Inspiration, Tools, and Resources for Fiction Writers
Is Dark Academia a genre or an aesthetic? Learn the difference, discover the essential tropes, and see how to layer this brooding mood onto fantasy, thriller, or romance.
Welcome to the chaos: It’s where the Shadow Daddy archetype meets the surprisingly soft villain, transforming dark romance into a delightful obsession.
Micro tropes vs tropes: What’s the difference? See why these small, scene-level details are the secret to writing and selling books readers love.
Space opera is more than just spaceships and laser battles—it’s sweeping drama, high stakes, and unforgettable characters. From galaxy-spanning adventures to dynamic heroes, we break it all down—and give tips to write your own epic saga.
Stop sabotaging your queries! Literary agent Jessica Berg of Rosecliff Literary breaks down 10 common mistakes and how to avoid them so you stand out to agents.
Dive into the 7 essential elements of great sci-fi worldbuilding. Learn how to create compelling cultures, complex technologies, and rich histories that will make your science fiction feel real to your readers.
Imagine getting an instant beta read or critique on your novel. Is your pacing working across chapters? Are character arcs progressing in a satisfying way? Are there major story moments missing that might explain why Act Two drags so much?
This level of analysis, once available only through professional editors (and weeks or months spent waiting for their feedback), is now possible in minutes.
Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to the essential marketing vocabulary every indie author needs to know.
We sat down with George Toft, one of the Grand Prize Shortlisters from Novel 90 to discuss his work and his experience participating in the 1st Annual Novel 90 Writing Challenge!
Want to write stories that truly stick with readers? Learn how to weave themes into your setting, characters, and plot in a way that feels natural—and powerful. It’s all about creating deeper meaning without hitting your audience over the head.
We sat down with Savannah Thorne, one of the Grand Prize Winners from Novel 90 to discuss what it was like to win, get an update on her books, and discover what’s coming up next!
Here’s a pro secret: sometimes, you need to stop waiting for the perfect idea to fall into your lap and just dive straight into the bizarre. Grab your coffee, a cozy blanket, and a sense of humor, because things are about to get weird. (You’re welcome!)
We sat down with Tammy Barker, one of the Grand Prize Winners from Novel 90 to discuss what it was like to win, get an update on her books, and discover what’s coming up next!
These seemingly minor but intentional habits can have a profound impact on your focus, motivation, and overall writing efficiency.
Choosing the correct book categories is more than just a formality; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your book’s visibility, reach, and ultimately, its sales.
We sat down with J.A. Manier, one of the Grand Prize Winners from Novel 90 to discuss what it was like to win, get an update on her books, and discover what’s coming up next!
You’ve likely heard it a thousand times by now if you’ve done even the minimum of research for marketing your book: your author newsletter is king.
Well.. that happened. Just recently, the news hit the writing community like a thunderbolt: after 25 years of pushing writers to complete their novels in
Whether you’re a debut novelist gearing up for your first launch, a mid-list author building your backlist, or a bestseller trying to stay ahead of
Story thrives on structure. For centuries, philosophers and storytellers have sought to distill the essence of satisfying narratives shared by humans since time immemorial—from story
This quick guide covers email marketing best practices for authors, from segmentation and compelling subject lines to mobile optimization and targeted ads. Build a thriving readership and connect with fans!
From enemies to lovers to fake dating, romance tropes are a staple. Discover why we love them, how to use them effectively, and how to subvert them for a fresh take on classic love stories.
Want loyal readers? Discover the power of an author newsletter. This guide shares what to include (and what to avoid) to build a thriving community around your books.
Learn how to write charming first encounters with expert tips and examples. Perfect for writers of romance, fiction, and more.
Writing a romance series is more than just keeping the chemistry alive—it’s about evolving relationships, fresh conflicts, and deepening emotional stakes.
Whether your heart beats for the bone-crunching tackles of football or the fast-paced action of hockey, we’re here to help you score a touchdown and happily-ever-after!
If you’ve spent any time studying the theories behind creative writing and storytelling, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the concept of the Hero’s Journey.
Deep within the human psyche lies our understanding of storytelling and the characters that inhabit our favorite tales. These characters often fall into universal patterns
While many of us are instantly smitten with our characters and plot ideas, the setting of a story holds just as much importance for pulling
Feeling a little stuck for new story ideas? Writer’s block throwing a wrench in your regular writing routine? Don’t worry—it’s only human nature! To help
Here’s a surprisingly common question: What do editors do, exactly? While many authors focus on crafting their story, characters, and world-building, it’s easy to overlook
Ah, Sweet Romance. The genre of heartwarming love stories where emotional connection, tender moments, and a slow-burn romance take center stage. It’s all about building
Writing a swoony, sweet romance is all about creating chemistry, tenderness, and heartwarming moments that readers can’t resist. Whether you’re writing a contemporary romance, historical
Psychological thrillers are all about creating tension, suspense, and emotional intensity. By using elements borrowed from horror, including horror novels and horror films, writers can
Book publishing professionals know a big, bitter truth: writing a great book isn’t enough. From self-publishing authors going it alone, to book publicity brainiacs and
The magic of every unforgettable story begins with a spark—the inciting incident. It’s the event that turns “everything is fine” into “everything just changed.” Without
Writing a captivating blurb is one of the most crucial steps in marketing your fiction novel. Whether on the back of printed books or displayed
If you’ve studied creative writing for any length of time, there’s more than a slim possibility you’ve come across Freytag’s Pyramid. Whether shoved in your
Creating characters that tread the murky waters of moral ambiguity is a part of the craft that can prove a ton of fun for any
For first-time authors, embarking on the journey of writing fiction (or any book, for that matter) begins with a single, crucial step: deciding to start.
Flawed characters are the heart and soul of storytelling. From minor flaws to major man-you-need-to-seek-professional-help shortcomings, the ways in which a certain flaw affects your
When it comes to writing fiction, one of the best ways to keep your readers on their toes is to play around with the rules.
Whether you’re curled up with a suspenseful novel or watching a nail-biting film, you’ll encounter certain storytelling patterns that make thrillers addictively engaging. From Hitchcock’s
Finishing a manuscript can be a challenging endeavor, but getting a publisher to believe in it can feel even harder. You’ll need to conduct lots
Let’s talk about tropes! But what is a trope? According to Oregon State University, “the meaning of the word ‘trope’ is a storytelling convention, device,
Science fiction brims with imagination, pushing the boundaries of what is—and what could be—possible through science and technology. Across the dark depths of space and
Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, like it’s some sort of cosmic black hole sucking away every ounce of your creativity? Yeah, been
Imagine you’ve just finished that final marathon writing session—typing, at last, those two delicious words: The End. Your manuscript feels like a freshly baked pie,
When you think of writing a romance novel, you likely think of images of love, happiness, happily ever after. Romance is a love story, after
With the onset of the digital age, aspiring authors no longer need to rely on traditional publishing houses to achieve success. Now, writers are able
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPsf8mSRjbk When you step into professional publishing for the first time, it can feel like waking up inside an Escher painting: a twisted and confusing,
Dear Barbara, I’ve heard many horror stories about writers who entrusted their work to agents, only to have the manuscript left sitting on a shelf, or the royalties stolen. In fact, I once signed a
Dear Barbara, My first book was published last year and since receiving The Call, I’ve gone on to sell four more stories to my publisher.
Here is Part 3 of Bromwyn Storms 3 part series on writing blurbs. You can start the series with Part 1. PART THREE: TROUBLE-SHOOTING If
Read part 1 here. PART TWO: SETTING THE TONE OF THE BLURB The above blurb is a good framework (if I do say so myself,
I’ve been in the publishing business for a few years now, and I’ve come to one, undeniable, unarguable conclusion: writers are insane. Loco. Crazy. What
The Query Letter – My Hero’s Journey I don’t know what I was thinking…don’t know where my head was…I guess I figured that I would
I think the most painful word in the world is “rejection,” (this word is closely followed by “we can still be friends,” and “I’m sorry,
From the workshop by Karen Drogin aka Carly Phillips, Lori & Tony Karayianni aka Tori Carrington, and Harlequin Editor, Brenda Chin presented at the Romance
I just want to sell that first book, then I’ll be happy. How many times have I uttered those words? Well I did sell and
You’ve finished your first manuscript, or maybe your twentieth. Maybe you’re having trouble getting an editor’s attention through the slush pile or conference interviews. Maybe
Starbucks. Nike. Microsoft. On the surface, they are words that mean little or nothing. But when you see the name on billboards or TV or
There are thousands of e-mail list out there on every subject you can imagine, and probably on a few you can’t and wouldn’t want to
Article posted by Nina Davies with the permission of Cheryl Kaye Tardif. October to December is usually the busiest season for anyone wishing to promote
Article posted by Nina Davies with the permission of Cheryl Kaye Tardif. So you’ve written a book, had it published and you are now facing
The movie, What the ?*&! Do We Know? explores the idea that our perception of reality affects that reality, that we can influence our own
When most writers set out to write a book, they’re interested in telling a story. Maybe they dream of one day being published, and of
Let’s begin with an assumption: Unless touted as the new mega-seller, whose first novel sold at auction for an astronomical, news-making advance, the average new
I keep reading about romance authors who wake up one morning with nothing to read and write their first novel. I hear about folks who,
It arrived like a bolt of lightning from the heavens, on the gossamer wings of angels singing “Alleluia.” Okay, not quite. It actually came to
You’ve finally typed those two magic words, “The End.” Now, you’re ready to (cringe!) share your masterpiece with the world. And suddenly there are two
Personal Branding can seem quite involved — and as with anything, you can raise it to the level of obsession. (Not that I’ve ever done
Your Personal Writing and Industry Brand as an Author. As we develop our Personal Brand as authors, we do so generally with some far-off goal
If you’re still reading, you’re here to learn about branding — specifically, personal branding. Of course, I’m not talking about burning your own skin, but
Jane Porter’s 10 Things Not to Do if You’re Trying to Sell to Harlequin in 10 Years or Less! Point #1-4 – Don’t Go For
As any basic marketing class will tell you, there are 5 – P – s of Marketing to keep in mind as you consider offering
Now that you have established your brand’s beliefs and values, or the emotional, spiritual and cultural values addressed by your brand, it’s time to consider
Part of a series of brief articles on the Power of Personal Branding. With this article, we begin to explore the ‘meat’ of your personal
In talking to my friends, associates and random strangers, I’ve noticed that while many seem intrigued by the concept of Personal Branding, the most popular
What’s in a logo? In the world of branding, everything. A logo is the identifying symbol for a company that serves as a snapshot for
Whether you’ve gone through a Personal Branding exercise or not at this point, it’s relevant to discuss what you’re now going to DO with your
For writers, the grass can often seem greener on the other side of the genre fence. Maybe you’ve been toiling away at your Regencies’ but
Book Publicity Options: Looking for new places to send promotion information on your latest release? An outlet to publicize placement in a contest? Here is
The most challenging, hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing piece of work you create as a writer is also your most single most important selling tool. If you haven’t
Welcome to Tools of Publicity for the Romance Writer. Allow me to arm you with the essentials you need to persuade journalists to write stories
The title of this article may seem like a contradiction in terms. But it only seems that way. Your writing career doesn’t start with your
Is there a “right way” to Promote your novel? Okay, I’ve sold my books (yay!), and now it’s month two. What’s the worry du jour?
This article is the 5th and final in a series covering the necessary steps for creating a career plan. Well…you’ve got a Career Plan, complete
This article is the 4th in a series covering the necessary steps for creating a career plan. We’re approaching the mountain peak. Can you see
Whether or not you’ve hit that point yet, you know all about the expectations. We’re not talking about the practicalities here – the questions of
Every year unpublished writers attend conferences to meet with the editors of their choice and to pitch mini summaries of the books they’ve completed. Below
This article is the 3rd in a series covering the necessary steps for creating a career plan. We’ve explored our commitment to writing, done a
Find Your Writing Process. Not someone else’s process, but yours. This is not another article on how to plot your book or get into your
This series of articles will cover the necessary steps for creating a career plan. While the focus will be on career planning for the unpublished
Few things strike terror into the hearts of conference goers more than the dreaded editor or agent appointment, and yet few opportunities at a writing
Publishing is a business. Writing may be art, but publishing, when all is said and done, comes down to dollars. Keep that in mind. I
There are only three steps to this: Write a great novel Research literary agents Write a great query letter Make your novel the best you
Learn What Your Website is Doing For You You already have a website; readers sign up for your newsletter; and you link to Amazon so
Tips for Pitching an Editor or Agent at a Conference © Susan Lyons Research editors/agents ahead of time. Pitch to an editor/agent who is interested
Is Dark Academia a genre or an aesthetic? Learn the difference, discover the essential tropes, and see how to layer this brooding mood onto fantasy, thriller, or romance.
Welcome to the chaos: It’s where the Shadow Daddy archetype meets the surprisingly soft villain, transforming dark romance into a delightful obsession.
Micro tropes vs tropes: What’s the difference? See why these small, scene-level details are the secret to writing and selling books readers love.
Space opera is more than just spaceships and laser battles—it’s sweeping drama, high stakes, and unforgettable characters. From galaxy-spanning adventures to dynamic heroes, we break it all down—and give tips to write your own epic saga.
Dive into the 7 essential elements of great sci-fi worldbuilding. Learn how to create compelling cultures, complex technologies, and rich histories that will make your science fiction feel real to your readers.
Imagine getting an instant beta read or critique on your novel. Is your pacing working across chapters? Are character arcs progressing in a satisfying way? Are there major story moments missing that might explain why Act Two drags so much?
This level of analysis, once available only through professional editors (and weeks or months spent waiting for their feedback), is now possible in minutes.
Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to the essential marketing vocabulary every indie author needs to know.
We sat down with George Toft, one of the Grand Prize Shortlisters from Novel 90 to discuss his work and his experience participating in the 1st Annual Novel 90 Writing Challenge!
Want to write stories that truly stick with readers? Learn how to weave themes into your setting, characters, and plot in a way that feels natural—and powerful. It’s all about creating deeper meaning without hitting your audience over the head.
We sat down with Savannah Thorne, one of the Grand Prize Winners from Novel 90 to discuss what it was like to win, get an update on her books, and discover what’s coming up next!
Here’s a pro secret: sometimes, you need to stop waiting for the perfect idea to fall into your lap and just dive straight into the bizarre. Grab your coffee, a cozy blanket, and a sense of humor, because things are about to get weird. (You’re welcome!)
We sat down with Tammy Barker, one of the Grand Prize Winners from Novel 90 to discuss what it was like to win, get an update on her books, and discover what’s coming up next!
These seemingly minor but intentional habits can have a profound impact on your focus, motivation, and overall writing efficiency.
Choosing the correct book categories is more than just a formality; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your book’s visibility, reach, and ultimately, its sales.
We sat down with J.A. Manier, one of the Grand Prize Winners from Novel 90 to discuss what it was like to win, get an update on her books, and discover what’s coming up next!
You’ve likely heard it a thousand times by now if you’ve done even the minimum of research for marketing your book: your author newsletter is king.
Well.. that happened. Just recently, the news hit the writing community like a thunderbolt: after 25 years of pushing writers to complete their novels in
Whether you’re a debut novelist gearing up for your first launch, a mid-list author building your backlist, or a bestseller trying to stay ahead of
Story thrives on structure. For centuries, philosophers and storytellers have sought to distill the essence of satisfying narratives shared by humans since time immemorial—from story
This quick guide covers email marketing best practices for authors, from segmentation and compelling subject lines to mobile optimization and targeted ads. Build a thriving readership and connect with fans!
From enemies to lovers to fake dating, romance tropes are a staple. Discover why we love them, how to use them effectively, and how to subvert them for a fresh take on classic love stories.
Want loyal readers? Discover the power of an author newsletter. This guide shares what to include (and what to avoid) to build a thriving community around your books.
Learn how to write charming first encounters with expert tips and examples. Perfect for writers of romance, fiction, and more.
Writing a romance series is more than just keeping the chemistry alive—it’s about evolving relationships, fresh conflicts, and deepening emotional stakes.
Whether your heart beats for the bone-crunching tackles of football or the fast-paced action of hockey, we’re here to help you score a touchdown and happily-ever-after!
If you’ve spent any time studying the theories behind creative writing and storytelling, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the concept of the Hero’s Journey.
Deep within the human psyche lies our understanding of storytelling and the characters that inhabit our favorite tales. These characters often fall into universal patterns
While many of us are instantly smitten with our characters and plot ideas, the setting of a story holds just as much importance for pulling
Feeling a little stuck for new story ideas? Writer’s block throwing a wrench in your regular writing routine? Don’t worry—it’s only human nature! To help
Here’s a surprisingly common question: What do editors do, exactly? While many authors focus on crafting their story, characters, and world-building, it’s easy to overlook
Ah, Sweet Romance. The genre of heartwarming love stories where emotional connection, tender moments, and a slow-burn romance take center stage. It’s all about building
Writing a swoony, sweet romance is all about creating chemistry, tenderness, and heartwarming moments that readers can’t resist. Whether you’re writing a contemporary romance, historical
Psychological thrillers are all about creating tension, suspense, and emotional intensity. By using elements borrowed from horror, including horror novels and horror films, writers can
The magic of every unforgettable story begins with a spark—the inciting incident. It’s the event that turns “everything is fine” into “everything just changed.” Without
Writing a captivating blurb is one of the most crucial steps in marketing your fiction novel. Whether on the back of printed books or displayed
If you’ve studied creative writing for any length of time, there’s more than a slim possibility you’ve come across Freytag’s Pyramid. Whether shoved in your
Creating characters that tread the murky waters of moral ambiguity is a part of the craft that can prove a ton of fun for any
For first-time authors, embarking on the journey of writing fiction (or any book, for that matter) begins with a single, crucial step: deciding to start.
Flawed characters are the heart and soul of storytelling. From minor flaws to major man-you-need-to-seek-professional-help shortcomings, the ways in which a certain flaw affects your
When it comes to writing fiction, one of the best ways to keep your readers on their toes is to play around with the rules.
Whether you’re curled up with a suspenseful novel or watching a nail-biting film, you’ll encounter certain storytelling patterns that make thrillers addictively engaging. From Hitchcock’s
Finishing a manuscript can be a challenging endeavor, but getting a publisher to believe in it can feel even harder. You’ll need to conduct lots
Let’s talk about tropes! But what is a trope? According to Oregon State University, “the meaning of the word ‘trope’ is a storytelling convention, device,
Science fiction brims with imagination, pushing the boundaries of what is—and what could be—possible through science and technology. Across the dark depths of space and
Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, like it’s some sort of cosmic black hole sucking away every ounce of your creativity? Yeah, been
Imagine you’ve just finished that final marathon writing session—typing, at last, those two delicious words: The End. Your manuscript feels like a freshly baked pie,
When you think of writing a romance novel, you likely think of images of love, happiness, happily ever after. Romance is a love story, after
With the onset of the digital age, aspiring authors no longer need to rely on traditional publishing houses to achieve success. Now, writers are able
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPsf8mSRjbk When you step into professional publishing for the first time, it can feel like waking up inside an Escher painting: a twisted and confusing,
Welcome to Part III of our editing-focused series, After the Draft. We’re entering the final stretch of our series of steps you can follow –
Welcome back to After the Draft, our short crash course in effective book editing that any author can tackle before engaging a human editor and
Dear Barbara, I finished my first manuscript just after my first son was born and have been fielding rejection letters ever since. My game plan was to find an agent first, but that is proving
Dear Barbara, I am a new author, under contract for my first novel to be published early in 2007. My publisher is interested in my
Dear Barbara, A few weeks ago, I decided to get serious about writing the romance novel that burns inside me. I made an outline, worked
Do you dream of writing? Of having your book published? Of seeing your name on a bookstore shelf? Here are steps you can take to
Go Forward… It’s not as easy as it sounds. For some it means putting down a manuscript we’ve revised (until even we’re sick of our
Like the arrow keys on a computer which move my manuscript up or down, forward or back, taking a new step in my writing career
Once upon a time in New York state, a sort-of young Jewish girl sat slaving away at her computer writing stories of love and happily-ever-after.
You’re writing the best love scene ever to sizzle off a computer screen. The artful amalgamation of words will undoubtedly dazzle editors, agents, contest judges,
The Beauty of Boredom I attended a writer’s retreat last June. The name of the retreat was “Writing and Dharma,” and it was billed as
It’s always a little depressing when a series or imprint closes. There are few enough markets, it seems, and to lose two more and cause
When I sold my first book, I was ecstatic — until I hit a writer’s block that lasted for a year and a half. Now
Article posted by Nina Davies with the permission of Cheryl Kaye Tardif. During a recent discussion in one of my writer’s groups, the topic of
Recently I was reading a book review where the reviewer described the heroine as TSTL. Because of this nefarious acronym, she couldn’t recommend the book.
We are often told that ‘real writers’ don’t wait for inspiration to strike, but produce a set number of words/pages on a regular schedule. While
I’m not a Pollyanna. True to an Aquarian born in the year of the Dragon, I’m incredibly impatient, impulsive, emotional, irrational and irritable. And those
From the day I first discovered her lurking in my head, my muse, Gertrude, and I shared a terrific relationship. That is, until recently. After
I’ve heard successful writers proclaim they don’t get writer’s block because they won’t allow themselves to get writer’s block. Others have said that writer’s block
I’m a wuss. Until recently, I routinely cracked under pressure. Rejections decimated me. Revisions terrified me. Getting a bad review meant a week of sleepless
Feeling burned out? Need a break but you’ve got another deadline looming? Plan a writer’s retreat! I’ve just returned from my second writing retreat with
There’s nothing quite so satisfying for a writer as when the creative well overflows, when your characters pull you out of bed every day, begging
I did something amazing today. I mailed a contest entry. “Ho hum, so what,” you might say. Well, putting a stamp on that envelope and
Rejection is part of the writing business : it means, more than anything else, that you’re doing your job. No one (and I mean no
Contrary to what some writers will say, there is a secret formula to good writing. How do you become a good writer? Write every day
After a fabulous all day workshop given by Lucy Monroe this fall, I had an epiphany. Writing to sell requires a writer to follow three
I never would’ve had the guts to write this if I hadn’t just sold a book. I would’ve kept my shame and embarrassment to myself,
“I loved your book.” “I really enjoyed your book.” “Your book was wonderful.” It’s always a treat to hear comments like that. And whenever I
I was recently asked during one of the classes on my online writing group what to do when the doubt devils that plague most writers
Rejection Sucks. In my previous Tough Love article – Dare To Dream, I emphasized the mind, body, and soul connection. This concept is not only
Hmm — What else to say with the final chapter of my Tough Love series? I recently held a workshop on finding the time to
The new year rolled in with fireworks and champagne popping. Resolutions, goals, selling of souls were thrown out to the universe with quiet desperation. Despite
The Quest to Publish. On my many trips to Atlanta with the family, I drive through the night. The main reason is to avoid hearing
It’s happened again. You’ve had another rejection, one of those awful, generic ‘editorial department’ ones we all dread: ‘Your story is well-written and plotted, but
The Full-Time Writer Stereotype. The classic stereotype of a romance writer paints a cozy picture of a woman typing her stories at home during the
I’ve been really looking at my days lately, trying to work out where my time goes and how to get everything done. I’ve read umpteen
Have you ever noticed how a theme will suddenly develop around you? Serendipitous events occur, snatches of speech overheard begin to form a pattern, and
Success can be defined any number of ways. For the purposes of this section, let success be whatever “your” version of it is, with one
Recently, the Florida lotto was $85 million dollars. Did I buy a ticket? Yep. Ten of ‘em. Did I win? Nope. But someone did –
Finding Past Rejection in Publishing. Something sent me to my old file drawer today; I was looking for an address of an agent for a
It’s very simple: our subconscious (which is our friend and wants to help us) believes that writing is dangerous, and so it wants to stop