Beth Martin's Blog, page 22

How to Write a Novel: Chapter One

Last week, we talked about making a plan for your novel. So, now that you have your plan figured out, it's time to finally sit down and start typing.

But where do you begin?

The first Chapter has a really important goal: to get readers hooked in so they'll keep reading your novel. There are a lot of ways to hook readers.






Start with the action

I love action movies, especially ones about a

How to Write a Novel: Make a Plan

This has been an exciting week for me. I finally launched my debut novel and have even gotten quite a few sales. I've heard from other authors that the best way to market a book is to write another one. So, if all goes well, I'll launch another sci-fi novel later this year.

Today, I'm starting a series on how to write a novel. We'll begin before pen even hits paper or fingers ever touch the

Book Review: The Gender War by Bella Forrest

The Gender War by Bella Forrest
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being sorely disappointed by the third book in this series, I tempered my expectations for the next installment. I still found myself a bit disappointed by the end.

Book 3 ended with an unexpected twist. Unfortunately, the big reveal didn't really impact anything. Desmond and her allegiances don't play a role in The Gender War at all

Today is Release Day for The End of Refuge!

It's finally here:



The End of Refuge releases today!







Back when I was in college, there was a single low bookshelf at our university library for fiction books. I read most of them. Yet even then, if you told be that I would one day write my own novel, something which I consumed en masse, I wouldn't have believed you. I was studying math to become an engineer or lecturer. I aspired to

The Pros Don't Word Process, They Typeset

Last week I talked a little about how I was unsure about purchasing yet another copy of Word. I think I've found the answer:

Forget Word.

Learn InDesign.

When I first mentioned to my husband that I decided to use yet another new software in my book making endeavors, he raised an eyebrow and asked if I was sure. I've done a lot of complaining, all of which he has graciously listened to, about

Yet Another Subscription

In a little over a week, my novel The End of Refuge will launch. I'm pretty anxious. Hopefully, all of my hard work will pay off.
 
I've been debating whether or not to purchase a copy of Microsoft Word for my new laptop. In the past, I've been able to get licenses through work, mine or my husbands, really affordably. But now, I would have to pay full price for a software which I love to hate.

Making a Book Cover: Are We Having Fun Yet?

The cover of a book is it's number one marketing tool. When browsing through Amazon or my local bookstore, it's the cover that speaks to me and says, "You'll enjoy this book." On top of catching readers' attention, a cover needs to communicate something about the book. I want to attract readers who will enjoy my book and could potentially leave it a good review.

I took a few classes at the

Essential Tools for Writers

Last week I tried out a keyboard and iPad combo for writing and was pleasantly surprised at how well the Bluetooth keyboard I purchased worked. However, if I'm taking my writing seriously (which I am), then I should invest in high-quality tools to help me work. Specifically, this meant replacing my dead laptop.

At first, I was allured by the low price of Chromebooks. Sure they don't have a ton

Book Review: And Then She Was GONE by Christopher Greyson

And Then She Was Gone by Christopher Greyson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"A riveting new suspense novel that will keep you guessing until the end."

I just didn't get that. I picked up this book because I wanted to read something good with suspense and action and this was a best seller promising both in the subtitle.

And Then She Was Gone is part of a detective series, which I somehow missed when I

Enter to Win a Signed Copy of The End of Refuge

To celebrate the release of The End of Refuge I'm giving away three (3) signed copies!







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