If you’re a fiction writer, you know there are a number of elements that a writer needs to incorporate to create an engaging and believable story, such as characterization, plot, structure, clarity, and so on. Well, Writing nonfiction also has a set of elements that must be incorporated into the piece to create similar results,…
Tag: writing tips
Raise Your Writing Standards
Contributed by Suzanne Lieurance I watched a video of Tony Robbins on YouTube the other day and he said something that really stuck with me. He said, “If you are unhappy with anything in your life, simply raise your standards in that area.” So what did he mean by that? Well, according to Robbins, we…
Read as a Writer
Every writer has been told to read, read, read. Read as much as you can to improve your own writing skills. Well, I read an interesting article at Writer Unboxed that explained why simply reading to improve your writing won’t cut it. According to the author, Julianna Baggott Faculty Director of Vermont College of Fine…
Traditionally Publishing – Keep Submitting
While most of my ghosting clients self-publish, there are some who go the traditional route. This is definitely commendable, but it does require patience and tenacity. If you have a story you believe in and want to go the traditional route, then dig your heels in, roll-up your sleeves and start submitting. Keep in mind…
Small Book Publishers Fill the Gap
One of your primary concerns as an author is to get your book published. While self-publishing is a viable option, many authors still strive to be traditionally published. The problem though is getting your manuscript past the acquisitions editor of a major publishing house. And, while I always say nothing ventured nothing gained, getting published…
Are You a Writer? You’ve Got to Keep Learning and Growing
Contributed by Team Member Suzanne Lieurance I can always tell when someone knows almost ‘nothing’ about writing. They are the ones who think they already know ‘everything’. They’re the ones who can’t be bothered to take a writing class or a writer’s workshop, or work with a writing coach. They are the ones who believe…
Storytelling vs. Writing a Story
Is there a difference between storytelling and writing a story? Yes, there is. A children’s publisher commented on the difference between storytelling and writing. She explained that storytelling involves visual aids, whereas writing does not. Granted, children’s picture books do provide illustrations in the form of visual aids, but they are not the same as…
6 Tips to What Makes a Good Story
Contributed by Aaron Shepard Good writers often break rules—but they know they’re doing it! Here are some good rules to know. Theme A theme is something important the story tries to tell us—something that might help us in our own lives. Not every story has a theme, but it’s best if it does. Don’t get…
Writing Tips – 5 Ways to Annoy an Editor
Contributed by Anne Duguid Knol The wonderful thing is that you can annoy an editor at any and all points throughout the publishing process. This allows you to get your own back for all the odd comments sprinkled on every page of your great works from kindergarten onwards. After all, your inbox is full of…
Picture Books – Story or Illustrations, Which Comes First?
While most authors know the answer to the title question, whether the story or illustrations come first in picture books, some newbies don’t. I have a client with a three-book series. This client happens to be an amazing artist and created her story around her illustrations. For the purpose of this article, I’ll say…