Special Feature

FINDING SPACE: Writing When Life is Chaotic

By Julie Guirgis It was 3:00 A.M when I woke up to my dad calling out from his room down the hall. Half asleep, I laid in bed, hoping he would fall back asleep, but his yelling got louder. Rubbing my stinging eyes, I forced myself out of bed. ‘I’m hungry. I need food,’ he…
Issue Two Hundred Fourteen Special Feature

Ten Famous Authors Whose Work Was Initially Rejected

One of the ways I comfort myself when I face yet another rejection letter is to think about the “loads” of rejection letters J.K. Rowling received while she was attempting to publish Harry Potter. I also think of the five years Agatha Christie spent trying to get her first novel published.  I have not spent…
Issue Two Hundred Thirteen Special Feature

The Current State of Self Publishing

When self-publishing first exploded around 2010/11, many authors viewed it as an exciting opportunity to sell books without the need for an agent or publisher. There was, however, a degree of snobbery directed at those who chose to self-publish. An assumption that their work was lacking because it had not been accepted by traditional publishers….
Issue Two Hundred Twelve Special Feature

How to Connect with Readers Through Instagram

 By Aria Gmitter If you’re like most writers, the idea of self-promotion is a loathsome task. You are a creative person and marketing feels like a sales gig. Perhaps writers stick to platforms like Facebook and Twitter because it’s so much easier to post about your life and throw in a bit about business. But…
Issue Two Hundred Nineteen Special Feature

Writing Original Fiction: Avoiding Clichés, Tropes, and Stereotypes

Writers are constantly pressured to create fresh new stories for an ever demanding and critical market. Almost every theme, plot or storyline has been used and it is next to impossible to find one that’s waiting to be written into a best-selling book. Avoiding clichés, overused tropes, and exhausted stereotypes can be difficult but it…
Issue Two Hundred Eleven Special Feature

It’s Okay to Be Selfish with Your Writing

By Adrienne Reiter Anthony Bourdain claims his best writing is done first thing in the morning half asleep over coffee. Truman Capote claimed to write best hungover when half his brain was out of the way. Writing isn’t just about creation. It’s equally about destruction. As writers, we dismantle our original ideas and fabrications to…
Issue Two Hundred Thirty Five Special Feature

Three Different Types of Edits Writers Should Be Aware Of

Self-publishing has never been easier for a writer. Today, becoming a published writer is as easy as a simple click. Writers, however, must never forget that books are products that readers pay for – and a paying market demands a high quality, value-for-money product. Before self-publishing or querying a book, writers should ensure that their…
Issue Two Hundred Eight Special Feature

Online Writing Contests: Approach with Caution

Writing contests have grown in popularity over the last few years. The huge leaps in the development and accessibility of social media technology means that it is now easier than ever to enter writing contests. While writing contests offer writers the opportunity to catch the eye of a literary agent or publisher, they also have…
Issue Two Hundred Seven Special Feature

7 Reasons Book Reviews Are Key to Self Publishing Success

Recently, I’ve started contacting professional book bloggers and reviewers who might be interested in reading my books. This is a fairly new tactic for me. There are people out there, who love reading books so much, they set up blogs and invite authors to send them books to read and review. And there are millions…
Issue Two Hundred Six Special Feature

The Keys to Being a Successful Full Time Writer

“No one can make a living as a writer.” “Don’t give up your day job.” “But what do you really do?” I think everyone who has broached the subject of writing a book has heard those oft-repeated and well-worn phrases. Interestingly, they are usually offered up by people outside of the writing profession – well-meaning…
Issue Two Hundred Five Special Feature

5 Things You Need to Know as an Indie Author

By Dominic Carrillo The more I write and self-publish books, the more often I am asked about how to do it. Instead of offering advice on what to do, I end up feeling like Ralph Nader serving up cautionary tales. Indeed, understanding what not to do might be the best start for emerging indie authors….
Issue Two Hundred Three Special Feature

It’s Okay to Write For Yourself

By Christine M. Estel Like so many women–maybe you, too–I have a plethora of commitments in my life. I have a full-time career, a family and home to care for, friends I enjoy entertaining, and so on. While I barely have room for another morsel on my plate, I recently decided to pursue a long-time…
Issue Two Hundred Two Special Feature

The Reality of Being Unliked (and what you can do about it)

For the author of today, building a loyal following is everything. This applies equally to independent and traditionally published authors, as these days even traditionally published writers are required to do a lot of their platform building themselves. This may include building an email list, blogging regularly, and running various social media pages to increase…
Issue Two Hundred One Special Feature

Four Economical Ways to Get Your Work Edited

By Aisha Idris For chefs, a new dish should never be served to a large audience without being taste tested. Similarly, when you write a new piece you will always require someone to read your work and correct it for a smoother reading experience. Editing is essential if you are about to send your work…
Issue Two Hundred Special Feature

The Importance of Beta Readers

By Jana Begovic Both the ancient Roman poet Horace and the Greek philosopher Longinus agreed that the purpose of literature is to instruct and delight the reader. However, once carried away on the wings of inspiration, authors may not always have a specific readership or a genre in mind, and can only hope the products…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Nine Special Feature

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