Active vs. passive voice is one of those concepts that seems to confound many writers. We think we’re writing actively, that it’s clear our characters are doing what they’re doing, but often we’re not.
Simply Writing | CHARACTERISATION THROUGH NARRATION
In light of my upcoming RWA OWL and last month’s RWA and RWNZ conference workshops, I thought it would be good to do a short blog on CHARACTERISATION THROUGH NARRATION.
Cover Crush | August/September
There are highlights in the Australian romance writing community, including festivals and workshops, but one of the unmissable events, is the Romance Writers of Australia’s annual conference. This year was one of the best I’ve been to, and I want to take a moment to congratulate the committee for an incredible and memorable event.
Tips from an industry insider | Bad Publicity
Bad publicity, usually in the form of a one-star review, is most authors’ worst nightmare. I have good news. Repeat after me: ‘There is no such thing as bad publicity.’
Kiss and Tell | Alison Stuart
Set in Victoria in the 1870s, The Postmistress tells the tale of Adelaide Greaves and the life she forges in the gold-mining town of Maiden’s Creek. Having worked hard to create a new identity and future for herself, her son Danny and her maid Netty, Adelaide has little time for friendships, let alone relationships. Her quiet existence is sent into a spin with the arrival of Caleb Hunt, a handsome but battle-weary American still reeling from the civil war. Both have their secrets and independent streaks wider than the Shenandoah River, but before long, romance blossoms in the tinder-dry bush …
START AND FINISH WITH A BANG
I’ve talked on several occasions about the importance of beginnings and endings. Whether in regards to your entire manuscript, the chapters or the individual scenes, it is important to use these moments to hook your reader.
Simply Writing | THE CIRCLE OF A STORY
What do the opening and closing chapters of a story have in common? Many things I’m sure, but one of the most important factors—and most riveting—is conflict. I can imagine your protest, but hear me out.
Tips from and Industry Insider | Marketing Strategies for New Releases
Now that I’m an author as well as a publicist, I know why everybody groans when the word ‘marketing’ comes up. It’s a hungry monster with a never-ending appetite. How do you know what to feed it? And how do you plan meal times so that it doesn’t take up every minute of your writing, leisure and family time? The key is to not give in to demand feeding.
Simply Writing| A Four letter word called PLOT by Ebony McKenna
Welcome everyone! A while ago I asked what topics you’d like covered, and Toni mentioned she’d love a post on plotting. As a pantser, I don’t believe I’m the best person to offer advice, so I’ve asked Ebony McKenna, author of Edit Your Romance Novel, to give us a rundown on her process of plotting. I hope you guys find this post as interesting and helpful as I did ☺
How to be creative | Sarah Gates
In Year 2, my class was given a homework assignment: a self portrait. I, like every other seven-year-old except for one, drew a picture of my face. But one girl took a different approach. She sculpted her likeness out of Playdough.