From Our Blog
Jump Genres—but Not Into the Fire
Have you ever considered changing genres? Or did you try but it turned into an utter non-starter? As I head into my next major genre leap, I asked some fellow jumpers five basic questions about their ideas, successes, and fu—, uh, hard lessons learned.
The jumps Some say that writers’ brains are wild, entropy-driven vortices. Based on the jumps these folks have done, that is an accura…
19 Blog Content Ideas That Entertain Readers & Quietly Sell Your Backlist
Blogging used to be a popular way to connect with readers and share information about our books. Over time—and with the increased popularity of various social media platforms—blogging has come to be seen as optional, and even outdated.
Nonetheless, I believe it’s still a viable option for book promotion. Unless you remove them, blog posts live on your website indefinitely, allowing new visitors…
Nonlinear Storytelling: How Not To Make A Mess
The beginning is not always the optimal place to start a story. Many authors have found that nonlinear storytelling, with its shifts across time and perspective, can deepen reader engagement and create a more layered narrative experience.
Nonlinear novels do not follow events chronologically. Instead, authors may move forward and backward in time or develop parallel timelines that unfold in con…
Estimates vary, but some industry trackers suggest that 5,000–7,000 new books appear on Amazon every day, and a growing number are mass‑produced or algorithmically generated. For working authors, differentiation isn’t just about craft anymore; it’s about visibility, connection, and trust.
Author‑entrepreneur Joanna Penn suggests we “double down on being human.” Here are strategies from NIN…
Sidekicks & Ensembles: Protecting the Hero and Each Other
If you’re writing a story, you’ll need secondary characters to flesh out the world you’re building. Otherwise, it’s a pretty dull world. You need sidekicks!
Sidekicks are indispensable for asking or answering questions of your heroes. At the very least, they give your main characters someone to interact with.
Are there differences between sidekicks, ensembles, and partners? Do you need them if …
Grief and Creativity
“Grief is the ultimate thief of creativity.” —Sweta Vikram
According to the Hospice Foundation of America, grief is “a reaction to loss, and like a fingerprint, it is different for everyone.”
The anticipation of or death of a loved one or an animal companion, the loss of a relationship, a job, or your independence, perhaps due to injury or illness, may trigger a grief response.
Before my friend…