Naming your characters is like picking a name for your baby. You want to pick the right one because you’ll be living with this ‘child’ that you birthed for a lifetime and so will your readers. It’s also important because you want the name to convey the character’s indescribable aura. When you hear the names […]
Archive | Book Talk
Writer’s Corner: What Makes a Book a Great Sale?
Nothing is more important to a literary agent’s audience—publishers, writers, and readers—than a great read. But today, an enjoyable read is not enough to grab a publisher’s attention and eventually make it onto the bestseller’s list. So, what is? In one word, sales. Publishers know the importance of forecasting a book’s future sales in offering […]
Writer’s Corner: How To Tighten Up Your Manuscript
While my blogs may be a bit verbose, I like to have fun with them, making them conversational. But when it comes to manuscripts, I strive to tighten up. Flowery words, extra descriptors and adverbs are not the best ploy for keeping reader’s attention. In certain genres, it can work, but publishers want to see […]
Author Q&A with Alison McGregor
Alison McGregor is the author of the award-winning Growing Up Antoinette picture book series for young readers. Hailing from Innisfil, Ontario, Canada, Alison chose to see the world anew from her mother’s perspective and began her writing journey with her book series regaling her mother’s world adventures growing up. If she couldn’t physically travel during […]
How to Build an Author Platform
I’m no expert in this area. So, now you’re probably wondering why you should continue reading this blog. Well, bear with me. And let me start with a backstory. I built and ran a successful business for sixteen years. I did this all on my own and was so successful that I had two competitors […]
Author Q&A with Matthew Donald
After first winning a writing contest at age six, Matthew Donald made it his lifelong goal to write a bunch of books and release them upon the world. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2014 with a B.A. in English and Creative Writing, and he has published three sequels to Megazoic among […]
THIS Writer’s Guide to Rejection
I can’t imagine an author who hasn’t felt the sting of rejection. And I’m certain every author that blogs has addressed the topic. So, now it’s my turn. Yes, I’m certainly no stranger to rejection. I can’t tell you how many rejection letters and emails I’ve received over the years. But I’ve had a few […]
Author Q&A With Anne Marie Bennett
Author Anne Marie Bennett survived two cancer journeys. After undergoing a mastectomy and several more rounds of chemo, she accepted this second journey as the wake-up call that she believes her ‘spirit’ meant it to be. At the age of 55, she found herself face to face once again with her mortality, and this time […]
5 Tips for Writing Stories that Give People Hope
In times of personal and global struggle, the authors who dare to publish stories of hope are heroes in their own ways. Their inspiring tales motivate us by bringing levity to our often dark and challenging reading lists. If you’re looking to add your name to the canon of uplifting storytellers, here are five tips […]
Why Book Conferences Are Worth The Investment
You don’t need me to tell you that conferences are invaluable. Knowing that, take this conference boost as a gentle reminder. Whenever I attend a conference, I’m energized, inspired, rife with new ideas, and overflowing with amazing connections. Conferences are not just about learning the craft or having a favorite book signed by the author. […]