When it comes to outlining any book many writers go about the process very differently. Some will outline their entire novel down to the most minute details. And others will wing their entire first draft. Plus, there are a group of writers who fall somewhere in the middle; they will create a loose outline that still leaves room for characters to direct the next steps. It’s important to say that there is no wrong way to outline a novel, and that includes choosing to not outline at all. Creative writing is about having the freedom to write and create…
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A “beach read” is a book typically set at or near the beach, published in late spring to early summer. The intent for this popular sub-genre is to have these be the books people take to their summer vacations. The cover designs are typically colorful, with beachy aspects incorporated. Beach reads have been around for decades but didn’t become a popular sub-genre until a few years ago. This is mostly thanks to the authors who put out a summer-themed book every year at the start of summer vacation travel. Some of the big hitters in the beach read genre include Elin…
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National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996. It comes each April to remind us that poetry matters and poets have a fundamental role in our culture. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, and this year is a special one as it’s the 25th anniversary of this event! According to poets.org, the purpose of National Poetry Month is to: highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets encourage the reading of poems assist teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms increase the attention paid to…
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If you’ve been participating in NaNoWriMo this year, my guess is you’re acutely aware that there is less than a week left to accomplish the challenge of writing 50,000 words in the month of November. Don’t start to sweat at that thought. Here’s how to keep moving forward, no matter which stage you’re at in your writing this month. If you’re super far behind. Take a few minutes to figure out why or how you got so far behind on your NaNoWriMo project. Did something unexpected come up at work or home that is out of your control? Give yourself…