Christine Kessides first imagined A Tail Tale when she was a student, but didn’t publish it until her first grandson arrived—who loves a good story and, coincidentally, looks like Wally. Christine is also the author of Magda, Standing, an award-winning…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…