Author Platforms

Does every author need to have a platform, and what is a platform anyway?

https://alaynekaychristian.wordpress.com/2014/12/13/julie-hedlund-busts-myths-about-author-platforms/

Creative Nonfiction

Even though a picture book is nonfiction, it should still have a story arc.

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2014/11/true-story-picture-books-or-creative.html

Public Speaking

Here are some hints to help you survive public speaking at an event.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/11/3-tricks-surviving-public-speaking-event/

On Submission

What actually happens when your agent says your book is "on submission."

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2014/11/an-epic-post-about-submission-process.html

Legal Music

Don't violate another artist's copyright when you create your book trailer.

http://creativecommons.org/legalmusicforvideos

Avoiding LGBTQ Stereotypes

How to make your young adult LGBTQ characters fully realized instead of being stereotypes.

http://www.malindalo.com/2010/06/avoiding-lgbtq-stereotypes-in-ya-fiction-part-5-resources/

Picture Book Structure

Having an idea for your picture book is just the beginning.

http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/pub/PrairieWind/?p=592

Heroes

Ten reasons why your hero needs flaws.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/12/10-reasons-hero-needs-flaws/

Online Presence

What are editors and agents looking for when they research you online?

http://inkygirl.com/inkygirl-main/2014/12/10/survey-results-what-agents-editors-and-art-directors-look-fo.html

Close Third Person

How far is the psychic distance in your third person novel?

http://tamimoore.com/2010/close-third-person-point-of-view/

Historical Novels

How much history should you put in your book to keep it a novel and not a textbook?

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-much-history-in-your-historical.html

First Chapter

How can you write the "perfect" first chapter?  

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-craft-perfect-first-chapter.html

Guest Blogging

How to be asked to write posts for other people's blogs.

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2014/02/guest-blogging-for-authors-10-tips-to.html

Openings

Follow this checklist and make your openings pop. 

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2014/11/margies-rule-6-make-your-opening-pop/

New Adult

If you write YA, you should learn about the next age up category--new adult. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/11/guest-post-giveaway-deborah-halverson.html

Author Events

Whether at a bookstore, library, or school, these hints will help make your author visit a success.

https://floweringminds.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/scwbi-sfsouth-bookstore-night-at-hicklebees/

Book Bloggers

How do you work with book bloggers to get them interested in reviewing your book? 

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2014/11/4-tips-for-working-with-book-bloggers/

Ageism in Kidlit

This blog promotes diversity of and respect for character age. 

http://www.lindseymcdivitt.com/blog/

Point of View

Consider these pros and cons when choosing a viewpoint.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/11/craft-of-writing-viewpoint-selection-by.html

Outlining Your Novel

There are many advantages to outlining your novel before beginning to write. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/outlining-your-novel/

Nonfiction Picture Books

True stories that would be perfect for picture books are all around us. 

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2014/11/true-story-picture-books-or-creative.html

Debut Book

Everyone's experience is different on the publication of a debut book. 

http://piper.asu.edu/2014/12/dozen-things-debut-authors-taught/

On Submission

What actually happens when your agent says your manuscript is on submission?

http://katiemccoach.com/taking-feedback-what-to-do-with-your-edit-letter/

Editorial Letters

Your editorial letter has finally arrived. What do you do now? 

http://katiemccoach.com/taking-feedback-what-to-do-with-your-edit-letter/

Writing Conferences

Should you attend a conference and, if so, how can you get the most out of it. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/08/why-go-to-writers-conference-10.html

Melodrama

It's easy to slip from showing your character's emotion to entering the world of melodrama.  \

http://kidlit.com/2014/12/01/the-melodrama-dilemma/

Traditional Publishing

Twenty-five "secrets" about how traditional publishing works. 

http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2014/06/16/mike-r-underwood-25-secrets-of-publishing-revealed-or-inside-the-bookish-shatterdome/

New Agents

There are pros and cons to going with someone new to agenting. 

http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/should-you-pitch-and-sign-with-a-new-literary-agent-the-pros-and-cons/

Outlining

Some tips for writers thinking of switching from pantser to outliner. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/11/23/outlining-why-i-made-the-switch-and-tips-for-trying-it/

Public Speaking

Keep in mind these three tips, and your next public speaking event will go more smoothly. 

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/11/3-tricks-surviving-public-speaking-event/

Funny Words

Use funny words to make your writing more humorous. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/improve-my-writing/a-list-of-funny-words-to-help-you-writing-funnier-stories