We walk through a bookstore and imagine the day we can pull a book off the shelf, and read our name on the cover. The euphoric feeling of becoming a published author enables us to type the next ten pages, or address another brown envelope and resubmit our next story.
Writers do not count the hours [...]
I had someone ask me this questions recently, and I must say that the answer is no.
There are aspects of humanity explored in each genre. Each one is a fundamental part of the human condition which plays out in our everyday lives, and transcends from reality into the written word.
Yes, all genres have similar characters [...]
As a freelance writer, you’ll need to be aware of the legal protection your work enjoys so you don’t sign away rights that you should retain. This is a guide to some key aspects of UK copyright law.
As a freelance writer ideas are your bread and butter. Getting a commission means revealing your idea [...]
This is an excerpt from my novel writing course at www.writersonlinecourses.com
Plots are difficult. All writers should take some time to learn what themes are, and moral lessons, before they start picking plots. Each genre has plots that are considered genre-staples. These plots fit the story lines readers want. When all is said and done, novel [...]
As a published author and creative writing teacher I often get asked how writers can get published. One of the simplest ways to answer that question is tell the story of my publishing contracts with two different publishers.
Like many other writers, I have always wanted to write a book and started scribbling stories as a [...]
Whether you’re an author publishing through traditional means or delving into self-publishing, you are going to want the feedback of a good editor or perhaps more than one. The difficulty for authors, especially those choosing self-publishing is when do you take an editor’s advice and make changes and when do you determine you’ve gotten enough [...]
According to a recent survey, more than eighty percent of Americans want to write a book. This shocking statistic is somewhat puzzling because the National Endowment for the Arts estimates that only fifty-seven percent of Americans have read one book in the last twelve months!
What is it that makes people — even non-readers — [...]
Whether you’re an author publishing through traditional means or delving into self-publishing, you are going to want the feedback of a good editor or perhaps more than one. The difficulty for authors, especially those choosing self-publishing is when do you take an editor’s advice and make changes and when do you determine you’ve gotten enough [...]
The word fantasy usually brings to mind tales of a magical world where dragons, heroes and incredible lands are filled with dangers at every turn. The reality is fantasy writing is so much more than that.
A fantasy world is a world where anything can happen. Magic is real and works. Heroes do save the damsels [...]
Verbal compliments, or words of affirmation, are powerful communicators of love. They are best expressed in simple, straightforward statements of affirmation, such as:
"You look sharp in that suit."
"Do you ever look nice in that dress! Wow!"
"You must be the best potato cook in the world. I love these potatoes."
"I really appreciate you washing the dishes [...]
