Novel Writing – The Importance of Setting

by Linda C Butler

Setting in a novel includes both the location where the story takes place and the time period when it happens.  It must be planned carefully to provide the background to hook the reader but must not detract from the plot and the characters. More>>>

Get Published - Building the Plot Outline

By Jaci Gwyn
It is the writer's job to first hook the reader with a juicy worm at the start and then never let up on the tension, keeping the reader dangling at the end of the line until the denouement. Pace drives the plot forward and result in an unputdownable read.  More>>>

Start Writing With a Purpose in Mind

By Kay Hedges
Writing an article without a purpose or reason usually results in a meandering focus. Knowing that you are writing for publication or as a class assignment helps to define the topic. Most publications fall under one of these four categories. More>>>

On Writing Well - How to Distinguish Sound in Writing

By Robert L. Bacon
The most obvious idea that works for the majority of people is to read material aloud. Unfortunately, many writers get so close to their work that it's often difficult if not impossible to get a fair "hearing." Everything sounds good because of familiarity. And this is the real problem, not the purported inability to distinguish word tempo.. More>>>

How to Write Short Stories That Sell

By J. Leland Kupferberg
Great tips for writers looking to make money by selling short stories. Learn about the common errors made by novice short story writers. Discover the story elements and writing strategies that make the greatest impression on literary agents, publishers, and readers. More>>>

What the Muse Wants

By Steven Pressfield
The issue that comes up more than any other among aspiring artists and entrepreneurs is this: "How can we chase our dream when we've got kids, a job, demands and deadlines? How do we find the time, the self-discipline and the energy when we're dealing with all this real stuff in the real world?"  More>>>

Cover the Canvas

By Steven Pressfield
Is the first draft the hardest? Is it different from a third draft, or a twelfth? Does a first draft possess unique challenges that we have to attack in a one-of-a-kind way? Yes, yes and yes. First drafts are killers. A first draft is different from (and more difficult than) all subsequent drafts because in a first draft we're filling the blank page. And we know what that means: Resistance.  More>>>

Write Fiction - Readers Can't Put Down Tension and Conflict

Writing For Money Or Writing For Peanuts?

By Sue Kendrick

The last article I wrote earned over £50 within the first few hours of publication and is still generating an income now! There's good money to be had from freelance writing for the web, so why do so many writers settle for a miserly pittance which they have to sweat blood to earn?  More>>>

Nine Things That Need to Be on Your Book Cover

By Alicia Nicole Dunams
Don't judge a book by its cover is a cliche that's also a myth. People will judge your book by its cover. It's the first impression that conveys your book's message, your brand, and most importantly, makes readers want to buy it. Since a book cover is so significant in your book's success, you have to squeeze all the power you can from the things you include on it. More>>>

How to Prepare a Manuscript For Publication

By Irene Watson
In the old days of the twentieth century, writers submitted their manuscripts on paper and they prepared those manuscripts on typewriters. Today, many publishers will still take paper manuscripts for consideration, but most will want a word processing document submitted when an agreement is made to publish the book. Previously, publishing houses had typists who would retype manuscripts for them, but no one wants to waste time and money doing that today.  More>>>