Blog

Are you a “real author”?

I was at a birthday party years ago when someone asked me what I did, and I hesitated for a moment. “I’m an author,” I

3 Types of Writer’s Block

I was on my third novel when I hit writer’s block for the first time. It came with a vengeance, striking three times before I

5 Reasons Your Scene Might Be Broken

Let’s talk about scenes. If a scene that you’re writing feels boring, your instinct might be to blame the writing. It’s not vivid enough. Not

Perfect Writing Schedule?

I’ve come to realize there’s no such thing as the perfect writing schedule. It’s tempting to think there is. Somewhere out there is a magical

Why I go to bed thinking of Freida McFadden

Let’s talk about one of those uncomfortable moments we don’t always admit out loud – when your writing friends hit milestones before you. They… Have

Do Author Blurbs Create Sales?

An author review quote is often perceived as the holy grail of cover candy – second in line to a bestseller label or that coveted Oprah or Reese book club seal. But do author blurbs really matter? And how would you go about getting one?

13 Tips to Writing Full-Time

Being a full-time author is tough. When do you make the dive? Is making the dive the right choice for you? I love writing, but there’s nothing quite as stressful as spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast. There have been years where I failed to make a profit—or a living. I am one of the lucky ones: my husband works full time, and if my job fails to pay the bills, we can make it through.

Gifts for Authors

by Alessandra Torre Writers aren’t the easiest people to shop for. We rarely go out in public. We mumble a lot. Curse at fictional characters.

Editing Tools Reviewed

In a recent discussion with fellow authors, we got around to discussing editing tools, and what they use and love. It was an interesting discussion, and one that caused me to spend this weekend testing out the capabilities of Autocrit, Grammarly, and ProWriting Aid.

How to Get Local Book Clubs to Be Your Super Fans

I recently moved and to say that I handled it in an organized and productive process would be grossly inaccurate. Instead, I alternated between running around in a Dr.Pepper-infused panic attack, stuffing things furiously into garbage bags and boxes AND curling into a ball on my bed and taking three hour naps.