailored toward introverted authors to promote your book in ways that feel authentic and manageable. By focusing on low-energy yet impactful approaches, you can engage with readers and build a strong audience without compromising your comfort.
Selecting the perfect title for your book is more than just a creative endeavor; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your book’s success. A compelling title is the first impression potential readers have of your work, influencing their decision to pick it up and dive into its pages. In this post, we’ll explore how to come up with a book title that resonates with your audience and enhances your marketing efforts.
As a writer, it’s essential to have a distinct author voice. It’s what sets you apart from other writers and makes your work unique. Your author voice is your personality and your style that comes through your writing. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it that matters. Developing your author voice can be challenging, but it’s a critical skill to master. Read on to explore the importance of author voice and how to find and develop your unique writing style.
As an author, you know that every word counts. Your author bio is no exception. It’s often the first impression potential readers and industry professionals will have of you. A well-crafted biography not only introduces you but also entices readers to explore your work. It’s a valuable marketing tool that can be the difference between a reader skimming past your book and choosing to dive in!
If you’re a writer, managing your time effectively is crucial to achieving your goals and maintaining a consistent output. One of the most effective tools to help you stay organized and on track is an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar for writers serves as a strategic roadmap, outlining your content creation, revision, and marketing efforts over a set period. By thoughtfully planning your writing projects and associated tasks, you can enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of work.
Writing a book is a remarkable achievement, but ensuring it reaches the hands of eager readers requires savvy book marketing. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a debut novelist, these battle-tested tips will help you carve a path to literary success. We’ve curated ten strategies that will propel your book marketing campaign to extraordinary heights. These strategies go beyond the surface, delving into the nuances that will truly set your book on a trajectory toward success—from virtual events to influencer collaborations, get ready to unleash your book’s full potential and captivate readers worldwide!
Anthologies are collections of short stories or poems that are curated around a common theme. This could be anything from speculative fiction to stories centered around a specific time period or emotion. Writing for an anthology requires writers to balance their creative vision with the constraints of the anthology’s theme and tone.
Writing burnout is a real challenge for anyone who creates regularly, and it can happen when life feels heavy or when emotions take their toll. It’s in these moments when you might feel disconnected from your work, wondering how you can possibly keep going when every part of you feels exhausted.