Ryan Lanz's Blog, page 16

Comparing Fiction vs Non Fiction Sales

Many of us think of writers as those who produce novels, but we also produce non-fiction, magazine articles, short stories, research, and even business reports. Likewise there are technical writers whose job it is to understand company methodologies and document them. In addition, journalists sometimes write thrillers and some scientific writers have been known to […]

The Low-Down on Urban Fantasy

Urban fantasy is very much the rising star of the Young Adult genre; Cassandra Clare, in particular, has made a name for herself in this genre. Of course, it’s not just for teenagers… you’ve probably read an urban fantasy novel already, without knowing it! Joanna Penn, herself an Urban Fantasy author, defines it as “magic […]

Lessons in Storytelling From a Musical Theater Nerd

I am a huge musical theater nerd. It’s something that’s been a part of my life since I was two years old and Grease was my favorite movie. However only recently have I become aware of the part of me that is absolute trash when it comes to Broadway shows. Over the past year I’ve […]

16 Query Tips From Literary Agents

When your manuscript is polished, your query letter honed to perfection and you’re ready to contact agents about representing your baby, you still aren’t done. Each agent you contact will have unique requirements, personal favorites as to how to oil your manuscript so it slips smoothly through the gears of their application process. Trust me […]

Deep POV

Previously, we talked about Filter Words; what they are and why we want to eliminate them from your WIP. As I mentioned previously, one of the benefits of eliminating filter words is that it allows the reader to get even closer to the point of view character, to the point where they can disappear into […]

When Just Showing Isn’t Enough

As writers, we’re told that we should “Show, Not Tell” all the time, and it’s advice that is usually quite helpful. When possible, we need to let a scene unfold before the readers, to where they get to see what happens and to experience the details just as the characters do. But there are times when […]

5 Ways to Know You’re Really a Writer

So, the other day, I arrived bright and early for the morning shift at my job. One coworker remarked that I looked too bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for somebody who was going to work at 6 am. I explained to her that I woke up at 4 in order to write a little before I came in, […]

6 Unique Ways to Think Up Story Ideas

Ask any successful author what question they get asked the most, and they’ll likely say “How do you come up with your ideas?” We’ve all had our days where our mental engines have sputtered. Many beginning writers have the fear that they won’t be able to come up with enough ideas. I can relate to that […]

Why Your Book Needs Beta Readers

Beta readers can be anyone who reads your story when it has taken shape but isn’t finished, when it’s a skeleton of a story, like a tree that hasn’t leafed out and is perfect for pruning. They come on-board to point out areas that need help and to indicate what’s already great, helping an author […]

Why Authors Need Continuous Learning

Here in Canada they dropped Grade 13 some years ago but added Junior Kindergarten so the total years of education remains at fourteen. Then there’s college, university or a trade apprenticeship. Probably 18 years of one’s life will be devoted to education. That’s enough, right? Nope. If you’re in a profession, you need to stay […]