If you write historical fiction about the middle ages, or historical novels set in the 18th, 19th or 20th century, browse Resources For Writers.
Are you writing for teens and tweens? Check out some of my very favorite books and online resources for YA and Middle Grade writers.
If you're writing a book for the first time, you can find all the best tips and resources here for becoming a great fiction writer.
Today Josiah DeGraaf, Rolena Hatfield, and Daeus Lamb give tips on how to create flawed protagonists that readers still want to root for. They also share examples of where they’ve seen this done…
FREE Hand-Curated and Categorized resources for writers and authors
Writing teacher and author Darcy Pattison discusses writing novels and picture books. Tips, techniques and encouragement for the writing life.
Writers tend to treat the fine points of writing like chemicals in a science lab. Some jumble style and grammar in an intellectual test tube, uncertain which combination will produce the desired…
For authors with tight deadlines and high standards, HowToWriteHistory.com is the resource library that provides reliable background knowledge to build on,
Concentrating on how to grow as a writer isn't just about improving your writing; it's part and parcel of a personal manifestation of learning and growth. Here are five steps to get you started!
Ten free online tools for creative writers that will help you stay productive, manage your time and stretch your imagination.
Publishing with Purpose: Three Tips for Setting Your 2024 Goals as an Author
Whether you’re looking for advice on brainstorming or are ready to hit publish, here are fourteen must-read books for writing a novel!
You open a book, and after several pages, you’re not yourself anymore. You’ve become the character. He’s different from you, yet somehow the same. When he remembers someone’s face but not their name…
"Escalating complications" is my preferred term for what's commonly known as "rising action." What is rising action? And how can you use it to maintain reader engagement in the middles of your scenes and stories? We take a lesson from iguanas and snakes here.
Resources for Writers, creative prompts, story prompts and historical fiction ideas for writers who want to get inspired. Write your historical novel.
Chic printable planner inserts and accessories for writers, readers, and creatives to stay organized and keep track of your goals.
To survive your second draft, you can’t tackle everything at once! Instead, you need something to focus on, specifically your novel’s structure.
Some of the best writing tools for authors to support every step of the writing process and make it more fun, creative, and efficient.
A powerful ending doesn’t stay sealed inside a book once you close the cover. The surprise, challenge, curiosity, or inspiration in the final words becomes part of you. You’ve lived an experience…
We're answering the question: What is exposition in a story? We'll do that by defining exposition and looking at examples from books and film!
There’s nothing like a brand new notebook. Full of promise, unspoken dreams, imaginations running riot - I love to begin a fresh page and to just start writing. I photograph my notebooks a lot for Instagram. But they’re not just props - they’re extremely well-used. I was asked on Instagram what I
The author creates the story. The narrator tells the story. The character lives the story. Writers need to know these distinctions.
Have you ever rewritten the same pages over and over again? Are you afraid to share your work with others? You might be falling prey to this common writing myth that holds writers back...
Nanowrimo ideas for National Novel Writing Months. Get started with ideas for Nanowrimo if you write a historical novel, curated by historical advisor Dr B
Some writers are reluctant to create themes, but theme is what gives a story resonance. This article discusses the what, why, and how of theme.
Is Margaret Atwood's Masterclass on Creative Writing worth it? Here is a writer's honest review on the class from the author of The Handmaid's Tale.
It's my absolute pleasure to introduce to you two of my favorite ladies in the writing world. I've known Ashley R. Carlson and Marissa Fuller for over a year now, and I couldn't be happier of this amazing duo cultivating an anthology called It Begins Here. Now ladies, I hand the mic over to you...&a
The secret that authors need to know to apply to their book marketing for consistent sales. Plus you get a free worksheet to help you maximize your sales!
Can't make it to any writing retreats, conferences, or residencies? Then make your own. Here are the four steps for making a DIY writing retreat.
Writing "by the seat of your pants," aka "discovery writing" works better for some writers than outlining does. Read about the rationale for pantsing here.
Do you search for reliable information how to get a book published, how to write a historical fiction novel, or how to write a historical romance novel?
Writing a novel is like anything else: it takes practice. Here are five storytelling skills to help you take your writing from good to great!
Whether you keep things simple or create complex, artsy layouts, a writer’s notebook is the perfect tool for organizing your writing life!
PIN TO READ LATER Google Docs is a great alternative to Microsoft Word. If you’re a writer, I think you’ll find the mobile apps and collaboration options particularly useful, and you may be surprised by some of Google Docs’ lesser-known features too. I’ve tried to be as thorough as possible in this article and accompanying video. I also update as new features…
All compelling stories begin with strong fictional characters. Plot is vital but it’s well-developed characters that make the events in your plot matter. Characters drive your story, creating conflicts and resolutions as they overcome obstacles and pursue their goals. They are the lens through which
We all need a little encouragement from time to time. I don't know about you, but never do my writing doubts hit harder than when I'm trying to pursue a big goal or I'm working under pressure — two things you're likely experiencing now that we're a few days into National Novel Writing Month. But
Check out eight specific examples that aren't always at the top of show, don't tell guideline lists, but which are vital to strong narrative writing.
EPISODE THIRTY TWO You've heard us say many times that a newsletter is the most important tool in your marketing toolbox. But where do you start? What do you put in your newsletter? How do you grow? In this episode, Jenn & Marcus break it down for you. Listen ➛
Descriptions are what bring stories to life. They’re what stick with us long after the story is over. In this week's blog, learn how to weave layers of meaning into your descriptions.
Character arcs are a critical writing skill to master, affecting everything from your novels plot to your theme. There are two types of character arcs...
Learn about the three types of irony and beyond! Discover examples for each of the three types of irony, and other forms of irony.
As writers, we habitually draw from our own experiences to develop and relate to the characters in our stories. If our protagonist needs to learn bravery, we reflect on moments when we managed to…
THE STORY GRID Due to multiple requests, here is a photo of the very same infographic I shared with my business partner and friend Steven Pressfield.
In this post, I share the seven secrets that can literally make the difference between your success and failure as a writer. The seven secrets are courage, confidence...
Building an author platform has become an essential part of establishing a successful writing career in today’s digital age. In this article, we will explore why having an author platform is vital, provide practical steps on how to build one, and discuss the best platforms for authors to use.
I've been writing since I was 12 years old. But I really don't know what to tell you in regards to the title of this post. So...
Every writer wants to write a page-turning novel. So, here are the four traits of a page-turner, and how to write a page-turner of your own!
