Tag: Authors

Fiction Writing, WritingLeave a comment
Fiction Writing Rule #4

Fiction Writing Rule #4: Choose (And Stick With) a Point Of View

Cori Davan

A third of the population look at a glass containing 50% water and 50% air, and they say the glass is half-full. The next third say it’s half empty. The final third say screw it and grab a drink. Each third have a different point of view.

Perspective is everything.

As authors of our self-created universes, the point of view we choose to tell a story in sets the stage. It is, perhaps, the single most important decision we make because telling the same tale from a different point of view (POV) creates an entirely different novel. Continue reading “Fiction Writing Rule #4: Choose (And Stick With) a Point Of View”

PublishingLeave a comment
What Is A Bestselling Author?

What Is A Bestselling Author?

Anita Lovett

“By Bestselling Author…”

Twitter is flooded with tweets from hundreds (maybe even thousands) of authors advertising their latest work via these three words.

We think they think that it has the same impact on readers as the deep booming voice in the movie theatre saying, “From critically acclaimed” whatever. From the depths of the narrator’s voice come three words that make heads snap forward and minds say, “Oo! It must be good.” Bonus points if they know the name mentioned and have loved their previous work. Continue reading “What Is A Bestselling Author?”

Fiction Writing, WritingLeave a comment
Fiction Writing Rule #3: Create Dimensional Characters

Fiction Writing Rule #3: Create Dimensional Characters

Anita Lovett

A story isn’t a story without characters. Much like reality, it doesn’t matter how small a person appears because their actions and personality can cause an explosion.

Throughout literature there are stunning examples of deep, multifaceted characters, without which stories would be drab and boring. Take, for example, characters like Sherlock Homes and John Watson whose depth rival that of some real life individuals.

In continuation of our Fiction Writing Series, our next topic of discussion is how to create dimensional characters. Continue reading “Fiction Writing Rule #3: Create Dimensional Characters”

Tips & General Advice, Writing2 Comments
The Guide to Clear and Concise Writing

The Guide to Clear and Concise Writing

Anita Lovett

As National Novel Writing Month ends, the beginning of the holiday season strikes. The time of the year has come where you embark on reading stories about obnoxious gingerbread men, elves that watch naughty children, talking turkeys, and an incessant use of the word ‘Tis.’

You find yourself watching terribly scripted made for TV holiday movies and ridiculous commercials that make you want to poke your eyeballs out. Now, imagine having to read this stuff year round.

It’s a safe bet you would never again read or watch TV, and the survival of your eyeballs would be debatable.

As you feast your eyes on your NaNoWriMo work, or set your sights on your next writing project, it’s important to focus on the importance of clear and concise writing. Let’s take a minute and review some important tips that will help you prepare a fresh and crisp piece of writing for your readers. Continue reading “The Guide to Clear and Concise Writing”

editing & proofreading, Tips & General Advice, WritingLeave a comment
A Guide to Split Infinitives

A Guide to Split Infinitives

Cori Davan

Whether you are writing a novel or a simple short story, the infancy stages of your piece will not be perfect. It is also a safe bet that one of the biggest grammatical headaches, the split infinitive, has been a thorn in your side. Don’t worry, you are not the only writer to enter split infinitive hell! Continue reading “A Guide to Split Infinitives”

Content Marketing, Self-Publishing, Social Media4 Comments
5 Ways to Market your eBook on Google Plus

5 Ways to Market your eBook on Google Plus

Anita Lovett

In the realm of social media, Google+ has been the black sheep. Built by Google with the intent to meet and surpass Facebook, it has been “disparaged and shunned by much of the public.” The Google Plus network is primarily trafficked by professionals and individuals interested in networking or specific interests. Despite it not reaching the fame of Facebook and LinkedIn, it is still a good platform from which to market an e-book if you know how to use it. Continue reading “5 Ways to Market your eBook on Google Plus”

editing & proofreading, Tips & General Advice, Writing1 Comment

How to Use Grammarly

Cori Davan

Whether you’re a writer or editor, a little help with proofing is always welcome. Most word processing programs, like Microsoft Word and WordPerfect, come with basic proofreading capabilities. But what if you had access to smarter software? Would you use it? And what if you could use it for free? We’d like to introduce you to a smart software that’s been making our lives easier since 2010. It’s called Grammarly. Continue reading “How to Use Grammarly”