Riley Adams's Blog, page 25

Twitterific Writing Links

 

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 68,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

First up, an apology from me!  Apparently, having work done on my site while I'm traveling is not a good combination, ha. I'm sorry last week's links didn't publish last Sunday, and for the various assorted chaos for subscribers as the site work triggered empty emails. I think we're back on track now (fingers crossed!) You'll see links from last week first and then links from the previous week next. Thanks, everyone!

Business / MiscellaneousBusiness Musings: Amazon: Year in Review: by Kristine RuschCover Plagiarism, Registering Copyrights for ARCs, Character Backstories, and More Questions Answered: @MichaelLaRonn @sacha_black @IndieAuthorALLICan I Use IngramSpark and KDP Together? @IndieAuthorALLIWhy Indie Authors Should Publish Gift Books: @IndieAuthorALLIRapid Releasing a Series: @DancingLemurPreSelf-publishing News: UK Government Cancels Plan to Allow Copyright Exception for Text and Data Mining: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIIs an Editor Worth the Money? @FoxPrintEd @JaneFriedmanBusiness Musings: Advertising: 2022 in Review: by Kristine RuschHow to Earn Consistent Income as a Freelance Writer: @quiettypeblogConferences and Events / MiscellaneousTaipei International Book Exhibition: 505,000 Attendees in Six Days: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesGerman Book Prize Names Its 2023 Jury, Opens Submissions: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesEngland's Women's Prize Adds a Nonfiction Award: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesScholarly Wins: AAP Names Its PROSE Category Honors: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesThe Society of Authors: 2023 Translation Prize Winners: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / First NovelsHow to Write A Book According to Authors: @thenovelryCreativity and Inspiration / Goal settingHow to Turn Writing Dreams into Writing Goals: @LisaEBetz
@A3writersCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersWhy I Started a Home Lending Library: by @ColeRush1 @tordotcomStarting an In-Person Book Club: @AventurasEnEsl @scbwiCreating Dual Timelines and Five Novels That Do It Well: @WendyTyson @CrimeReads5 Recently Completed SFF Series: @jamesdnicoll @tordotcomCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Cath Staincliffe’s Blue Murder: @MargotKinbergFive Stories About Embracing Found Family: @ColeRush1 @tordotcom5 Fantasy Cafes I’d Love To Visit: by @ColeRush1 @tordotcom7 Books That Celebrate Underappreciated Crafts: @AanchalMalhotra @ElectricLitCreativity and Inspiration / Productivity / Fitting in WritingMake Time to Write With These 15 Simple Tips: from Word Wise TipsCreativity and Inspiration / Writing LifeHow to get back into writing after a break: @pubcoachThe Four Horsemen of Writing: Perfectionism: @cyallowitzWriting Your Heart Out: @LindasclareWhy do you write? @DanBlank @WeGrowMediaHow Your Excuses Block You from Writing and Publishing Successfully: @NinaAmir6 Inspiring Writing Tips from Professional Authors: @RuthHarrisBooksThe Four Horsemen of Writing: Negativity: @cyallowitzWhat Separates a Good Writer from a Great Writer? @EldredBirdIf William Shakespeare Were Rejected: @minalmanchester @ElectricLitGenres / FantasyTips For Writing Magical Realism: by Ellen BuikemaGenres / HumorMore Humor Discussion with Some Examples: @HowellWave @StoryEmpireGenres / MiscellaneousGenre Expectations for Readers: @annehawkinson @FloridaWriters1Genres / MysteryCharacters ignoring warnings as elements in crime fiction: @MargotKinbergCrime Writing: Facts About Fentanyl – One Pill Can Kill: @LeeLoflandGenres / RomanceRomance Writing Trends for 2023: @TammyLoughBooks
@DIYMFAHow to Write a Character Falling Out of Love: by Kris NoelGenres / ScreenwritingTurning Your Story into a Film: @ahplotts @DIYMFAGenres / Young AdultWriting a YA Thriller? Read These Books: @domwritesbooks @DIYMFAPromo / Blogging4 Steps for Easy Content Creation: @WritersCoachPromo / Social Media TipsSocial Media Strategy for Writers: @Catrambo @sfwaPublishing / MiscellaneousAnother Diversity: @Porter_Anderson @WriterUnboxedLow Content Book Templates: Top 8 Places to Get Them: @StoryHobbitLaurie McLean's Crystal Ball: Publishing Predictions for 2023: @AgentSavant @annerallenPublishing / News / DataChina's Book Sales in 2022: An 11.77-Percent Decline: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesNPD BookScan Sees 2023 US Book Market ‘Off to a Solid Start': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / News / International PublishingNaomi Bacon on Book Marketing Strategies for Taipei Publishers: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesElsevier Announces a Transformative Agreement with Tulane: @porter_anderson @pubperspectivesSalone di Torino Reports High Rights Fellowship Interest: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesRights Roundup: Seeds of Peace: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesGermany-Based Bookwire Names Videl Bar-Kar To Lead Audio: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / Options / Self-PublishingTen Years of Indie Publishing – with Mark Dawson and James Blatch: @SelfPubFormPublishing / Process / Book DesignAI Art for Authors: Which Program to Use, Copyright and Use Cases: @StoryHobbitPublishing / Process / FormattingWidows, Orphans, and Bottom Balancing: What You Need to Know: @StoryHobbitPublishing / Process / Services to AvoidRed Flags for Online Sites Offering Writer Services: @hopeclarkWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentHow to Use Description to Show Character Development: @bucketsilerWriting Craft / Lessons from Books and FilmHow To Turn A Post-Apocalyptic Novel Into A Thriller: @pbhoffmeister @CrimeReadsWriting Craft / MiscellaneousWriting How-To: Put Ground Under Their Feet: @LynetteMBurrowsFinding the Secret Door Into Your Novel: @finejuli @CatapultStoryOrganizing Characters With a Character Cheat Sheet: from Not So Classically Trained Writer8 Ways to Improve Your Writing: @bucketsilerThe Subplot: by Marilynn ByerlyA Simple Guide On Tone For Authors: @StuartConover @HorrorTree3 Critical Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Draft (or Revise!) a Novel: @manzanitafire @JaneFriedmanWriting Craft / POVHow To Use Point Of View In Writing (Examples Of 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th): @StuartConover @HorrorTreeHow Many POVs Should I Have in My Ensemble Story? by Chris WinkleWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / NamingWriting: What’s in a Character Name? @LindasclareWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / OutliningHow to Build a Better Outline For Your Novel: @davidfarlandThe “Plotter vs. Pantser” Writing Divide Has Been Exaggerated: @Ada_Palmer @tordotcomWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingQuick Plotting Tip: Write Your Story Backwards: @bucketsilerWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / Story ConceptIs Your Story Idea Worth Writing About? @davidfarlandWriting Craft / Punctuation and GrammarShould You Use Chicago Style or AP Style for Book Manuscripts? @BookDoctor4u @womenonwritingWriting Craft / RevisionEditing Your First Draft, 6 Things to Focus On: @Livy_Fisher @DIYMFAFive Plot Questions for Revising Your Manuscript: by Oren AshkenaziWhen Should I Start Editing? @JeanettetheWrtr @DIYMFAWriting Craft / Revisions / CritiquesThe Top Ten Truths for Writers About Feedback: @ZenaDellLowe @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / Settings and DescriptionDetails, Details: How to Write a Rich Setting for Your Story: @donnajostone @A3writersWriting Craft / TropesTropes that Should be Retired: @Virgilante @StoryEmpireWriting Craft / World-BuildingGeography for World-Building, Part Three: Bodies of Water: @JillWilliamson

 

Links shared from Jan. 29 through Feb. 4, 2023:

Business / MiscellaneousBefore You Hire a Developmental Editor: What You Need to Know: @sangeeta_editor @JaneFriedmanHow to prepare an annual writing plan: @pubcoachSelf-publishing News: Journalism in the News as Authors Guild Backs Google Antitrust Suit and Substack Increases Its Offering: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIConferences and Events / MiscellaneousBologna Children's Book Fair: 2023 Ragazzi Awards Winners: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesSheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Program Returns for 2023: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesTaipei International Book Exhibition Opens Its 31st Edition: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesThe Villa Albertine Translation Prizes: Sorrente, Green, Meziane, Adjemian: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesLondon Book Fair Names Main Stage Speakers: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesEngland's Rathbones Folio Prize Names Its 2023 Shortlists: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesAt Cairo International Book Fair: Armfuls of Books: @oliviasnaije @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / Goal settingHow to Strategize Your Writing Milestones: @LiveWriteThriveCreativity and Inspiration / InspirationCreativity Sparks the Writing Practice: by Deborah Lyn StanleyCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersThe Perfect Poetry Collection for Beginners: @LittleInfiniteWinter Is for Rereading: @mollytempleton @tordotcomCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Hideo Yokoyama’s Six Four: @MargotKinbergCreativity and Inspiration / Writing Life50k is Overrated: NaNoWriMo from a Disabled Author's Perspective: @adashofseaglass @NaNoWriMoWhat Does “Done” Mean? @bookendslitEasy reading is hard writing –  why hard writing is worth it and how to do it: @Roz_MorrisThis Is Your Permission To Write Offensive Things: @helpfulsnowmanInvolving Your Family in Your Writing: by Mia Barnes @colleen_m_storyNew Year’s Resolutions for Writers That Aren’t About Writing: @eblackwellbooks @CatapultStory8+ Ways To Speed Up Your Computer: @WordDreamsHow To (Finally) Finish Your Book: @Roz_Morris @thecreativepennBack-up and Image Your Computer: @WordDreamsWhen to Give Up on a Book Project–and How to Tell: @writeabookHow to Be a Writer When You’re Highly Sensitive to Rejection: @AxliWrites @CatapultStoryHow Fantasy Roleplaying Made Me a Better Writer: by Destiny Soria @tordotcomHow to get back into writing after a break: @pubcoachThe Four Horsemen of Writing: Perfectionism: @cyallowitzWriting Your Heart Out: @LindasclareGenres / Fan Fiction5 Tips for Focused Fanfic Writing: by Cora @NaNoWriMoGenres / FantasyFive Tropes That Require Low Realism: by Chris WinkleGenres / Horror5 Writing Tools for Writing a Horror Story: by Merissa Moore @HorrorTreeGenres / MemoirThe Hardest Part of Writing My Memoir Was Telling My Family About It: @erinlangner @ElectricLitGenres / MysteryUnwritten Rules of Etiquette in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergCharacters ignoring warnings as elements in crime fiction: @MargotKinbergGenres / Picture BooksTop 3 Self-Edits When Writing for Young Audiences: by L Cooke @TheStoryEditorGenres / Science FictionWhat is Hard Science Fiction? by Lisa Taylor @TheStoryEditorGenres / Short StoriesHow Do You Know If Your Short Story Should Be a Novel? by Bill CotterPromo / Blogging10 Reasons You Want a Blog in Your Book Marketing Plan: @NinaAmirHousekeeping Tasks for Your Blog: @HughRoberts05Promo / Miscellaneous9 Ways to Update Your Online Presence: @WordDreamsPromo / PlatformsAuthor Branding: How I Built an Author Brand That Sold 6+ Million Books @M_Richmond21 @write_practicePromo / Social Media TipsHow to Get Your Book on TikTok: @cec_beard @CatapultStoryAuthors on TikTok – What to Post? 15 Ideas to Incorporate: @AventurasEnEsl @scbwiPublishing / MiscellaneousPenguin Random House CEO Madeline McIntosh To Step Down: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesThe Year Behind and The Year Ahead: @jamesscottbellAnother Diversity: @Porter_Anderson @WriterUnboxedPublishing / News / International PublishingMVB América Latina Offers Discounted Access to Metabooks: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesInterview With Taipei's Isabella Wu: ‘Opening the Conversation': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCBC's ‘Canada Reads' Returns, Featuring ‘Station Eleven': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesAbu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's 2023 Scientific Committee: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing in India: ‘A Million Mutinies Now': @rcharkin @pubperspectivesPublishing / Options / Self-Publishing6 Self-Publishing Principles For Authors: by Stephanie BwaBwa @DIYMFAPublishing / Options / Traditional Publishing / Querying3 Query Letter Mistakes — And How to Fix Them: @WriteToSellPublishing / Process / FormattingHow to Make a Table of Contents in a Book: The Ultimate Guide: @DaveChessonPublishing / Process / Services to AvoidThe Best of Writer Beware: 2022 in Review @victoriastraussWriting Craft / BeginningsFlog a Pro: Would You Turn the First Page of this Bestseller? @RayRhameyWriting Craft / Characters / AntagonistsWriting Good Bad Guys: @LindasclareWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentConsider Status in Dealings Between Characters: @ZoeMMcCarthyFear Thesaurus Entry: Being Physically Touched: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writersHow to Use Description to Show Character Development: @bucketsilerWriting Craft / ConflictWhy Conflict Drives Story: @JerryBJenkins @davidfarlandWriting Craft / EndingsWriting the End: Types of Endings: @Dwallacepeach @StoryEmpireHow to Write that Last Chapter: 8 Tips for Ending Your Book: @annerallenWriting Craft / Flashback and Back StoryThe 5 Rules of Writing Effective Flashbacks: @WriteToSellWriting Craft / Lessons from Books and FilmCozy to Cold-Blooded: Mystery Shows: @avonlea79 @DIYMFAWriting Craft / Literary DevicesForeshadowing vs. “Spoilers”: What's the Difference? @JamiGoldPersonification and anthropomorphism: by Rainey Hall @RMFWritersWriting Craft / MiscellaneousWriting for Two Reading Modes: @AnneJanzerHow to Use Real Life to Inspire Your Fiction: @Bang2writeFocus on the helpful details (query critique): @NathanBransfordEditing tip: Are you suffering from -ing disease? @bucketsilerTips for Better Similes and Metaphors: @nlholmesbooks @FloridaWriters1Get Unstuck from the Murky Middle: @monicacoxwrites @DIYMFAWriting How-To: Put Ground Under Their Feet: @LynetteMBurrowsWriting Craft / POVWhen To Use Deep POV In Fiction By Genre: @LisaHallWilsonWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / OutliningHow to Build a Better Outline For Your Novel: @davidfarlandWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / Story BeatsWhy the Save the Cat! Novel Beat Sheet Won’t Help You: by Oren AshkenaziWriting Craft / RevisionEditing Your First Draft, 6 Things to Focus On: @Livy_Fisher @DIYMFAWriting Craft / Revisions / CritiquesWhat are Beta Readers and How do you Use Them? @WriteToSellWriting Craft / Settings and DescriptionUse a Setting You Know to Set Your Characters Free: @KairaRouda @DIYMFAHow Setting and Characterization Intersect in the Books We Write: @DrMaryAnnDiorio @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / Special Needs7 Tips to Writing Disabled Characters: @cyallowitzHow Do I Depict a Disabled Character Respectfully? by Fay OnyxWriting Craft / TropesTropes that Should be Retired: @Virgilante @StoryEmpireWriting Craft / Word Crafting4 Perennially Misused Words: @writing_tipsWriting Craft / World-BuildingGeography for World-Building, Part Three: Bodies of Water: @JillWilliamsonWriting Tools / Miscellaneous7 Favorite Free Tools and Resources for Writers:

The Top Writing Links From Last Week Are On Twitterific:
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The post Twitterific Writing Links appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

 

 

The Top Writing Links From Last Week Are On Twitterific:
Click To Tweet

The post Twitterific Writing Links appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

 

 

The Top Writing Links From Last Week Are On Twitterific:
Click To Tweet

The post Twitterific Writing Links appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

 

 

The Top Writing Links From Last Week Are On Twitterific:
Click To Tweet

The post Twitterific Writing Links appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Rapid Releasing a Series

by L. Diane Wolfe, @DancingLemurPre

Back in the day, an author came out with a new book every three years or so. Fans were forced to wait years for a full-length novel. EBooks and the ability to self-publish changed that. Now authors could put out books faster, including short stories and novelettes.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of rapid releasing a series.

Maintains reader interest:

Fans no longer have to wait years.

Interest in a series doesn’t fade with releases coming out close together.

Those who like to read an entire series at once can safely jump in knowing they can get to the end in a short period of time.

Keeps the author’s name out there longer:

Authors with books in rapid release are constantly on social media and visible to readers.

Reviews keep appearing for the books, spreading awareness.

It gives all stories time to build:

Readers who discover the second or third book will go back for the first ones.

When one book starts to fade, another is released.

Consistent marketing:

Book marketing is ever-changing, but books released close together can benefit from the same promotions.

A template from the first book’s marketing can be duplicated, making it easy to set up promotions.

Now, let’s look at how to set up a rapid release.

Must be good at multi-tasking:

Author needs to be planning several books at once.

Many tasks will overlap – writing, editing, marketing. Authors need to juggle multiple tasks and for several books.

Authors need to determine if they can keep up the pace.

Plan the entire series first:

Determine genre, length, and theme.

Outline (as best as possible) each book.

Be aware of overlaps and continuing characters.

Write at least three stories before releasing:

Write the first, polish, send to editor, then do final edits. Prepare book cover and promotions.

Write the second book and repeat.

Write the third book. At this point, once the third is polished and sent to the editor, the first book can be released.

Determine the length in between books:

How long will it take the author to write each one?

What is the length of each story? Shorter ones, closer together. Longer ones can have more breathing room.

When will release dates fall? Always aim for the best book-selling months.

Readers today are impatient. They don’t want to wait years. But now authors are in a great position to give readers what they want. A series they enjoy without a lot of waiting!

Rapid Releasing a Series from @DancingLemurPre :
Click To Tweet

 

L. Diane Wolfe

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/ – Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C

http://www.spunkonastick.net/ – Spunk On A Stick

http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com – Spunk On A Stick’s Tips

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ – Insecure Writer’s Support Group

 

In Darkness: The Vampire
By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness…

Stuck working as a barmaid for her demanding father, Anna dreams of adventure. When mysterious strangers enter the bar, she overhears they seek Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library. Taking her chance, she offers to guide them. The conditions: deliver Zancrela or die.

As they journey through the wilderness, she discovers their secret: they are vampires. And most view her as food. One takes interest in her and her heart dares to hope, but it might not be enough to change her fate. Will Anna find Zancrela or become a vampire morsel?

Release date – February 7, 2023
Romance / Paranormal / Vampires (FIC027320), Fantasy / Paranormal (FIC009050), Fantasy / Romance (FIC009090)
eBook ISBN 9781939844903
$3.99 eBook available in all formats

Links:
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC4SRKH2
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6443336227
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165920110
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844903
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844903&language=0
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62203140-in-darkness

Image by Nino Carè from Pixabay

The post Rapid Releasing a Series appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

Business / MiscellaneousCreating an Author Imprint, With Dan Parsons and Melissa Addey: @IndieAuthorALLIBefore You Hire a Developmental Editor: What You Need to Know: @sangeeta_editor @JaneFriedmanHow to prepare an annual writing plan: @pubcoachSelf-publishing News: Journalism in the News as Authors Guild Backs Google Antitrust Suit and Substack Increases Its Offering: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIConferences and Events / MiscellaneousBologna Children's Book Fair: 2023 Ragazzi Awards Winners: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesSheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Program Returns for 2023: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesTaipei International Book Exhibition Opens Its 31st Edition: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesThe Villa Albertine Translation Prizes: Sorrente, Green, Meziane, Adjemian: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesLondon Book Fair Names Main Stage Speakers: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesEngland's Rathbones Folio Prize Names Its 2023 Shortlists: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesAt Cairo International Book Fair: Armfuls of Books: @oliviasnaije @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / Goal settingHow to Make the Best of Your Writing Goals: @jimdempsey @WriterUnboxedHow to Strategize Your Writing Milestones: @LiveWriteThriveCreativity and Inspiration / InspirationCreativity Sparks the Writing Practice: by Deborah Lyn StanleyCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersThe Perfect Poetry Collection for Beginners: @LittleInfiniteWinter Is for Rereading: @mollytempleton @tordotcomCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Hideo Yokoyama’s Six Four: @MargotKinbergCreativity and Inspiration / Writing Life3 Ways Your Novel Could Change the World: @thenovelsmithyOn the Inspirational Indie Authors #podcast, @howard_lovy interviews @staceyaaronson, an indie publishing partner who wrote about her unique spiritual relationship with her young mom: @IndieAuthorALLI50k is Overrated: NaNoWriMo from a Disabled Author's Perspective: @adashofseaglass @NaNoWriMoWhat Does “Done” Mean? @bookendslitEasy reading is hard writing –  why hard writing is worth it and how to do it: @Roz_MorrisThis Is Your Permission To Write Offensive Things: @helpfulsnowmanInvolving Your Family in Your Writing: by Mia Barnes @colleen_m_storyNew Year’s Resolutions for Writers That Aren’t About Writing: @eblackwellbooks @CatapultStory8+ Ways To Speed Up Your Computer: @WordDreamsHow To (Finally) Finish Your Book: @Roz_Morris @thecreativepennBack-up and Image Your Computer: @WordDreamsWhen to Give Up on a Book Project–and How to Tell: @writeabookHow to Be a Writer When You’re Highly Sensitive to Rejection: @AxliWrites @CatapultStoryHow Fantasy Roleplaying Made Me a Better Writer: by Destiny Soria @tordotcomGenres / Fan Fiction5 Tips for Focused Fanfic Writing: by Cora @NaNoWriMoGenres / FantasyFive Tropes That Require Low Realism: by Chris WinkleGenres / Horror5 Writing Tools for Writing a Horror Story: by Merissa Moore @HorrorTreeGenres / MemoirThe Hardest Part of Writing My Memoir Was Telling My Family About It: @erinlangner @ElectricLitGenres / MysteryCharacter Disconnectedness as an Element in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergUnwritten Rules of Etiquette in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergGenres / Picture BooksTop 3 Self-Edits When Writing for Young Audiences: by L Cooke @TheStoryEditorGenres / Science FictionWhat is Hard Science Fiction? by Lisa Taylor @TheStoryEditorGenres / Short StoriesHow Do You Know If Your Short Story Should Be a Novel? by Bill CotterPromo / Blogging10 Reasons You Want a Blog in Your Book Marketing Plan: @NinaAmirHousekeeping Tasks for Your Blog: @HughRoberts05Promo / Miscellaneous9 Ways to Update Your Online Presence: @WordDreamsPromo / PlatformsAuthor Branding: How I Built an Author Brand That Sold 6+ Million Books @M_Richmond21 @write_practicePromo / Social Media TipsHow to Get Your Book on TikTok: @cec_beard @CatapultStoryAuthors on TikTok – What to Post? 15 Ideas to Incorporate: @AventurasEnEsl @scbwiPublishing / MiscellaneousPenguin Random House CEO Madeline McIntosh To Step Down: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesThe Year Behind and The Year Ahead: @jamesscottbellPublishing / News / International PublishingBook Market in Italy Up 13.3 Percent Over 2019: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesMVB América Latina Offers Discounted Access to Metabooks: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesInterview With Taipei's Isabella Wu: ‘Opening the Conversation': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCBC's ‘Canada Reads' Returns, Featuring ‘Station Eleven': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesAbu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's 2023 Scientific Committee: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing in India: ‘A Million Mutinies Now': @rcharkin @pubperspectivesPublishing / Options / Self-Publishing6 Self-Publishing Principles For Authors: by Stephanie BwaBwa @DIYMFAPublishing / Options / Traditional Publishing / Querying3 Query Letter Mistakes — And How to Fix Them: @WriteToSellPublishing / Process / FormattingHow to Make a Table of Contents in a Book: The Ultimate Guide: @DaveChessonPublishing / Process / Services to AvoidThe Best of Writer Beware: 2022 in Review @victoriastraussWriting Craft / BeginningsFlog a Pro: Would You Turn the First Page of this Bestseller? @RayRhameyWriting Craft / Characters / AntagonistsWriting Good Bad Guys: @LindasclareWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentConsider Status in Dealings Between Characters: @ZoeMMcCarthyFear Thesaurus Entry: Being Physically Touched: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writersWriting Craft / ConflictWhy Conflict Drives Story: @JerryBJenkins @davidfarlandWriting Craft / EndingsWriting the End: Types of Endings: @Dwallacepeach @StoryEmpireHow to Write that Last Chapter: 8 Tips for Ending Your Book: @annerallenWriting Craft / Flashback and Back StoryThe 5 Rules of Writing Effective Flashbacks: @WriteToSellWriting Craft / Lessons from Books and FilmCozy to Cold-Blooded: Mystery Shows: @avonlea79 @DIYMFAWriting Craft / Literary DevicesForeshadowing vs. “Spoilers”: What's the Difference? @JamiGoldPersonification and anthropomorphism: by Rainey Hall @RMFWritersWriting Craft / MiscellaneousHow to write a character who's adrift: @NathanBransfordWriting for Two Reading Modes: @AnneJanzerHow to Use Real Life to Inspire Your Fiction: @Bang2writeFocus on the helpful details (query critique): @NathanBransfordEditing tip: Are you suffering from -ing disease? @bucketsilerTips for Better Similes and Metaphors: @nlholmesbooks @FloridaWriters1Get Unstuck from the Murky Middle: @monicacoxwrites @DIYMFAWriting Craft / PacingQuick Story Pacing Tip: Pause at the Threshold: By Bucket SilerWriting Craft / POVWhen To Use Deep POV In Fiction By Genre: @LisaHallWilsonWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / OutliningA New Approach to Outlining: by S.H. Livernois @TheWriterMagWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / Story BeatsWhy the Save the Cat! Novel Beat Sheet Won’t Help You: by Oren AshkenaziWriting Craft / Revisions / CritiquesWhat are Beta Readers and How do you Use Them? @WriteToSellWriting Craft / Scenes / ConflictMapping Out a Fight Scene: by Marilynn ByerlyWriting Craft / Settings and DescriptionUse a Setting You Know to Set Your Characters Free: @KairaRouda @DIYMFAHow Setting and Characterization Intersect in the Books We Write: @DrMaryAnnDiorio @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / Special Needs7 Tips to Writing Disabled Characters: @cyallowitzHow Do I Depict a Disabled Character Respectfully? by Fay OnyxWriting Craft / Word Crafting4 Perennially Misused Words: @writing_tipsWriting Tools / Miscellaneous7 Favorite Free Tools and Resources for Writers:

 

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Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

Business / MiscellaneousAI for Authors: Practical and Ethical Guidelines: @IndieAuthorALLIPublishing Frameworks for Authors: @IndieAuthorALLIEditorial humility: Who’s the boss of the book? @LouiseHarnbyDealing with Bad Cover Design When You Hate Confrontation: by Cathy C. Hall @womenonwritingBusiness Musings: The Year in Review: Bestsellers: by Kristine RuschChoosing Your Route To Publication: @Silk_Scribbler @thecreativepenn4 Ways to Avoid a Dead-End Writing Career: @davidfarland5 Ways for Entrepreneurs to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burnout: @irisvanooyen @DeniseWakemanSelf-publishing News: KDP Select paid $522m in 2022 – so just how big is the indie ebook market? @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIConferences and Events / MiscellaneousThe International Prize for Arabic Fiction's 2023 Longlist: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesScotland's Robert Burns Night: James Cosmo Reads ‘To a Mouse': @Porter_Andersonhttps://bit.ly/3kJ44aN @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / Goal settingHow to Strategically Set Writing Benchmarks: @LiveWriteThriveCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration100+ Creative Writing Prompts: @JerryBJenkinsCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersFive Cold War Classics in Which the U.S. Has Been Toppled: @jamesdnicoll @tordotcom8 Schemers and Opportunists in Literature: @elysefriedman @ElectricLitFive Character-Driven Mystery Novels from European Authors: by Joël Dicker @CrimeReadsCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Tove Alsterdal’s We Know You Remember: @MargotKinberg5 Books Featuring (Possibly) Murderous Children: @ambermg1 @CrimeReadsCreativity and Inspiration / Productivity / Fitting in WritingGot 15 Minutes? Write Your Book: @WriteNowCoachCreativity and Inspiration / Writing LifeWhat Are the Best Places to Write? 15 Tips to Create the Perfect Writing Space: @KMWeilandDear Blank Space: A Literacy Narrative: @mooncake @lithubAre you a digital hoarder? @pubcoachHow Living Abroad Informs and Inspires My Writing: by @lizshickauthor @WomenWritersSpare Me the Humblebrag: The Virtues of Humility: @DavidGMyers @lithubI’m No Longer Chasing “Literary Success” | Madison Jamar: @CatapultStoryTV Recaps Taught Me How to Write Criticism: @joelle_kidd @CatapultStoryFind Your Focus: @LoriTheWriter @DIYMFAAre You Actively Practicing Writing? @StephMorrill @GoTeenWritersLooking Back on 2022: 5 Reflections on a Year of Healing: @KMWeilandBuild Your Writing Self-Efficacy: @arielkcurry @JaneFriedmanSelf-Care with Angela Miller Barton, Erin MacCoy, and Cliff Ravenscraft: @DebraEckerlingOn Abandoned Projects: @jamesscottbell @killzoneauthorsWrite What You’re Passionate About: @SueColetta1 @killzoneauthorsIn Writing and Skating, It Hurts More Never to Try At All: @AaronGilbreath @CatapultStoryWhen Your Book Tour is Interrupted by a Near-Death Experience: by M Dressler @lithubWhy Do I Think About Murder So Much? by @playwrightsteve @CrimeReadsGenres / FantasyWhat Happens If Everyone Can Learn Magic? by Oren AshkenaziGenres / MiscellaneousStepping Outside Genre: by Mark Stevens @RMFWritersSaga Fiction – Why Should You Read (and Write) It? @Gilliebooks @thenovelryGenres / MysteryThe Desire for Privacy as an Element in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergKilling Them Softly: Getting Away With Murder in Cozy Mysteries: by Andrew Shaffer @CrimeReadsThe Main Character in a Mystery is the Victim: by PJ Parrish @killzoneauthorsGenres / Picture BooksHelpful Tips on Writing, Illustrating, and Marketing Children's Books: by Elena Paige @colleen_m_storyGenres / ScreenwritingWhy Remakes And Reboots Are Here To Stay (Not A Bad Thing): @Bang2writePromo / Miscellaneous5 Ways to Build a Powerful Local Audience for Your Book: @BirdsOAFpress @NinaAmirBook Marketing Foundations: @dkparsonswriter @MelissaAddey @IndieAuthorALLI4 Lessons Learned from Author Platforming: @EJWenstrom @DIYMFABooks PR & Marketing Questions Answered : What to do on a budget: @AnnMarieNieves @WriterUnboxedPromo / Social Media TipsUnlock Better Reach: Bridge the Gap Between Online and Offline Activities: @beckyrbnsn @JaneFriedmanPublishing / MiscellaneousWhat You Need to Know About Publishing a Book in 2023: @BookgalCLMP Names US Literary Publishers' ‘Capacity-Building' Grants: @porter_anderson @pubperspectivesThe Top 10 Publishing Trends for 2023: by Clayton Noblit @WrittenWordMThe Continental Literary Magazine: ‘Tools for Cultural Engagement': @pubperspectivesWhat Can We Learn from Barnes & Noble's Surprising Turnaround? @tedgioiaThe US Authors Guild Applauds the Google Lawsuit: @Porter_Anderson @AuthorsGuild @pubperspectivesTaylor & Francis Calls for Environmental Sciences Papers: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesTen Rules For Pitching Your Book During #IWSGPit: @mishy1727 @TheIWSGPublishing / News / DataAAP's November StatShot: US Revenues Down 6 Percent Year to Date: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / News / International PublishingSheikh Zayed Book Award: Funding for Nine Translations: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesChina Bestsellers in December: What the Kids Are Reading: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesScholarly Publishing: Germany's De Gruyter and OhioLink's Deal: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesIPA States Its Concern for a Missing Egyptian Publisher: @Porter_Anderson @IntPublishers @pubperspectivesScholastic and LitWorld: A 24-Hour ‘World Read Aloud Day' Event: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPoland Tells Publishers: VAT on Books Must Stay: @JaroslawAdamows @pubperspectivesPublishing / Process / Services to AvoidWhy You Might Not Want to Use Wire Transfer or Payment Apps to Pay For Publishing Services: @victoriastraussWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentTips for Writing Authentic Characters – with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer: @SelfPubFormFear Thesaurus Entry: Being Returned to an Abusive Environment: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writersWriting Craft / Characters / EmotionHow To Add Emotion In Fiction: @LisaHallWilsonWriting Craft / Characters / ProtagonistsHaving a Handicapped/Disabled Hero: @cyallowitzWriting Craft / ConflictThe Why and How of Creating Conflict in the Stories We Write: @SarahSallyHamer @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / DialogueDon’t Let Empty Dialogue Scuttle Your Scene: @Janice_Hardy @TheIWSGWriting Craft / DiversityFree Ebook Guide: 5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: by Sarah Elisabeth SawyerWriting Craft / EndingsHow Ambiguous Endings Lure Us In: by
Afsheen Farhadi @CatapultStoryOn Endings and Non-Endings: @theladygreer @WriterUnboxedWriting Craft / Literary Devices“No, Don’t Tell Me”: How and When Should We Use Foreshadowing? @JamiGold @onestop4writersWriting Craft / Miscellaneous3 Action-Reaction Misfires That Flatten Your Writing: @LisaPoisso @onestop4writersMore Words You’re Probably Using Wrong: @FoxPrintEd @WriterUnboxedWriting: Should Fiction Persuade? @Lindasclare3 Action-Reaction Misfires That Flatten Your Writing: @LisaPoissoThe Eighth Element: @DonMaass @WriterUnboxedNovel vs Novella: Definition, Word Count, and Selling Strategies: @DaveChessonTips for Excellent Twists: @jdspero @WomenWritersHow to Enhance Contrast in Your Writing: @jessicastrawser @CareerAuthors5 Tips to Boost Your Professional Writing Cred: @LoriAnnFreelandWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingWhy Save the Cat! Can’t Write a Novel:   by Oren AshkenaziStructuring Your Relationship Plotline: @SeptCFawkesWriting Craft / Revision3 Easy Tips to Help You Revise Your Novel: @Janice_HardyWriting Craft / Revisions / Critiques10 Tips for Handling Feedback: Writing Craft / SeriesSeries Openers: Six Authors on Their New Beginnings: By Iyana Jones @PublishersWklyWriting Craft / SynopsesHow Writing Your Synopsis Can Fix Your Book: @GuerillaMemoir @JaneFriedmanUncategorizedGenerating a Poem from Nature’s Patterns: @OhOldOcean @CatapultStory

 

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Handling Edits and Critiques

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Every two-three months, I get a series of critiques and feedback from beta readers, ARC readers, and my freelance editors. I always open those emails in a hurry and glance over them immediately to see how much needs to be fixed. Yes, I'm one of those people who, when asked, will say “I want the bad news before the good news.”

The good news is, if you're getting edits and critiques, the finish line is in sight for your novel. The bad news is that you might have some tricky work ahead of you on your project.

Here are 10 tips for handing feedback:

Try to look at it objectively, through a lens. This gets easier with practice. See if you can look at the manuscript objectively, as if you were reading someone else's work. I know this is a tough one, but you'll be amazed how quickly you can make this work (probably after book one).

Read it all the way through, as quickly as you can.  It's like pulling off the bandage. Best just to get it over with. Besides, it might not be as bad as you suspect. Once you've read it through, it's not in your inbox anymore and you won't be dreading reading it.

Consider printing the feedback out.  Unless the feedback is inline, try printing out the email or document you've received. For some reason, handling it on paper seems easier to me. I can make notes in the margins, brainstorm approaches for fixes on the back, and cross off each item as I complete it.

Remember that the edits or critique comments are intended to make your manuscript better. This is tied into having some distance from your work. Although it can be hard, try not to take any of the suggestions personally. Your book will be the better for it.

Also, remember you're the one with the final say. You don't have to do anything with the feedback at all. You're the one in charge of your project.

Go through the feedback and decide what rings true. This goes hand-in-hand with the tip above. Some of the feedback will ring true to you. It may not be particularly fun to fix, but you know that the book will improve with a bit of work.

If there's a big issue (a protagonist isn't developed enough, there's a big plot hole, etc.), brainstorm various approaches. List all the ways you can think of to fix the problem and then choose the best one.  Or, ping your editor or critique partner to see if they have suggestions of their own, or what they think of your ideas for fixing it.

Take a break if you need one.  Just acknowledge receipt of the edits/critique, thank them, and jot down on your calendar when you plan on addressing the feedback. Sometimes it's just not a great time to work on feedback. If you've had a rough day/week, consider assigning it to a different day on your calendar for completion.

Decide what will make you feel less-overwhelmed: either knock out all the easy stuff first or get the worst edits out of the way first. I've done both and found both ways very satisfying. Whatever works best for you.

Celebrate when it's over. This is something I'm working harder on. If you've gone through some challenging edits, make sure to acknowledge when you've done a good job knocking them out. This celebration can be as private or public as you want and as inexpensive or pricey as you feel.

How do you handle feedback when it comes in?

10 Tips for Handling Feedback:
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Image by Anne Karakash from Pixabay

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Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

New Stuff:

Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer was a fellow speaker for an online conference last year. She has a free ebook guide for writing Native Americans more accurately and sensitively. She also offers a course for those writers looking for a more in-depth resource on the topic (I'm not an affiliate, just sharing the information).

Business / MiscellaneousTop 5 Mistakes Writers Make Working With Script Editors: @Bang2writeHow to Become a Book Illustrator: by James McGowan @bookendslitSelf-publishing News: ChatGPT to Launch Premium Service as Microsoft Set to Invest $10bn in its Parent OpenAI: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIConferences and Events / MiscellaneousBologna's 60th Book Fair Names 2023 Illustrators Exhibition Winners: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesEngland's Booker Prize Asks Public To Name Its Trophy: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesLondon Book Fair Plans: Scholarly and Rights Conferences: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives‘Books at Berlinale' To Pitch 11 Titles to Film Producers: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesConferences and Events / NaNoWriMoSo You've Won NaNoWriMo — What Next? @karisrogerson @LitReactorCreativity and Inspiration / Goal settingForming Your Strategic Vision for Your Writing Career: @LiveWriteThriveCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersOn Women Talking and the Unreliable Narrators of Post-MeToo Literature: by Emma Staffaroni @lithubThe Art of the Cozy Mystery: Six Cozy Mysteries Featuring an Art Theme: @BaileeAbbott1 @CrimeReadsTen Expansive SFF Worlds to Fall Into: by Stubby the Rocket @tordotcom7 Genre-Defying Books by Women of Color: @CarolineHagood @ElectricLitFive SF Works About Sitting Out World War III: @jamesdnicoll @tordotcomCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Iain Pears’ The Raphael Affair: @MargotKinberg11 Mysteries and Thrillers That Are So. Much. Fun: @mollsotov89 @CrimeReadsHow Do You Measure a Year in Reading? @mollytempleton @tordotcomFive SF Stories About Ghost Ships: @jamesdnicoll @tordotcomCreativity and Inspiration / Productivity / Writer's BlockWhen You’re Stuck as a Writer: Tips: Creativity and Inspiration / SuccessThe 4 Things You Need for Writing Success: @LiveWriteThriveCreativity and Inspiration / Writing LifeWriting to Save Your Life: @jamesscottbell @killzoneauthorsHelping Writers Write, DIY MFA Style: @thatpluckygirl
@DIYMFAThe Risks, Realities, and Rewards of Writing About Social Issues: @kavitamix @CatapultStoryStepping off the script in life: @NathanBransfordAlways on the Clock: On the Writerly Need to Find Ideas in Unexpected Places: @JoellaWriting @lithubSelf-Sabotage: I Don't Deserve Success: @KristenLambTXThree Life Lessons from Writing Books: @AnneJanzerWhat Every Writer Should Know: @dlfinnauthor @StoryEmpireHow to Be More Productive in Life: by Rhys KellerWriting Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To: Obsessively Rewriting First Chapters: @StephMorrill @GoTeenWritersWhat Do You Do After You've Written Your Novel? 6 Tips: @thecreativepenn @NaNoWriMoHow Writers Revise: Vaughn Roycroft and Redefining Success: @VaughnRoycroft @FoxPrintEdCan Any Book Truly Be Timeless? @mollytempleton @tordotcomOf Grief and Book Tours: @silasdhouse @lithubUsing Competition to Succeed as an Author: @dkparsonswriter @SelfPubForm5 Classic Films Featuring Writer Characters : by J. M. Kessler @DIYMFAWhy Nobody Can Tell You When or How to Write: @hopeclark3 Reasons Why It's So Hard to Be a Writer: @TimSuddeth @EdieMelsonLinger, Tinker, Savor: Taking the Time to Get it Right: @writerhenriette @WriterUnboxedDealing with Ambiguity: @lahousewyfe @DIYMFAWho Influenced Your Writing? @JoanHallWrites @StoryEmpireGenres / MiscellaneousWhat, Exactly, Is Queer Literature? @AEOsworth @CatapultStoryPivoting Genres And Mindset Tips For Success: @DanPadavona @thecreativepennGenres / MysteryScapegoats as Elements in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergMentoring Relationships as Elements in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergWhat Makes Niagara Falls Such A Perfect Setting for a Murder Mystery? by Rosemary Simpson @CrimeReadsGenres / RomanceRomance Writing Prompts: 50+ Ideas to Get Started: @DaveChessonGenres / Science FictionWriting the Science Right: @gideonpsmith @sfwaPromo / Social Media TipsWhat is the value of having social media followers? @DanBlankPublishing / MiscellaneousBookwire Expands Its Text-to-Speech Audiobook Offer With Google: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCheering 25 Years: A London Celebration of ‘Banipal Magazine': @RogerTagholm @pubperspectivesBanipal Magazine to Close After 25 Years and 75 Editions: @RogerTagholm @pubperspectivesWhat Do I Do If My Book or Script Is A ‘Hard Sell'? @Bang2writePublishing / News / International PublishingCharles Tripp Chairs the British Academy's £25,000 Book Prize Jury: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesGerman Book Trade Peace Prize: ‘Winter Aid for Ukraine': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesIPA's Karine Pansa at DBW: ‘A Big Wake-Up Call': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives @IntPublishersThe 40th Mauri School in Venice: ‘Interpreting Change': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesGermany's Börsenverein Joins Urgent Calls for a ‘National Reading Plan': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCanada's Kids Can Press at 50: A New ‘Millie Magnificent' Series: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / Options / Traditional Publishing / QueryingFocus your query (query critique): @NathanBransfordPublishing / Process / Services to AvoidThe Best of Writer Beware: 2022 in Review: @victoriastraussWriting Craft / ArcAn Argument for Setting Aside Arc in Story Development: @WordforWords @JaneFriedmanWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentTips on Creating Composite Characters: @LinWilsonauthorWriting Your Character’s Why: @LindasclareWhy You and Your Characters Deserve some Ikigai: @JennyHansenCAHow I Plot my Novels Using a Character’s Flaws to Drive the Story: by @suzkelmanCharacter Counts: @jamesscottbellWriting Craft / Common MistakesShow, Don’t Tell: @josie_humber @thenovelryWriting Craft / DialogueQuick Editing Tip: Dialogue Tags: from Bucket SilerWriting Craft / Flashback and Back StoryHow Much Backstory is too Much Backstory in a Book? @writingcookbookWriting Craft / MiscellaneousHow to Use Prologues: Recap of Tools: @harmony_kent @StoryEmpireWriting Workshops and Developmental Editors: @KBullockAuthor @WriterUnboxedThe Shadow in the Wilderness: @SPressfieldThe Coming of Age Story: @cyallowitzTaking Steps to Strengthen Your Plot: by Kris NoelWhy Realism is Irrelevant in Fiction: @annerallenWriting Craft / PacingSix Places to Trim Slow Prose: by Chris WinkleWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingCan Your B Story Be a Buddy Love, While Your A Story Is Another Genre? @thembob @savethecatStrong Act Structure Creates Stronger Stories: @SeptCFawkes @davidfarlandWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / ResearchCapturing your characters' travels: @pubcoachWriting Craft / Punctuation and GrammarWriters Must Know the Difference Between an Em Dash, an En Dash, and a Hyphen: @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / RevisionRevision in Writing: How to Improve Between Drafts: @nownovelQuick Revision Tip: Read Your Draft Faster: by the Literary ArchitectWriting Craft / Revisions / CritiquesThe Necessity and Power of Sitting With Your Critiques: @GraceBialecki @JaneFriedmanWriting Craft / SeriesHow Should I Structure My Series? by Oren AshkenaziWriting Craft / TropesInverted Tropes: @MorganHzlwoodWriting Tools / AppsCampfire vs World Anvil: A Full Comparison of the Best Worldbuilding Tools: @StoryHobbit

 

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When You’re Stuck as a Writer

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Most writers, if they write long enough, will get to a point in their story where they feel stuck. I've heard it call “resistance” before, and I think that's a good term for it. It's that feeling that, for whatever reason, you're just not eager to work on your draft. Or, maybe, you're actively avoiding working on it.

Here are some of the common issues that can cause writer's block:

Perfectionism. This is a big one for many writers. Sometimes the story we imagined is not quite the story we're writing. Having too many high expectations for a first draft can lead to writer's block. The nice thing is that we can always fix everything but a blank page. For ideas on handling perfectionism as a writer, see this post. 

Lack of direction with the story. Sometimes when writers get stuck, it's because they're not sure what direction to take their story in next. It's natural to want to stall when you're uncertain, but the better way of handling it is to make a list of all the potential directions you can possibly take your story in and then choose the best one.

Distractions and lack of focus. This is a common problem for most writers. It's harder to focus than ever these days with distracting apps and notifications popping up. One way to handle this is to switch your internet connection off for the length of time you want to write. Another is to write on paper for a while. There are also apps that promote distraction-free writing (Write or Die is one). Or you can write in Google Docs in full-screen maximized mode.

A problem with the story. This is often an undiagnosed issue with the book that you can't quite put your finger on yet. You can either just push forward, knowing you can fix the issue in the second draft, or try and figure out what the problem is and fix it. If you're just not sure where the issue lies, try this Janice Hardy article. It's for querying writers, but has excellent questions to ask  yourself about your story and ideas for fixing problems.

Burnout. I've been burned out with writing before and know it's tough to make progress on your story when you are. The best remedy for burnout is to refill your writer's well. There are many different ways to do this, from taking walks, reading books, to sleeping more. You can find more ideas to combat burnout here.

Do you ever feel stuck with your story? What helps you?

Tips for Dealing With Writer's Block:
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Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay

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