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.
Setting and Context |A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES WITH STELLA QUINN
Episode 3 Australia’s Great Southern Land Rural romance is always popular, and I wonder what makes it so? Is it the history of rural settings? The rugged outdoors, the smalltown cosy factor, the sense of life being lived at a slower, more meaningful pace? The appeal of RuRo no doubt varies from reader to reader, but it is indisputable that setting and context must play a leading role in that appeal.
Tips from an Industry Insider | The New Release Publishing Sales Cycle
Or should that read sales cycleS? Because traditional and indie sales cycles are very, very different.
Simply Writing | WRITING A BIO WITH A DIFFERENCE
This month I’d like to give a little insight into that wonderful selling tool—the author bio. Just one of the few things authors dread writing, not quite up there with the synopsis, but close.
The Tasting Table: Beginning the journey
Welcome to The Tasting Table as we gather with three fabulous authors here to chat about their current journey toward publication. What an exciting and often daunting time it is before our first book is published. No matter what path we follow, the emotions, doubts, highs and lows all creep in. Please join me in welcoming Nancy Cunningham, Heather Hodgson (writing as HM Hodgson), and Nina Campbell (writing as ND Campbell) as they share their experiences, hopes, dreams, and advice.
Kiss and Tell | Fiona Lowe
Victorian writer, Fiona Lowe, has always told stories in her head, but it wasn’t until she was given a Mills and Boon medical romance for her thirtieth birthday that she decided to write a book of her own. Her experience as a midwife, community health nurse and sexual health counsellor provide ongoing inspiration, with Fiona doing most of her writing under the watchful gaze of her ginger feline friend, Pekoe. Her hobbies include tennis, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, coordinating a book group and enjoying live theatre in all its glory – from amateur to fringe through to professional.