Develop Your Story By Listening To Your Cast
By BookBaby author Dawn Field You can listen to your cast of characters at any stage in the writing process, but it might be especially useful near the end when most of the story is fleshed out. It can...
View ArticleWho Are Your Literary Influences?
By BookBaby author Michael Gallant I encourage you to consider your inspirations when it comes to the written word. Who made you want to write in the first place? What works do you keep coming back to?...
View ArticleCan You Trigger Creativity?
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick Sometimes, taking a problem on head-on isn’t the most creative solution. Why not try Oblique Strategies, the I Ching, or a coin flip? Changing your mental approach...
View ArticleCreative Leaps Are The Lifeblood Of Great Writing
By BookBaby author Dawn Field Writing prompts are one way to work your creative-writing muscles — and while scenario-based prompts can help you practice creative leaps, images can sometimes open the...
View ArticleWhy You Should Set A Reading Goal For 2020
By BookBaby author Steven Spatz The health and emotional benefits of reading are reason enough to read more, but there are plenty of others… so set a reading goal and get to it! Let me get this out of...
View ArticleEdgar Allan Poe’s Notion Of “Unity Of Effect”
By BookBaby author Dawn Field Edgar Allan Poe’s notion of “unity of effect” describes his belief that everything in a written work must lead toward the denouement, starting with the first word. The...
View ArticleMeet Middle Grade Horror Master, Dan Poblocki
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick Dan Poblocki published his first horror book for school-age readers, The Stone Child, just over 10 years ago. He took time out of his writing schedule to talk about...
View ArticleEternal and universal topics in writing
By BookBaby author Dawn Field There are universal topics that fuel so many of the stories we love — from war and peace to abandonment and exile. How you manipulate and build on these sources is your...
View ArticlePeople Judge Your Book By Your Headshot
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick The goal of your author headshot is to cement your brand. At all times you should be asking yourself, “What kind of image am I trying to project to the world?” We all...
View ArticleCounterintuitive Advice On The Craft of Writing
By BookBaby author Lee Purcell You own all your artistic decisions, so let your heart guide you on your path as you embark on the craft of writing. Anyone intent on mastering his/her writing skills...
View ArticleThree Flavors Of Writer’s Block (And How To Beat Them)
By BookBaby author Steven Spatz I believe there are three strains of writer’s block, and each calls for a different solution. But they all demand the same resolve: you must never give up. Those who...
View ArticleThe Creative Potential Of Found Phrases
By BookBaby author Michael Gallant Your next bit of brilliant text could be inspired by unexpected sources. Found phrases in music, crosswords, and daily life can be harnessed for your work. A few...
View ArticleHow Can You Become A Better Writer?
By BookBaby author Dawn Field Make a list of your weaknesses, then actively use this knowledge of yourself to improve your writing to become a better writer. Do you skirt around your weaknesses?...
View ArticleHow To Harness The Hidden Influence Of Power Words
By BookBaby author Jocelyn Pruemer Powerful words that pack a punch can make for highly evocative writing… but there’s something you should watch out for if you want to hit the right notes. It’s common...
View ArticleHow Screenplays Differ From Novels
By BookBaby author Burt Weissbourd When developing a screenplay, you look for strong, complex characters, conflict, and emotional intensity. While the same is true for books, there are rules about...
View ArticleBefore You Write That Fantasy Novel…
By BookBaby author Paul Goat Allen If you are writing a fantasy novel, these five considerations will help put you on the right track to creating a story that will capture readers’ attention. This post...
View ArticleMake Readers Stop And Go “Wow!”
By BookBaby author Dawn Field Readers will decide what stands out about your writing, but thinking about creating “Wow!” moments helps you focus on writing them. What makes something so special that it...
View ArticleWriters’ Stories From Quarantine
By BookBaby author Steven Spatz I asked the writers in our community how the Covid-19 pandemic was affecting them. The responses range from inspiring to sobering. Here’s a sample of what you said. It...
View ArticleDramatic Times Call For A Clear Message
By BookBaby author Michael Gallant Writing about of-the-minute events, politics, and movements can be highly intimidating but deeply necessary. Do the work and make your voice heard. These are strange...
View ArticleCreating Your Own Rules: How To Build A Story World
By BookBaby author Dawn Field Rules are weighty and can produce some of the most significant sentences you’ll write. They build your story world, immerse your reader, and produce consequences. There...
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