• road with future, past, present written on it, road is surrounded by grass and trees and sunset in the background; past tense or present tense

    Has My Story Happened, or Is it Happening Now? When to Write in the Past or Present Tense

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    Among the plethora of elements a writer has to consider when writing a manuscript is what tense they wish to write their stories in. The tense of a story is separate from the point of view it is told, but thankfully, there are only two tenses to choose between: past and present. In brief and relatively self-explanatory, past tense is used when telling a story that contains events that have already happened (whether in the distant past or recent past). Present tense, on the other hand, is used when telling a story of events that are currently happening or happening…

  • pastel gray flowers in golden light; Xulon Press Spotify

    Get in the Writing Zone: Xulon Press Has 5 New Spotify Playlists!

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    We are so excited to announce this new feature for all the writers out there who love to listen to music while they work. We are now on Spotify with five playlists that were carefully curated to help you stay focused, motivated, and inspired while you write. Xulon Press Spotify Playlists The first playlist is the Christian Writer’s Playlist, which is perfect for those who love Christian music and want to keep their writing sessions uplifting and positive. This playlist features some of the best Christian songs that will inspire you to keep going, even on the toughest writing days.…

  • row of books with ebook reader on top; writing the beginning of a book

    The Best First Lines of Fiction

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    By your side is a ratty notebook, bruised black and blue with the smeared ink of furiously scribbled ideas that came to you at midnight, dotted with translucence from the epiphany you had about your villain, while still wet from a shower.  You’ve finally decided to write the story that has been stirring around in your heart and mind—now what do you start typing on that blank page facing you? How do you introduce readers to the crazy, beautiful world in your head?  Starting a novel is tricky, but those first few lines are vital to your book. The characters, setting,…

  • arch of flowers and vines with a path to walk; how to live a more creative life

    How to Live a More Creative Life

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    Creativity isn’t just for people who study or work in creative fields. In fact, we all can enhance our personal and professional lives by adding more creativity throughout our day. If you’re interested in living a more creative life, start by incorporating different types of creativity and being more intentional about making creativity a priority. Embrace Your Inner Child Again If you loved putting together puzzles or coloring as a child, try your hand at these favorite pastimes again. As adults, soothing activities like these can help reduce stress, which in turn creates more room for fun and play—or creativity. If…