Blog
A Modern Retelling of… Writing fresh takes on public-domain classics
It’s that time of year again, when a number of classic novels, plays, poems, songs, films, and other works of art come into the public domain. This constitutes a veritable gold mine for writers. All kinds of modern retellings find their audience, from Percival...
4 Ways to Write More in 2025
This infographic originally appeared at Career Authors.
The Spaghetti Plot Device: A Sticky Approach to Plotting Your Story
Plot matters. The days when you could sell a slice-of-life novel in which very little actually happens are over, for the most part. As an agent, former acquisitions editor, and mystery author, I’ve learned this the hard way, in the trenches, so to speak. No matter...
How to Write Your Way to The End of Your Novel
Text Description: How to Write Your Way to the End of Your Novel Write every day. Write at the same time every day. End your writing when you're on a roll. Give yourself a reward every 5-10k words. Got stuck? Take a little writing vacation. This post originally...
Infographic: What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up as a Writer?
Text Description: Title: Who Do You Want to be When You Grow Up as a Writer? Identify those authors whom you most admire in your genre and your subgenre. Study their work and figure out what sets their work apart from their peers. How did they break out? What was...
Going Out on a Sub: An Agent’s Bag of Submission Tips & Tricks
It's back to school--and back to submissions. As we enter one of the prime seasons in which to submit stories to publishers, let's take a look at a baker's dozen of pointers that may help you when you go out "on sub." Base your story on a high-concept idea. The...
Infographic: The Same But Different
Text Description: What publishers want is "the same but different," as in: Just like insert best selling book here, only different. You need to articulate that difference. Setting: Just like Castaway, only set on Mars = The Martian Point of View: Just like The Wizard...
Unlock Your Writing Brain with Pen and Paper
Unlock your writing brain by returning to the basics with pen and paper. Discover the neurological benefits of handwriting and why many renowned authors prefer it over typing. Enhance your creativity, focus, and memory by embracing this timeless writing method.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! 7 Ways To Get Your Writing Party Started, Already
Struggling to start your story? Discover 7 effective tips to kickstart your writing process and overcome writer’s block.
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