Bryan Collins's Blog, page 100

How to Write a Book: The Seriously Ultimate Guide for New Writers

So you want to learn how to write a book in 2018?[image error]

I think you’ll agree with me when I say learning to write a book for the first time is a challenge.

Let’s tackle that.

Over the past few years, I’ve written a 60,000+ word book about productivity, a novella and several short stories. I’ve also recently completed a 60,000+ word book about creativity.

I’ve faced a lot of painful mistakes while writing books, and I’ve also learned a little bit about how to write a book.

In this post, I want to e...

My 2017 Annual Review

[image error]2018 is here.

So, what better way to start the year than by writing an annual review?

Hopefully, this review will help you learn from my messy mistakes… and from the things I got right during 2017.

First up, some background.

I live an hour outside Dublin in Ireland.

I’ve spent the past four years blogging, and I started Become a Writer Today several years ago after a dream-job turned into a nightmare.

I also self-published my first book three years ago. I write mostly non-fiction and offer...

How Can I Become a Better Writer? 7 Ways You Can Improve Your Craft Today

[image error]Several readers recently emailed me asking: “How can I become a better writer?”

The right answer to how to become a better writer (or even a good writer), depends on what level you’re at, what you write, and what becoming a better writer means for you.

For example, Stephen King may think success means topping the New York Times best-seller list.

(Suffice to say, Mr. King did not email me.)

Success for a new writer could mean winning getting published in a magazine for the first time.

Years ag...

The Real Cost of Self-Publishing a Book: What New Writers Need to Know

Updated: October 2017
[image error]Do you want to self-publish your book?

What services do you need to pay for when publishing your first book?

How much does it cost to self-publish a book for the first time?

I think you’ll agree with me that there’s a lot to self-publishing a book for the first time.

These are just three of the questions I faced last when I started self-publishing books.

In this blog post, I’ll explain how much it costs to self-publish a book on Amazon and other digital stores.

But fir...

The Complete Sumo Review: Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated: Oct 2017

Would you like a secret weapon that will help you increase website traffic and social shares and even grow your email list faster?

There’s a blogging tool for that.

I’ve been using Sumo for over two years now as a blogging tool for increasing website traffic and growing my email list.

In this detailed review, I’ll answer the question: is Sumo (formerly SumoMe) any good?

I’ll also explain how I use Sumo (formerly SumoMe) on Become a Writer Today and help you figure out if it’...

How to Start a Blog: A Super Simple Guide for Writers

[image error]Did you want to know how to start a blog?

I’ve been blogging since 2013, and I’m often asked why I started blogging?

In short: to write and to connect with readers.

But, there’s more to it than that.

In this guide, I will explain the differences between an author website and a blog, why I started blogging, and how you can to start a blog today.

I’ll also reveal the blogging tools you need, the ones you can ignore and how to attract blog traffic once you’re up and running.

Let’s dive in.

Cont...

45 Top Quotes About Creativity For When You Need a Little Inspiration

[image error]Are you looking for quotes about creativity?

We all need a little inspiration sometimes.

When you’re stuck or feeling creatively drained, the best place to look is often in the writings of creative people you admire.

I’ve gathered 45 top creativity quotes that inspire me and other writers and you can find them below.

Maya Angelou

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

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Arthur Ashe

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Saul Bellow

“You never...

45 Creativity Quotes For When You Need a Little Inspiration

[image error]We all need a little inspiration sometimes.

When you’re stuck or feeling creatively drained, the best place to look is often in the writings of creative people you admire.

I’ve gathered 45 top creativity quotes that inspire me and other writers and you can find them below.

Maya Angelou

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

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Arthur Ashe

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Saul Bellow

“You never have to change anything you got up in the mid...

How to Find Creative Writing Ideas That Your Readers Love

[image error]Do you want to find great creative writing ideas?

If you do, if you want to get inspired, I want to tell you about a violin.

The Stradivarius violin has an unparalleled reputation for tone and clarity, and a single instrument is worth up to $16 million.

Now, that’s a lot of money to pay for a violin, so why is the Stradivarius violin so lust-worthy?

Only 600 of these Italian violins exist today… and it’s impossible to replicate them. Recently, a team of Dutch scientists led by Dr. Berend Stoe...

101 Writing Prompts for Conquering Writer’s Block Once and for All

[image error]Are you looking for some great writing prompts? Or have you ever looked at the blank page and found it difficult to get started?

Well, you’re not alone.

It was Ernest Hemingway who said:

“There is nothing to writing.  All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

It’s no wonder many new writers struggle when they start sitting down in front of the blank page regularly.

So, what to do?

I’ve spent more than my fair share of time looking at the blank page and wondering what to do next. (Pe...