How to give characters names that can easily be distinguished from names of other characters? This is something that irritates me often. Why do so many authors give names to their characters that are so similar to other characters’ names that the reader needs a written list to keep them apart? But it happens. Try …
How is e-book writing different from writing a traditional print book?
How is writing e-books different from writing traditional bricks-and-mortar books? Having made the transition from writing for traditional, bricks-and-mortar publishers to writing for e-publishers, I feel somewhat qualified to answer this question and can state unequivocally that here are several differences that should inform what you write and how you write it. The differences that …
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What is the best way to start a horror novel?
I was asked what's the best way to start a horror novel. The answer is: the same as the best way to start any novel but, with a horror novel, it’s even more important. It’s essential. You jump right in with what’s called a ‘hook.’ That’s something that will pull the reader into the story …
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How to make a living writing romance novels.
I recently answered a question requesting three pieces of advice for making a living writing romance novels. Here is my answer: Read, read, read the best sellers in the kind of romances you wish to write. There are many, many sub-genres in the romance field and each has its own requirements. Then jot down between …
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How do you write interesting villains?
You you create interesting villains the same way you create interesting heroes, except you accentuate the negative instead of the positive. Since most stories involve a clash between hero and villain, you probably want to emphasize those traits in both that are opposite illustrations of the same trait. It makes for an interesting story.
What are some tips on writing a good anithero-hero romance subplot in an action-focused novel?
There’s just one rule that I know of for writing a romance into an action-focused novel and, unfortunately, a lot of authors don’t seem to know it. Don’t force your romance sub-plot into the midst of the action where it doesn’t belong. Don’t have your hero and heroine getting all sexy or mushy while bullets …
Wilderness Women: The Pathfinder
Coming to the end of my current work in progress, the first of the Wilderness Women books, titled The Pathfinder. Anna can find her way in the forest ever since she was a small child. She finds a lost boy. She finds where the butterflies go. Then the worst happens and she can't find her …
Why do some writers use pen names?
Why do some writers use fake names? There are a few reasons. Maybe a lot of reasons, but these are the ones I know: A writer who writes in different genres may choose a different pen name for each genres as a way to let readers know which genre the book they are considering was …
What is the best writing advice you ever received?
The best writing advice I ever received was to approach writing as a profession and not as the endeavor of an amateur. Professionals hone whatever skill they have to create a product that people will want badly enough to give some of their pay/time/effort/lives/etc in order to enjoy it. As they create, they think of …
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Congratulations, winners!
Stuck my hand in the cookie jar this morning -- the one with names of recipients of my newsletter in it -- and pulled out the two April winners of my newsletter drawing. Congratulations Julianne and Melissa. Julianne won any one of my books that she chooses from the ones published by Winged Publications and …
