• inspiration for writing a book

    Goal Management: Patience + Persistence = Progress

    - By 

    Taking control of your writing dream means actively making your routine and writing goals a priority in your life. Some say writing is about inspiration, but it’s more practical than that. It’s about actively seeking inspiration while following through with an idea, and manifesting your thoughts into words. This can be achieved with action and persistence. The mindset you subconsciously (or consciously) have before writing is paramount in your level of enthusiasm. In other words, be confident and focus on your immediate goals, rather than the end result. Writing from a place of doubt, anxiety, or pressure seldom creates a positive result. If…

  • writing historical fiction, characters historical fiction

    How-To Write: All About Historical Fiction, Real Characters

    - By 

    In historical fiction, your focus as the author may be toward authenticating the setting, presenting believable characters and creating a compelling storyline that will grab readers and hold their attention from beginning to end. What can be an aspect missed while writing historical fiction is the opportunity to allow readers access to the main characters’ thoughts, feelings and beliefs through inner monologues. The reason could be that the author may see the story as what will be the relatable factor for readers, or maybe a hesitance to put oneself into the characters’ mindsets at that particular time period and produce…

  • How To Write an Award-Winning Children’s Book

    - By 

    During the month of June, we’ve been cheerleading a segment of authors who write some of the sweetest books around: those who write children’s stories. To cap things off, we’re featuring a special guest blogger, Terry Doherty of Mom’s Choice Awards and The Reading Tub. We wanted to find out what she looks for when in an award-winning children’s book, and she was kind enough to share some of her expertise! Writing for children seems like it would be easy, right? Kids have the most active imaginations, they’re open to any and all ideas, and of course they LOVE stories.…

  • writing a children's book, plots for a childrens book, characters in a childrens story, how to write books for children

    The Most Common Mistake in Writing a Children’s Book—and How to Avoid It

    - By 

    Who doesn’t have a children’s book that they have cherished and grown to love over time, hoping to share with their children when they reach the right age? This month we’re talking about writing and self-publishing children’s books on the blog, and it reminds me of my love of reading—and how I don’t have enough fingers to count the number of books I read as a child, and still love to read as an adult. Children’s books regularly come through our editorial fingers, but what has become a noticeable trend in manuscripts is content gaps in storylines: characters disappearing and reappearing…