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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
As we step into 2025, a fresh wave of possibilities washes over the literary landscape. The publishing industry is a dynamic beast, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of readers. For authors, this translates to an essential need: adapting your author brand to not just survive, but thrive, in this ever-changing world.
Writing subplots, when done thoughtfully, can deepen the story without overwhelming or confusing readers. However, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overcomplicating or derailing the main plot. The key lies in finding a balance between adding richness and maintaining focus on the primary narrative.
The holiday season is often a time of celebration, reflection, and relaxation. However, for writers, it can also be a time when productivity takes a hit. With social events, travel plans, and family commitments, staying on track with your writing routine can feel like an uphill battle. But with the right strategies in place, you can not only maintain your writing schedule but also make meaningful progress on your projects during this bustling time of year.
Tropes provide structure, familiarity, and a sense of comfort, helping readers navigate the narrative quickly. But as any seasoned writer knows, overusing or relying too heavily on these tropes can lead to predictability and even dullness. This is where the art of subverting tropes comes in—breaking the mold of traditional storytelling to offer readers something fresh and surprising.
Seasonal prompts work best when approached with flexibility and creativity. Instead of treating prompts as rigid guidelines, think of them as starting points. For example, if a prompt mentions a solstice fire, you might write about the fire’s symbolic meaning, its physical setting, or its effect on the characters witnessing it.
As an aspiring author, you’re not just a writer. You’re a wordsmith, a literary maestro, a creator of worlds—and one of the most important tools in your arsenal is dialogue. Dialogue brings your characters to life, adds depth to your story, and keeps your readers hooked. But how do you write dialogue that truly wows?
As an author, I often seek inspiration from the world around me, and what better muse than the spirit of gratitude that permeates this time of year? If you’re an aspiring writer looking to spark your creativity, I’ve compiled a list of short story prompts that celebrate thankfulness, perfect for the week of Thanksgiving.
Retelling a story can breathe new life into well-loved tales, inviting readers to explore familiar themes through fresh perspectives and unique twists. Whether it’s a fairy tale, myth, historical event, or a beloved literary classic, a retelling gives writers a chance to build on universal stories while injecting them with their voice, creativity, and relevance for a contemporary audience.
As a writer, the world of storytelling is vast and varied, but the traditional narrative structure is only one option. Unique writing forms allow authors to explore new ways of expressing ideas, emotions, and experiences, often creating a deeper connection with readers or presenting a challenge that invigorates their creative process. From unconventional prose to experimental layouts, there are numerous ways to break free from the constraints of typical writing formats. In this post, we’ll explore unique writing forms, their benefits, and how you can use them to enhance your craft.
Writing a book review is a powerful skill for any writer, not only because it helps you engage with the literary world but also because it sharpens your analytical and writing skills. Whether you’re reviewing a newly released bestseller or a classic piece of literature, knowing how to craft an insightful and well-balanced review can establish your credibility as a reader and a writer. But how do you go about it? What should you focus on? And how can you make your review stand out?
Writing a novella can be an exciting journey for any writer, but it’s often misunderstood as just a “shorter novel.” In reality, a novella has unique requirements and offers distinct advantages. In this guide, we’ll delve into what makes a novella special, explore the specific structure and pacing novellas demand, and provide strategies to help you create a compelling story. Whether you’re exploring novellas as a standalone option or as a way to expand your writing repertoire, this guide offers the practical steps to get started.
I have always loved reading and writing was a natural extension. I remember choosing my first poem book from the library as a young child. I really enjoyed it. I wrote short stories and poems throughout my life. I wrote a great many poems when my children were small. That same Children’s Literature class with Professor Brody was the catalyst for my renewed interest in poetry. Another assignment was to draft a poem. I submitted My Little Sunshine, a poem about my first son. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching a poetry unit and converting students who were extremely reluctant at first. I encouraged them to play with words and find joy in creating pictures with words.