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

Evocative Word Lists for Writing

By Virginia Brasch As a writer, I’ve seen many great lists: descriptive words, adjectives, strong verbs, over used adverbs, clichés to avoid, romantic words, crutch words, and on and on. I also love to scribble in notebooks when my own manuscripts need rethinking, something to keep my hands busy and my mind moving in a…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Eight Special Feature

Five Anthologies Seeking Submissions

These are anthology calls for a variety of genres and themes, including romance of all shades, river-themed stories, and articles about the process of writing for animals. Most of these pay writers. The deadlines are in March. Carina Press’s 2017 holiday anthology This is Harlequin’s digital-first imprint. Writers should utilize a fall or winter holiday…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Seven Special Feature

How to Read Like A Published Writer

I was a reader long before I was a writer. As a child I fell in love with books like The Balloon Tree, A Wrinkle in Time and Ramona Quimby, Age 8.  That love of books has never left me. When I was a teenager I remember being shocked by the fact that most of…
Issue Two Hundred Thirty Five Special Feature

9 Literary Magazines with Upcoming Submission Deadlines

Submissions, or certain categories of submissions, for these literary magazines close within a month. They accept a wide variety of writing; fiction, non-fiction and poetry of various kinds. Some have themed calls, including fantasy stories on fascism and writing on Islamophobia. A few pay writers. Here they are, arranged by deadline The Matador Review This…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Five Special Feature

How to Prepare to Write Your Novel

By Wesley Thomas Whether you are a new writer or a seasoned author, it is crucial to prepare for your novel. But how exactly does an author prepare? Does the mere concept overwhelm you? Do not fear, once upon a time I felt the same way until I developed a list. With time the preparations will change…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Five Special Feature

5 Anthologies Seeking Submissions

These are anthology calls for a variety of genres and themes: from real stories about radios, to cowboy-themed fiction, to science fiction and horror. Most of these pay writers, and have deadlines coming up in February. 1. Bundoran Press’s 49th Parallels: Alternative Canadian Histories and Future In honor of Canada’s 150th birthday, they seek SF…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Four Special Feature

The Next Great Horror Writer Contest

The Next Great Horror Writer Contest is a fee free competition running this spring. It is being hosted by the HorrorAddicts.net podcast. Think of The Next Great Horror Writer Contest as Project Runway for horror writers. Except it is a podcast, so there is no need for anyone to be on camera. Writers are put…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Three Special Feature

9 Famous Authors Who Didn’t Get Published Until Their Fifties (Or Older)

Often people tell me they are too old to become a writer. Sometimes these people are in their thirties or forties, sometimes they are in their fifties and sixties. But the fact remains the same, no matter how old you are, you are not to0 old to become a writer. Many authors started writing later…
Issue Two Hundred Thirty Five Special Feature

Eight Free Writing Contests With Cash Prizes

By S. Kalekar This is a list of writing competitions with upcoming deadlines that award cash prizes – for short fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, and for various ages, genres and eligibility criteria. All are free to enter. Bodley Head/Financial Times Essay Prize 2016 The essay should be dynamic, authoritative and lively, and could address any…
issue One Hundred Ninety One Special Feature

Anthologies: How to Boost Your Writing Credentials

By K.N. Johnson “Oh, you’re a writer! Have you published a book?” For some writers, this question is easy to answer. Their Amazon or Goodreads author page confirms their writerly status with a list of traditionally or self-published books. For those still working on a first book, admitting we’re not yet published can feel like…
Issue One Hundred Ninety Six Special Feature

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