Skip to content

Writing Your Book

An image of a mug of coffee, a scarf, and an open book on a windowsill. Outside is snowy. Text says "Winter writing prompts"

Winter Writing Prompts

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.

How to Write Engaging Dialogue 1

Writing Engaging Dialogue

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?

a woman wearing glasses and holding a cup of coffee and reading off a laptop next to the text "a writer's guide to retelling a story"

Bringing New Life to Old Tales: A Writer’s Guide to Retelling a Story

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.

a hand writing with a calligraphy pen next to the text "exploring unique writing forms"

Exploring Unique Writing Forms: A Creative Guide for Writers

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.

stacks of illustrated books bordering the text "writing a novella: short, sharp, and impactful stories"

Short, Sharp, and Impactful: The Novella

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.

orange and red maple leaves on a blue wood background next to the text "10 writing prompts for november"

10 Writing Prompts for November

As November arrives, the crisp air and shorter days create an ideal backdrop for writing. Whether you’re diving into NaNoWriMo or simply looking for inspiration, November’s unique themes offer countless possibilities. In this post, we’ll explore why prompts can be a powerful tool, examine November’s distinct atmosphere, and provide ten prompts designed to tap into the month’s spirit and seasonal shifts. These prompts are crafted to help you explore new ideas, unlock creative energy, and delve deeper into storytelling.

a type writer and a hand writing the text "developing a strong opening line and book hook"

Developing Strong Book Hooks

In the vast sea of books, a strong opening line is the author’s secret weapon to captivate readers from the very first page. Crafting an attention-grabbing opening sets the tone for the entire story, entices readers to continue, and leaves a lasting impression. In this blog post, we will explore the art of developing powerful opening lines and hooks that hook readers from the start. Get ready to discover techniques that will elevate your writing and ensure your story stands out in a crowded literary landscape.

illustrations of a superhero girl with a cape, an old wizard with a white beard, and a jester wearing a mask under the text "exploring character archetypes in writing"

The Use of Archetypes: Understanding Common Character Types

The concept of archetypes has been widely discussed in literary theory, notably by Carl Jung, who proposed that archetypes are part of the collective unconscious. In literature, archetypes can manifest in various forms, from character roles to narrative structures. Understanding these common character types can help writers craft more relatable and engaging stories!

clipart of a man wearing glasses lookign at a book through a magnifying glass alongside the text "the role of sensitivity readers: understanding their purpose and benefits"

The Role of Sensitivity Readers: Understanding Their Purpose and Benefits

In recent years, sensitivity readers have become a vital part of the publishing industry. These unsung heroes are hired to review manuscripts and provide feedback on potentially offensive or insensitive content. Their role is to ensure that the work accurately reflects the experiences and perspectives of the groups it represents while avoiding harmful stereotypes and insensitive language. Let’s take a closer look at the role of sensitivity readers and how they benefit the publishing industry.

a bearded man writing in a notebook next to the text "Embracing Imperfection and Writing Mistakes"

Embracing Imperfection: The Role of Mistakes in the Creative Process

Mistakes are often viewed negatively, but they serve a crucial role in the creative process. They encourage exploration, foster resilience, and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. For instance, many renowned authors have openly acknowledged the value of their missteps. Ernest Hemingway famously said, “The first draft of anything is sh*t.” This candid admission highlights the notion that the creative journey involves refining and reworking initial ideas rather than aiming for perfection from the outset.

Show Dont Tell Enhancing Your Descriptive Writing 1

Show, Don’t Tell: Enhancing Your Descriptive Writing

If you’ve ever wondered how to breathe life into your storytelling, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re diving headfirst into the mystical realm of “Show, Don’t Tell” – a writing technique that can transform your words from a mere narrative into a vivid, immersive experience. So grab your quill, and let’s embark on a journey to master the art of showing instead of telling.

How to Create Great Poem Titles - text on a wooden background next to a feathered quill writing words in cursive

How to Create Great Titles for Your Poems

For poets, the title of a poem is often more than just a label; it’s a key to unlocking the theme, tone, or mood of the piece. It’s a chance to create intrigue and invite readers into your poetic world. In many ways, it’s the story’s hook, offering a promise or question that the poem will address. Crafting the perfect title is both an art and a skill that can take your poetry from being merely interesting to unforgettable.

31 Spooky October Writing Prompts

31 Spooky Writing Prompts for October – A Daily Prompt Challenge

Daily writing prompts serve as excellent warm-up exercises, sparking creativity and helping to overcome writer’s block. They encourage you to think outside your usual narrative patterns and can lead to unexpected story ideas or character developments. According to a survey by the National Writing Project, 78% of writers who use prompts regularly report increased productivity and creativity.

Ghostwriters for hire

Ghostwriters for Hire

Hiring a ghostwriter can be a pivotal step in bringing your project to life, whether you’re penning a memoir, a novel, or a business book. But with so many ghostwriters available, how do you find the one who’s right for your project? Let’s dive into the process of finding and hiring a ghostwriter, including what to look for, how to evaluate potential candidates, and why choosing the right ghostwriter matters.