• Developing Backstory for Your Novel

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    The backstory is an extremely important step in writing a well-developed story. Developing your protagonist’s history leading up to the story in your novel paints a picture for the reader. The way in which that backstory is used and incorporated into your novel is just as important though. When developing background information for your characters, record it in a separate document from your manuscript. In that space, tell yourself about your protagonist. Who is he? What are his likes/dislikes? Is there an inciting moment led him to the current state of his life that readers will find him in your…

  • How to Write Back Cover Copy for Your Novel

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    Your front cover design is what sparks a reader’s attention. The back cover summary of your novel will help book buyers decide if they want to purchase and read your book. To capture book shoppers’ attention, you’ll need a good hook. The challenge, however, is doing that with such limited space. How to do it What’s Next for Your Novel Test your finished back cover copy with potential readers and ask for their honest feedback. Do they want to read the whole book now? Was there enough mystery to draw readers into the book? You’ll know if your book summary…

  • Ever find yourself staring at a blank page with eyes bloodshot from exhaustion? Save yourself the stress with this list of 10 Ways to Beat Writer Burnout!

    10 Ways to Beat Writer Burnout

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    In a world where busy is praised and multi-tasking is considered a skill to include on your resume, it makes sense that we would all face burnout every now and again. Working a full-time job, then getting home to pick up the house, make dinner, and take care of other responsibilities would be enough to burn anyone out, but people who dream of writing a book add another layer of tasks and responsibilities to their already full days. Burnout, which is now considered a syndrome by medical providers, goes beyond typical day-to-day stress and can result in a person feeling…

  • Overcoming Writer Perfectionism, Anxiety, and Imposter Syndrome

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    Writers often face varying levels of perfectionism, writing anxiety, and even imposter syndrome when working on their books. What many don’t realize is that these traits can create a lot of trouble for writers. Perfectionism can stir up feelings of not deserving earned successes (imposter syndrome), and, if not addressed in time, these thoughts can turn into anxious feelings about writing. The Perfectionist Writer Perfectionism is rooted in the fear of failure, which can keep writers from finishing their book. Perfectionists are inclined to view life as one endless tally of accomplishments and failures. They often will avoid situations they…