Pacing is crucial to storytelling; it determines how quickly or slowly your story unfolds. Proper pacing keeps readers engaged and ensures that your story flows smoothly. HERE ARE 14 POWER TIPS TO HELP YOU PACE YOUR STORY EFFECTIVELY:1. Vary Sentence Length and StructureAction scenes and dialogue speed scenes up. And shorter sentences during action scenes…
Author: Karen Cioffi
Children’s Writing: A Guide to Rewriting a Tale
Rewriting a folktale or fairy tale for children can be a rewarding and creative experience, allowing you to breathe new life into a classic story while making it your own. Whether updating it for a modern audience, changing the perspective, or adding a unique twist, these tips will help you adapt a traditional tale thoughtfully…
Why and How Anthropomorphic Characters Work
In children’s literature, anthropomorphic characters are animals, plants, or inanimate objects with human traits, and they are highly effective in capturing young readers’ imaginations. By giving human characteristics to non-human entities, authors create whimsical worlds that engage children in a unique, playful way while also providing lessons on empathy, resilience, and identity. The technique has…
Formatting a Children’s Picture Book Manuscript – 10 Tips
Properly formatting a children’s fiction picture book manuscript is essential when submitting it to publishers or literary agents. It’s just as important when self-publishing. Creating a clean, professional layout helps showcase your work and ensures it’s taken seriously.Here’s a guide to the essential formatting steps, complete with examples, to help your manuscript have the best…
Middle Grade Novel Subplot Tips
Contributed by Suzanne Lieurance, Author and Writing Coach If you’re writing a middle grade novel, you want to include at least one or two subplots.Subplots in fiction are secondary storylines that run alongside the main plot, adding depth, complexity, and interest to the narrative. They enhance the main storyline by providing additional layers of conflict,…
Six Benefits of Having a QR Code for Your Book
With the digital world constantly increasing, authors and publishers are finding innovative ways to bridge the gap between physical and online experiences.One such method is QR codes. These small, square codes can be scanned by smartphones and other devices and offer numerous benefits for authors, publishers, and readers. From improving accessibility to enhancing marketing efforts,…
14 Features of a Children’s Book Self-Publishing Service
While many authors choose to self-publish independently, full-service self-publishing services play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the self-publishing journey.But what exactly can a niche-specific do-it-all self-publishing service do for you, the children’s author?While I can’t speak for all services, I can offer insights from Writers on The Move Press Self-Publishing Service (WOTMSP). Here…
What Can a Do-It-All Self-Publishing Service Do For You?
While many authors choose to self-publish independently, full-service self-publishing services play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the self-publishing journey. But what exactly can a full-service self-publishing service do for you, the author? While I can’t speak for all services, I can offer insights from Writers on The Move Self-Publishing Service (WOTMSP). Since WOTMSP…
Pros and Cons of Book Writing Software
In the digital age, especially with AI technology, book writing software has become a valuable tool for writers. I’ve never used or even thought about using one of these tools, but recently, it has crossed my mind. Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced novelist, software dedicated to writing can offer a wide array…
Overcoming the Middle-Grade Novel’s Mid-Hump
Writing a middle-grade novel can be a fun and challenging journey, filled with twists and turns, especially when you hit the mid-hump blues. Many writers struggle with the middle part of the story, often considered the most difficult to navigate. It’s where the initial excitement of the beginning has faded, but the climax and resolution…