Ryan Lanz's Blog, page 181

Mr. Mercedes – Book Review

Originally posted on The Book Review Directory:
? Fiction:Crime/Thriller Read: September 2015 My rating: ****1/2 Some Stephen King fans may be disappointed by this one as it falls outside of the horror genre. I personally loved it–but then I quite liked “Joyland” published through“Hardcase.”With a great plot, great character development, good pacing, and a satisfactory…

What Words to Avoid in Your Writing

by K. Ross Writing is tricky. Trying to express your meaning clearly can be hard enough, but also making it engaging can be quite the balancing act. As a writer, I’m still working on it, but as an editor, ill-considered or lazy writing jumps off the page at me like a facehugger from Aliens. … Continue reading What Words to Avoid in Your Writing

Top 10 Writing Tips Posts of 2015

Happy (belated) 2016 everyone! In the spirit of the new year, I thought it would be fun to highlight the top 10 most popular writing tips posts of the last year, based onpage views viewed in that year. Starting with the most popular: How to Write 5,000 Words a Day (featured by Amazon’s KDP … Continue reading Top 10 Writing Tips Posts of 2015

Contest Time!

Hello readers and writers! Today marks the first day in a month-long contest. The talented Adrijus Guscia with Rocking Book Covers has generously donated prizes to 3 winners. Here’s what 3 lucky people will win: A custom ebook cover design valued at $499 USD. Included are 3 concept designs, up to 3 revisions, and … Continue reading Contest Time!

Do Your Characters Worry About Money?

by Andrea Lundgren It’s a topic that, in real life, we think about more than we’d like to admit: how much we make, how much we can spend, and how we can make more money all has a place in our thoughts. (And if we’re being completely honest, we’d have to say that making … Continue reading Do Your Characters Worry About Money?

If I Stay – Book Review

Originally posted on The Book Review Directory:
My rating: 4/5 From Goodreads: ‘Just listen,’ Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.’ I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen. ‘Stay,’ he says. Everybody has to make choices. Some might break you. For seventeen-year-old…

Why Successful Writers Need To Do More Than Write

by Belinda Williams Writing is about a hell of a lot more than just writing. When I started writing, I had a vague idea of what I was getting myself in for. With the release of my latest contemporary romance, The Pitch, later this month [May 2015], I’ve got a much clearer idea. … Continue reading Why Successful Writers Need To Do More Than Write

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Book Review

Originally posted on The Book Review Directory:
? The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman Published April 8th 2014 by Harper (first published June 18th 2013) 181 Pages Goodreads Summary: A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone,…

How To Write a Great Fight Scene

by Sarah from Paper, Words, and Coffee Picture it. Your favorite character slowly circles an enemy, sword drawn. The reader is frozen in anticipation. This is it; the beginning of another epic fight scene that will have them sitting on the edge of their seat, chewing their nails, completely oblivious to reality. There … Continue reading How To Write a Great Fight Scene

Gone Girl – Book Review

Originally posted on The Book Review Directory:
? Fatal attraction, two ways My rating: 5 of 5 stars. Nick and Amy approached their marriage in the same way most Americans do, by trying their hardest to please each other and submerging any personality traits or personal desires that might be viewed as negative. According to…