Blog
How to Start a Book: 7 Steps to Writing an Unforgettable Opening
The first sentence of a book draws your readers into your story. It’s the moment that determines whether they keep reading or put your book down. If you’re querying agents or entering contests, those first lines are your chance to make an impression. Your opening sets...
What Is Narrative Nonfiction? A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re drawn to true stories that read like a novel, you’ve already encountered the magic of narrative nonfiction. But what does that really mean? In essence, it’s writing based on real events, crafted with the storytelling techniques of fiction to create a...
Quality Matters: The Essential Types of Editors You Should Know
Writing a book is a labor of love, but crafting a polished manuscript requires a team. Editors play a vital role in transforming a good book into a great one. Each type of editor focuses on specific aspects of your manuscript, ensuring quality and coherence at every...
3 Reasons To Attend a Writers Retreat This Year
Life is busy, and for many women writers, it’s all too easy to put everything else first. You juggle family, work, social obligations, and a million other things, often leaving little time for yourself—let alone your writing. But here’s the truth: your writing...
5 Common Story Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Writing a compelling story is an art, and like all creative processes, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls along the way. Here are five common story writing mistakes and actionable advice to help you avoid them. 1. You Avoid Conflict Conflict is the beating...
Top 3 Strategies Book Editors Use to Perfect Manuscripts
Editing a manuscript can feel like scaling a mountain—it’s intricate, overwhelming, and requires clear planning. While many writers focus on grammar and word choice, professional book editors understand that perfecting a manuscript involves looking at the bigger...
5 Significant Benefits of a Writing Coach
Writing can be a deeply rewarding process, but let’s face it—it’s also full of challenges. Doubts, mistakes, and the ever-present fear of failure can make even the most passionate writer question their ability. That’s where a writing coach comes in. Whether you’re...
10 Creative Writing Prompts to Fuel Your Inspiration
The beauty of creative writing prompts lies in their constraints. They focus the vast, overwhelming potential of infinite ideas on something manageable and exciting. Prompts invite you to think differently, sparking fresh perspectives and unexpected stories. Whether...
How to Write a Book Review That People Actually Want to Read
Writing a book review isn’t just about giving your opinion—it’s about helping others decide if they want to spend time on a particular book. Think of it as sharing your experience as a reader, so others can determine if that book will resonate with them. Here’s a...
How Long is a Short Story? Unraveling the Mystery of Word Count
So you’re writing a short story. But what exactly does that mean in terms of word count? Short stories come in all shapes and sizes, with word counts that vary widely based on the story type and where you’re hoping to publish. Loosely speaking, a short story can be...