Category: How To and Tips
Seasons in Fiction
I’m British and married to a gardener: two reasons why I’m always talking about the seasons and associated weather patterns. They’re my life’s backdrop. They’re a backdrop in fiction, too: a gift to writers aiming to evoke a mood, echo a theme, foreshadow tragic events or mirror character traits. Let me share examples. Get ready […]
My Writing Journey by Belle Henderson
Writing was never on my agenda. In fact, I didn’t even entertain the idea until I was on maternity leave and had not long turned thirty-five. There was a niggling in my ear, a strong presence urging me to try it and that voice wasn’t my conscious or some form of higher self. That presence, […]
Interweaving Fact and Fiction in Historical Novels by Jill Caugherty
Interweaving Fact and Fiction in Historical Novels by Jill Caugherty Historical fiction gives readers the opportunity to travel with the protagonist on an adventure into the past with the added bonus of learning fascinating, relevant information about that time period. Credible, carefully-chosen details make me feel that I’m right there with the protagonist, accompanying her […]
You’ve Recorded a Podcast Interview: What You Do Afterward Makes All the Difference
You’ve heard it before: podcasts are the next best book tour for authors. Usually free or low-cost for authors (not so for the podcaster, but that’s a different story!), it takes a bit of time to get your query ready, prepare for the interview, and participate in the conversation with the podcaster. And boom! There […]
Writing The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays
It seems singularly appropriate that The Golden Ticket started with my desire for an actual golden ticket, though not to a chocolate factory. No, I wanted a ticket to Italy. Let me explain. When I was 26, my husband and I had our first child—a winsome, blond, dimpled, chortling baby who rolled over, sat up, […]
Inspiration Behind TELL ME LIES by Teresa Driscoll
Inspiration behind Tell Me Lies, the sixth psychological thriller by two million copy bestselling author Teresa Driscoll Ideas for books always take time in my world. Sadly, I’m not one of those authors who can give my editor a list of five ideas and say – pick one. Between us, my process is a bit […]
Rebounding from Rejection: A How-To Guide To Survive the Emotional Turmoil That Is the Writing Business
Rebounding from Rejection: A How-To Guide To Survive the Emotional Turmoil That Is the Writing Business By Jen Braaksma Rejection sucks. It’s a given in writing, of course. Everyone—even the most famous among us—has had their brilliant work rejected by agents and publishers. Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected more than 30 times. Agatha Christie couldn’t […]
Where Is That Next Big Idea?
Where Is That Next Big Idea? A question every author gets asked at some point is, “Where did you get the idea for your book?” The answer can be surprising, disturbing, or as simple as, “I’m not sure, it just came to me.” I admit a bit of envy of authors who say they have […]
The Rocky Road to Publication and How I found my Literary Agent
THE ROCKY ROAD TO PUBLICATION AND HOW I FOUND MY LITERARY AGENT ANN O’LOUGHLIN There is one thing for certain for most writers, the path to publication is a long, winding and often lonely route. My journey was no different. Now, as my sixth novel The Irish House is published by Bookouture , I sometimes […]
Exclusive Excerpt from Hello Anxiety, My Old Friend
Exclusive Excerpt from Hello Anxiety, My Old Friend Natalie Kohlhaas has become known as the therapist that helps people when “talk therapy” has failed. Using a multitude of modalities, she supports each individual shift the emotional residues that may hold them back. Natalie is the Founder and Clinical Supervisor of Serenity Tree Counseling and Wellness. […]
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