How to be a Successful Writer
“How do I become a successful writer?” It’s a question that has been whispered to the cosmos by millions. It’s the conundrum that scratches at the back of our minds as we go about our daily grind, and it’s the riddle that keeps us up night. The question is not straightforward. In fact, in order to answer it effectively, we have to properly examine what it is we mean when we ask how to be a successful writer. This is because “success” is subjective – especially in writing.
The Fiction Writer's Guide to Using Prompts Effectively
Using writing prompts is something writers are not always keen to do when writing alone – but if you facilitate writing groups, or attend classes, you have probably taken part in various exercises which result in pieces of writing that might be surprising, or unusual, or perhaps not that great. So, let’s welcome the fact that writing prompts can be hugely beneficial to us all.
Best Podcasts for Fiction Writers
Similar to writing groups, podcasts can create a kind of virtual community where other people share their ideas, tips, tricks, routines, and inspirations, helping even the most unmotivated writer find their way through the literary landscape.
How to Make Money From Your Fiction Writing
How easy is it to make money from writing fiction? Honestly, it’s tough. But there really is nothing more powerful than a person fuelled by a dream, and us writers are natural dreamers, right? Even though money can be hard to come by on a regular basis, it will be our dreams that end up paying dividends in this journey, because without them, we are destined to make nothing at all.
How to Stop Procrastinating & Write That Story!
Today is the day. You carved out some time in your busy schedule and a quaint little space in the bedroom, lounge, or home office—perhaps in bed— your idyllic writing haven. Your very own literary sanctuary. You burnt the sage, lit the incense, and poured a cuppa your favourite warm beverage or glass of red, maybe even a tot of the green fairy to get the juices flowing. Then you proceeded to. . .
The Statue of Liberty Effect - The Rise of the Strong Female Protagonist
In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled to the world. A female statue depicting freedom for America, a recognised sculpture that, despite her stoney silence, speaks volumes. A possibly lesser-known fact is that within her framework there stands a plaque with a poem inscribed.
How to Set up and Facilitate a Successful Writing Group
Being part of a writing group, in whatever form, is massively inspiring for writers, regardless of their experience. This post outlines advice for anyone wanting to set up a successful writing group.
Tips for Self-Publishing an Ebook
It is notoriously difficult for writers to get published if they go down the traditional route. The market is very competitive, complicated, and often difficult to negotiate. Finding a publisher willing to give you a chance can seem impossible too. E-books allow independent writers the opportunity to self-publish, bypassing the publisher altogether, and while sales of e-books for traditional publishing are said to be declining, the indie publishing market is thriving, with many independent writers finding great success in the digital market.
Proofreading Tools: Which Apps Work Best for Fiction Writers?
You wouldn't go onto an online booking site or store and merrily fill in all the blanks and then go straight to the make payment section without checking that everything is correct, would you? You have spent a lot of time and effort in writing your story. It is essential to go back and check before submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher or entering it into a competition. You need to ensure that it is the best version it can be. Not only for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes but taking an in-depth dive into your story.
Tips for Writing a Satisfying Story Ending
Finishing your story can be a brilliant feeling as an author, when everything comes together and you get to write those two little words we all long for: The End. But how can you ensure that it is just as satisfying to read as it was for you to write? To help you leave your readers basking in your brilliance rather than cursing your name, I’ve compiled this guide for you on how to write a satisfying ending to your story.
How to Write for Young Children
A good book that can be read and reread is one of the greatest ways of introducing children to the world of reading. Intended to be shared with parents, carers and teachers as well as the children themselves, writing these books can be extremely demanding. It can also be great fun.
How to Stay Motivated During the First Draft of Your Novel
Writing the first draft of a novel can make the sanest person question their sanity. There are so many phases and feelings that a writer conquers in order to get the first draft out. Impostor syndrome and writer's block being the biggest.
Here are a few tips to keep yourself grounded and focused on your task and finish that first draft.
How to Revise a Story or Novel
“Every writer I know has trouble writing.” So said Joseph Heller, the author of ‘Catch-22’. There is little doubt that every successful work of fiction is the end result of many scrupulously revised and reworked drafts, from which we can confidently conclude that the perfect first draft has rarely, if ever, been written.
How to Create a Successful Writing Routine
A writing routine is a regular, intentional practice of writing that a writer incorporates into their daily or weekly schedule in order to write more consistently and productively. Human beings thrive on habit, consistency and routine by nature. This means that creating a writing routine will not only make it easier to write everyday but will ensure that you write more words, more effectively.
Genre Fiction vs Literary Fiction: A Guide for Writers
Whether it’s Crime, Mystery or Romance, most of us go straight to specific genres when asked what we like to read and write. But while you might find arguments online debating whether Science Fiction or Horror is the best, all of these can in fact be categorised together, as genre fiction. While that may seem strange, categorising all of these seemingly incomparable genres under one branch, they are more similar than you may think.
Blank Page Syndrome: What It Is and How to Beat It
We all need a little space from time to time; a little breathing room to let the creative juices flow. But occasionally, space can trigger a problem. Specifically, the space of a blank page can set off an internal response that makes it feel like an insurmountable obstacle. That blank page looms before us like the sheer face of a mountain, and we’re pretty sure we will never get past it. Welcome to Blank Page Syndrome - a very real, very troubling issue for many writers.
8 Famous Writers Who Faced Rejection
When you look at your bookshelves and read all those illustrious names and titles, it’s easy to believe that publication was guaranteed for such writers. The truth is, a writer who hasn’t experienced rejection is a rare if non-existent creature. Almost all writers who eventually make their way to publication have had to fight for it, and there are some shining examples of brilliant authors who have experienced multiple turn-downs from publishers and agents.
Do Fiction Writers Really Need a Blog?
Blogs aren’t new. They’ve been around for over 20 years. They’ve evolved from being online diaries and shared private thoughts to a much more wide-ranging kind of enterprise. Personal blogs still exist, but alongside company blogs, food blogs, travel blogs, fashion blogs and, more importantly (for the purposes of this article) writer blogs.
But do you really need one to make it as a writer?
BookTok to Bestseller: TikTok Promotion for Fiction Writers
In today’s digital age, social media marketing has become an indispensable tool for any writer to engage their readers. Among the various platforms available, TikTok has emerged as a true phenomenon.
Alpha and Beta Readers: What are they and how do you Find Them?
John Donne’s words “No man is an island”… seem appropriate when I approach the question of alpha and beta readers. Once we create a world and give it form through words, we can get lost in how it looks to us. It can become our perfect palace and we do not consider if anyone else would want to live in it, let alone visit it. We then reach a point where we must accept that our creation might need an alpha and beta reader’s point of view.