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Writing Your Book

Genre Bending

Genre-Bending and Breaking Boundaries

Genre-bending involves combining elements from multiple genres to create a hybrid narrative. It’s about blending different styles, themes, and tropes in a way that challenges conventional genre boundaries and offers readers a fresh experience. This approach allows you to mix and match genres, resulting in stories that defy easy categorization and capture readers’ imaginations in new ways.

What Is a Ghostwriter

What is a Ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to create content credited to another person. This can include books, articles, speeches, and more. The ghostwriter remains anonymous, with the client receiving full credit for the work. This practice is common in publishing, especially when someone has a story to tell or expertise to share but lacks the time or skill to write it themselves.

Two cartoon people talking with dialogue bubbles above them that say "making up Fictional Languages"

Making Up Fictional Languages

Creating a fictional language can be one of the most exhilarating and rewarding aspects of world-building in fiction. Whether you’re writing a high-fantasy epic, a futuristic sci-fi adventure, or a historical novel with a twist, a well-crafted language can bring your world to life in ways that mere description cannot. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of creating a fictional language from scratch, providing you with practical tips and resources to make your linguistic creation a reality.

An ornate border around the text "Writing YA Historical Fiction" above a world map

The Ultimate Guide to Writing YA Historical Fiction

Historical fiction has always been a beloved genre, transporting readers to different times and places. And within the realm of historical fiction, young adult historical fiction holds a special place. Combining the richness of historical context with the relatability of young adult themes, this genre opens up a world of possibilities for both readers and writers. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the key elements and techniques that can help you craft a compelling young adult historical fiction novel that will captivate young readers.

a selection of summer romance books and a doodle of a heart with an arrow through it under the text "crafting the perfect summer romance"

Crafting the Perfect Summer Romance: A Guide for Fiction Writers

I’ve always been fascinated by the enduring appeal of summer romance novels. There’s something magical about stories that unfold under the warm sun, against the backdrop of lazy beach days and endless possibilities. This magic isn’t just in the pages; it’s reflected in the publishing world too, where summer romances consistently top bestseller lists during the warmer months. Readers are eager to dive into stories that mirror the carefree spirit of the season, making summer romance a phenomenon that publishers and booksellers prepare for each year!

clip art illustration of a woman on a surfboard riding ocean waves and the text "ride the wave of serialized fiction" next to a stack of books

Serialized Fiction: The Comeback of Episodic Storytelling

Writing trends come and go. But one trend that’s making a significant comeback and reshaping the way we tell stories is serialized fiction. This age-old format, once popularized by literary giants like Charles Dickens, is experiencing a renaissance in the digital age. Today, I’m excited to explore this resurgence and share insights on how authors can leverage this storytelling method to engage readers and potentially boost their careers!

sorrel guest post

The Inside Scoop on an Outsider Scribe

Outsider art is created by those who don’t fit it. Or those who choose not to. Being true to one’s spirit brings me to my writer’s dilemma – highfalutin words: love ’em or leave ’em? Scribblers, decide how much of your authentic self you wish to expose, how commercially viable you may or may not be, and what kind of legacy you wish to bestow upon the world.

The Writers Toolkit 1

The Writer’s Toolkit: Software, Apps, and Tools for Writing

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your literary journey, one thing is clear: a writer’s toolkit is like a treasure chest, filled with essential software and tools that can elevate your craft to new heights. So, gather ’round, my fellow wordsmiths, as I unveil the gems that have become my loyal companions in the quest for literary greatness.

typography of various Caribbean settings in the background, with a graphic of a book open to text that says "crafting stories with a caribbean flair"

Crafting Stories with a Caribbean Flair: A Guide for Writers

In the heart of the Caribbean, under the canopy of swaying palms and against the rhythm of the ocean waves, a young girl named Leila listened to her grandmother’s tales. These stories, rich with folklore and history, were more than just bedtime entertainment—they were a window into the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of the Caribbean people. For authors and writers seeking to capture this essence in their work, crafting a book with a Caribbean theme is both a rewarding and intricate endeavor.

an ancient greek depiction of achilles and patroclus surrounded by the text "exploring mythology through a queer lens"

Exploring and Writing Mythology Through a Queer Lens

Mythology and folklore have long been a source of inspiration for writers, providing a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and themes to draw upon. As a writer who is passionate about both mythology and queer representation, I find the intersection of these two areas incredibly exciting and ripe with potential. Writing queer mythological books offers a unique opportunity to reimagine ancient tales and breathe new life into timeless narratives.

an image of a father and son holding hands in the woods under the text "writing fictional fathers"

Writing Fictional Fathers

Father characters can be some of the most compelling figures in literature. They often serve as pillars of strength, sources of wisdom, or, in some cases, complex figures with their own sets of flaws and struggles. Creating believable and memorable father characters requires a delicate balance of understanding their roles, motivations, and relationships within the story.

an image of a woman writing next to an image of a couple embracing, next to the text "writing intimate scenes with sensitivity" on a pink background

Writing Intimate Scenes with Sensitivity

As writers, we often find ourselves tasked with portraying intimate and romantic scenes that are not only engaging but also respectful and realistic. These moments of vulnerability can be powerful tools for character development and plot advancement, but they also require careful handling to ensure they are portrayed sensitively and authentically. In this article, I’ll share guidelines for crafting intimate scenes that enhance character development while maintaining sensitivity and respect.

letters and envelopes spread across a table with the text "the art of writing epistolary novels" overlaid atop it

The Art of Writing Epistolary Novels

As writers, we are continually seeking innovative ways to tell stories and engage readers. One such approach is the epistolary novel, a narrative told through letters, diary entries, emails, or other documents. Epistolary novels offer a unique storytelling format that allows for intimate character development, intricate plot twists, and immersive world-building. In this article, I’ll explore the art of writing epistolary novels, discussing the challenges and opportunities they present.