• This is your crash course to the pre-writing process of a fiction story. Follow our checklist, and you’ll feel more confident and prepared when it comes...

    A Pre-Writing Checklist for Fiction Writers

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    Hyping yourself up to write a book is a lot like getting in the right frame of mind to start a new workout routine. First, the determination takes hold. “I am going to start right now.” Then, self-doubt takes over. “I have no idea where to start.” So, this is your crash course to the pre-writing process. Follow our checklist, and you’ll feel more confident and prepared when it comes time to start writing. 1. Develop your elevator pitch, also known as a premise. Your premise should mention of your protagonist, his or her goal, and the situation that will…

  • it's time for a refresher crash course on literary devices: These are styles or tools writers can use to enhance their stories. Here are 10 of the best li..

    10 Literary Devices Defined

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    If I had to guess, I’d say you probably haven’t heard the term “literary device” since high school English class. Well now that you’re writing a book it’s time for a refresher crash course. Literary devices are styles or tools writers can use to enhance their stories. Some literary devices are meant to add a deeper intellectual level to your writing whereas others are meant to strengthen characters and your book’s theme. If your writing feels a little flat, play around with the following 10 literary devices: 1. Allegory A narrative type that helps writers communicate more than what appears…

  • A common mistake my editing eye has picked up on is the use of filler words. These words elongate your book but don't advance your story. Here are 10 wor...

    10 Filler Words to Cut from Your Manuscript

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    Editing your own writing will never be the easiest part of the writing journey, but knowing what to look for can make the task a whole lot simpler. Working with the publishing company Xulon Press for a decade now has taught me a lot to say the least. A common mistake my editing eye has picked up on is what I like to call the use of filler words. Excessive use of these words elongates your manuscript but does not advance your story.  As a rule of thumb, avoid using words that end in -ly, such as quickly, readily, suddenly,…

  • 10 Ways to Rediscover Your Creative Flow

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    We’ve all experienced bouts of writer’s block or dips in our creative flow. Sometimes, I think that’s the brain’s way of telling us we’re overproducing and need to pull back the reigns a bit. For the most part, though, I believe writer’s block and a stagnant creative flow are because we start taking our creativity for granted. We pull and tug on our creativity, but we don’t refill our tank. That’s when blocks in creativity most often reveal themselves. These tips will help you get outside your box and rediscover your creative flow in no time. Try a new workout.…