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line art of a man with his arm around a woman and a heart between them alongside the text "Love across genres: How Romance Fits in Every Story"

Love Across Genres: How Romance Fits in Every Story

Romance doesn’t always need to be the central focus of a novel; it can subtly weave its way into genres like science fiction, fantasy, thriller, or historical fiction, adding depth and emotional resonance. After all, love permeates our everyday lives—it’s a driving force in our relationships, decisions, and even our struggles. So, why shouldn’t romance also be an underlying force in books?

illustrations of heart-shaped balloons and heart-shaped pennants next to the text "30 Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts"

Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, affection, and connection. As a writer, it’s an opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of love through your craft. Whether you’re aiming to pen a heartfelt poem, a short story, or a personal essay, the following prompts are designed to ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of love in its many forms!

an image of a statue wearing headphones and a stack of books under the text "Adapting Your Book for Audio"

Adapting Your Book for Audio

In recent years, the audiobook market has experienced explosive growth, with millions of listeners turning to audiobooks as a convenient and immersive way to experience stories. For authors, this presents an exciting opportunity to reach a wider audience and enhance the impact of their work. However, adapting your book for audio format requires more than simply turning pages into sound.

A woman with short gray hair and glasses sitting at a computer next to the text "Writing as a Second Act"

Writing as a Second Act: Becoming an Author Later in Life

Starting a writing career and aspiring toward becoming an author later in life might feel intimidating, but it’s a thrilling, rewarding adventure. You don’t have to follow a conventional path to become an author. Whether you’ve spent years honing your craft or you’ve just recently discovered a passion for storytelling, it’s never too late to dive into the writing world!

An image of five children in glasses laying with their heads together next to the text "Writing Child Characters while avoiding stereotypes"

Writing Authentic Children: Avoiding Stereotypes and Precociousness

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.

hands typing on a laptop next to an open notebook and the text "The Psychology of Rewriting"

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.

clipart constellations bordering the text "Astrology and Astronomy in Writing"

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!

clipart of a large family of all ages under the text "Writing Multigenerational Stories"

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.

image of a black typewriter between stacks of books and the text "rough drafts vs working drafts"

Rough Draft vs. Working Draft

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.

Image of Christmas presents, wrapping materials, a candle, and a christmas tree scattered around a hardwood floor with the text "Maintaining a Holiday Writing Routine"

Strategies for Maintaining a Productive Writing Routine During the Holidays

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.

A woman sitting cross-legged and holding a laptop in her lap next to the text "subverting writing tropes"

Breaking the Mold: Subverting Tropes Without Confusing Your Readers

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.

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.