lessons

Lessons Learned by a Debut Author

Do you want me to tell you a story?  Is there a better question to stoke the imagination and create anticipation? The promise of a story has always electrified me. I’ve wanted to become a writer since my parents read me bedtime stories filled with fantasy and adventure. I would often sneak out of bed… Read more »

plot twist

Romance Writers: Do the Twist! Part 3

Parts I and II of this article dealt with ideas for writing a plot twist. You can check our Parts I and II, here and here. Part III will take you through the mechanics, the nuts and bolts of making it happen. By following the mechanics of writing plot twists and paying attention to the… Read more »

dyslexia

Writing for Readers with Dyslexia

When it comes to reading, as many as one in five children struggle with word formation, memorization, and recognition—also known as dyslexia. It’s a common learning difference and accounts for nearly 80% of all children receiving special education services. Trouble reading due to dyslexia is in no way an indication of intelligence level or even… Read more »

short stories

All about Short Stories

Did you know that the month of May is International Short Story Month? I didn’t! In May 2010, International Short Story Month was first organized as a way to celebrate short stories in all their glory from writing to reading and everything in between. It was inspired by National Poetry Month in April, which we… Read more »

bookstagram

Using Bookstagram to Increase Your Book’s Visibility

After several conversations with bestselling authors and those making full-time income as indie authors, I knew it was time to pivot my marketing strategy.  Sure, you can still use older methods to gain visibility for your book and increase your sales. You can slap a permafree novel on your website, then upsell to your new… Read more »

May

The Book Nook — May Edition

I’m not going to declare my surprise that it’s already May. I did that in the preceding months, and time only sped up incrementally each month, which is interesting because sometimes the days drag on interminably. But here we are—it’s May. The flowers are blooming, the baseball bats are swinging, I’m enjoying cool drinks out… Read more »

cats

#5onFri: Five Items for Cats and the Authors who Live with Them

Happy Friday, word nerds! Today’s #5onFri revolves around cats – those creatures who make for both the BEST and WORST writing partners, somehow at the very same time. From illuminated manuscripts depicting cats at the feet of scribes to Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote with a tortie draped around his neck, the unique partnership between… Read more »