Saturday, July 31, 2021

Backstory, Not Infodump

 You can introduce your characters' backstories without doing a boring infodump.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/02/backstory-dodging-the-info-dump/

Friday, July 30, 2021

First Draft Revision

 How do you turn your messy first draft into a draft ready for hard-core revision?

https://www.jessicabrody.com/2020/01/5-tips-for-revising-a-first-draft/

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Book Titles

 What should you do if you find out another book has come out with your same book title?

https://rachellegardner.com/help-someone-is-using-my-book-title/

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Romantic Subplots

 Even if the main plot of your YA isn't a romance, you may want to include romance in a subplot.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/5-tips-for-writing-stellar-romantic-subplots/

Monday, July 26, 2021

Self-Editing

 As important as critiques from other people are, it's even more important to learn how to self-edit your own work first.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/02/10-self-editing-tips/

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Opening Scenes

 Here are three vital elements to include in the opening scene of your book.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/opening-scenes-3-critical-elements/

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Is Your Novel Ready

 How do you tell if your novel is ready to submit to an agent or editor?

https://annerallen.com/2021/02/novel-ready-to-publish-12-signs/

Friday, July 23, 2021

Search Engine Trends

 Here are some SEO (search engine optimization) myths you don't have to worry about.

https://www.makealivingwriting.com/seo-trends-myths/

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Flashbacks

 Flashbacks can give necessary backstory, but they should be used sparingly.

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/writing-flashbacks

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Publishing Seasons

 What does it mean when you're told your book will come out in the Spring season?

https://firstsecondbooks.com/behind-the-scenes/publishing-seasons/

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Instagram for Authors

 How can you best use Instagram to increase your author presence?

https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2017/01/07/instagram/

Monday, July 19, 2021

After the Offer of Representation

 Congratulations on receiving an offer of representation, now don't make these mistakes. 

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/06/24/10-mistakes-authors-make-when-receiving-an-offer-of-representation/

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Characters and Setting

 Ask your characters these questions to help bring your setting to life. 

https://www.livewritethrive.com/2021/06/21/12-questions-to-ask-your-character-to-bring-setting-to-life/

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Introvert Authors

 Here are some tips for introverts to overcome the public side of being an author.

https://annerallen.com/2021/06/introverted-authors-overcoming-fears/

Friday, July 16, 2021

Sensory Details

 Without sensory details (and not just visual ones), your story will feel flat.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/writing-mistakes-writers-make-omitting-sensory-details

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Story Over Theme

 Yes, your manuscript should have a theme, but don't forget it also needs to be a story.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/06/writers-are-storytellers-not-theme-tellers


Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Simultaneous Submissions

 Submitting to more than one agent or editor at a time is common now, but what is the best way to do this?

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-protocols-of-simultaneous-submission.html

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Bringing Characters to Life

 Stories are about characters, so how do you make yours more interesting to your readers?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/06/bringing-a-character-to-life/

Monday, July 12, 2021

Being a Podcast Guest

 Podcasts are a great way to share info about you and your books.

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-be-a-great-podcast-guest-a-guide-for-authors/

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Tighten Your Writing

 Here are some tips to cut words and phrases that make your writing drag.

https://careerauthors.com/how-to-cut-twenty-thousand-words/

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Curiosity

 The one thing your novel must do is arouse the reader's curiosity.

https://www.janefriedman.com/the-one-thing-your-novel-absolutely-must-do/

Friday, July 9, 2021

Series Bible

 It's important you maintain a central list of character names/descriptions/spelling, locations, timeline, etc. for your series (and even your standalone title).

https://killzoneblog.com/2020/12/tips-to-create-a-series-bible.html

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Publishing Contracts

 Pay extra attention to these key points in your publishing contract.

https://annerallen.com/2021/01/key-provisions-publishing-contract/

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Improve Your Writing

 Here are some hints on how to make your writing better.

https://rhyskeller.com/8-reasons-your-writing-could-be-a-lot-better/

Fractured Fairytales

 Take a fairytale everyone knows and give it a little twist.

https://www.stefaniehohl.com/new-blog/2021/1/18/fracturing-fairytales-is-twisted-fun

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Restarting a Manuscript

 How do you get going again on a manuscript where you seemed to have stalled in your writing?

https://www.janefriedman.com/the-inspiration-factory-how-to-restart-your-unfinished-book/

Monday, July 5, 2021

Email List

 How to start, build, and grow your email list.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-build-and-grow-your-email-list/

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Writing Communities

 There are many benefits in joining a community of fellow writers.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/why-should-you-join-a-writing-community/

Unique Story Elements

 How do you introduce unique story elements, like in a fantasy world, without confusing your readers.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/01/introducing-unique-story-elements-without-confusing-readers/

Saturday, July 3, 2021

Voice

 Agents and editors want books with a good voice, but what do they mean by that?

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2021/01/voice-in-fiction-vague-but-vital.html

Friday, July 2, 2021

Images for Research

 You can now use Smithsonian Open Access to search through millions of images in their collection.

https://www.si.edu/openaccess


Thursday, July 1, 2021

Muddy Middle

 How do you get your manuscript unstuck from the muddy middle?

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/muddy-middle