History in the Making
The Tale of Two Celebrations
Smell the churros? That cinnamon doughnutty aroma that draws you to the vendor’s stand? Or maybe your eyes are…
May 20, 2021-
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Mystery/Thriller/SuspenseDramatic Tension
What is dramatic tension? Merriam-Webster states dramatic is “sudden and extreme, greatly affecting people’s emotions” and defines Tension as…
May 17, 2021 -
Mastering Middle GradeThree Tips for Middle Grade Historical Fiction Authors
I once asked New York Times bestselling author Melanie Benjamin her top tip for writing historical fiction. She gave…
May 16, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiShould You Base Your Novel on Your RPG Camapaign?
Many fantasy writers got their introduction to the genre not through books but through Table Top Role Playing Games…
May 7, 2021 -
ScreenwritingKnow the Rules
In my latest screenplay, I decided to take a risk and break the rules. I wanted to give my…
May 4, 2021 -
Writing for YAWriting a First Novel: Creating Characters
In past blog posts, I’ve written about choosing a genre, story premise, and GMC. A key element of any…
April 27, 2021 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Pets as a Plot Ploy
Are pets an asset or an albatross in our mystery, suspense, and thriller genre? Pets have shown up in…
April 21, 2021 -
History in the Making
What Time is It?
When writing historical fiction, it’s important to be aware of your timeline. Timelines are significant in all genres of…
April 20, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Getting Started on Instagram, part 2
Part one of this two-part article covered how to get started on Instagram. This second part explores growing your…
April 16, 2021 -
Magazine and Freelance7 Ways to Make Sure Your Article Doesn’t Sell!
Everyone knows there are certain rules that must be followed in order to present an article to a publication.…
April 14, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Four Popular Options for Map-Making Software
World building is a critical part of any speculative fiction work. As we create new worlds, one of the…
April 7, 2021 -
Screenwriting
Visual Storytelling
One of the best and most common pieces of writing advice screenwriters get is to always use visual storytelling.…
April 4, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Getting Started on Instagram Part 1: Sign Up, Bio, and Engaging Posts
Today’s authors must have a platform to market their books. In addition to a personal website, email lists, speaking…
March 28, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First (or Second) Novel: Story Premise & GMC
I love new, fresh story ideas. When I first started writing stories, I would attempt to capture a thought…
March 27, 2021 -
Romancing Your StoryHumoring Your Romance
I always say that a book that can make me laugh and cry is an outstanding book that will…
March 23, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
A proven process for dealing with Rejection
The long-awaited email from the agent arrives. With a trembling hand, you open it. Polite greeting, generic praise and…
March 7, 2021 -
Screenwriting
Do You Know What You Mean?
Recently, I uploaded my latest screenplay to a screenwriting website for Hollywood producers and studios to view. I was…
March 4, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Story retellings: Interview with A. K. Pittman
Allison Pittman, writing as A. K. Pitman, has a brand new book out, and it’s a YA P &…
February 27, 2021 -
Romancing Your Story
Emotional Logic, Or How to Keep Readers From Throwing Your Book Against the Wall
The basis of every good story is conflict. As writing teacher extraordinaire James Scott Bell often says, “Happy people…
February 23, 2021 -
History in the Making
Corn Flakes, The Journey of a Favorite Cereal
A health guru… Stale wheat… A tight budget… This hodgepodge of events would lead to the creation of a…
February 20, 2021 -
Mastering Middle Grade
10 Epic Middle Grade Book Series
I read a ton of great middle grade series in 2020 and I’m excited to share just a few…
February 16, 2021 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Navigating the Social Media minefield as a Speculative Fiction author
It’s a complicated time to be an author trying to build your platform on social media. It’s a weird…
February 7, 2021 -
Screenwriting
Emotional Storytelling
Last year I let a screenwriting and producer friend with 30 years of experience read the first draft of…
February 4, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First Novel: Choosing A Genre
Want to write a novel, but aren’t sure what genre to pick? Write What You Love That’s a good…
January 27, 2021 -
Romancing Your Story
Does Setting Matter in a Romance?
The short answer is YES! While falling in love can happen anywhere, the choice of your setting sets a…
January 23, 2021
