The Great Prologue Debate: To Prologue or Not to Prologue
If you’re an author, or even just a reader, you’ve probably heard the debate about prologues. Should you use them? Should you avoid them like the plague? It’s a topic that’s been discussed ad nauseam in the writing community, with some authors swearing by prologues and others claiming they’re a surefire way to lose readers. So, what’s the big deal about prologues? For those who may be new to the writing world, a prologue is a section at the beginning of a book that sets the stage for the rest of the story. It’s often used to provide backstory, introduce a key character, or set the tone for the…
Why You Need a Website to Grow Your Audience and Own Your List
I can hear you now. “An author website is a pain in the ass! Do I really need one?” No. You can stop reading. Just kidding. Keep reading! Are you an author looking to expand your reach and connect with readers? Do you want to establish yourself as a credible and professional writer in your genre? Look no further than creating a website! A nice site. Not a link tree or similar. Yuck. In today’s digital age, having a website is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for authors who want to grow their audience and succeed in the competitive world of publishing. Yeah, I get you may not be technical…
Adding Humor to Your Novel: A Writer's Guide
Let’s face it, humor is a tough nut to crack. What one person finds hilarious, another might not even crack a smile at. But when done well, humor can elevate your novel from a mere page-turner to a truly unforgettable reading experience. So, how do you add humor to your writing? Well, for starters, it’s all about knowing your audience. What kind of humor do they appreciate? Do they like sarcasm, wit, or slapstick comedy? Once you’ve got a sense of what they like, you can start crafting jokes and humorous scenes that will resonate with them. One of the most effective ways to add humor to your…
Beyond the First Break: What Comes Next for Self-Published Authors on the Rise
Today we have another great article from guest blogger Jenna Sherman, a mom of three who hopes to help other parents acquire the skills to raise future leaders by providing valuable, up-to-date, authoritative resources. She created parent-leaders.com as an avenue for parents who want to make sure their children grow up to be strong, independent, successful adults. The thrill of early success in self-publishing is electric. Whether it arrives through a spike in Amazon rankings, a growing fanbase hungry for more, or that unexpected nod from a media outlet, the initial rush can feel like proof…
From Hustle to Headquarters: How Freelance Writers Can Grow into Small Business Owners
Today we have an article from guest blogger Jenna Sherman, a mom of three who hopes to help other parents acquire the skills to raise future leaders by providing valuable, up-to-date, authoritative resources. She created parent-leaders.com as an avenue for parents who want to make sure their children grow up to be strong, independent, successful adults. There’s a moment in every freelancer’s journey when the pitch emails feel a little too transactional, the invoices a little too relentless, and the future a little too shaky. You get tired of being a one-person content machine—an editor…
Science Fiction Theatre
When I was a kid, Science Fiction Theatre was already old and in reruns on my local independent channel. In the 1970s and early 1980s, most communities had one. They frequently showcased monster movies featuring a quirky host. These channels would also run old series such as Science Fiction Theatre . The thing that attracted me to it was the plausibility of the stories. I never liked the often pure fantasy of The Twilight Zone , although some Outer Limits episodes were really great. Another thing was Bradley always wore the most amazing suits or blazers. They hung on him flawlessly. I mean…