Crafting the Perfect Twitter Pitch

It’s no secret that my success with Catch Me When I Fall began with a Twitter pitch contest; I’ve mentioned it before in interviews and even wrote about the experience for Writer’s Digest. With the number of pitch contests growing—and the rate of success rising—I thought I would share my Twitter pitch and how you… Read more »

The Pros and Pros of NaNoWriMo

-Are you doing NaNoWriMo? -Huh? -You know, NaNo? -Who? -You’re not a WriMo yet?! -Did you just call me a ‘rhino’? It’s not a secret code or a reference to rhinos or even atomic particles. It’s National Novel Writing Month, and the challenge to write 50,000 words in the month of November is about as… Read more »

What to Know Before You Submit Your Novel, Part II

This is a continuation of a previous article from editor Constance Renfrow about six things you need to know before you submit your novel. Check out Part One right here! Make Your Email Stand Out Okay, so Fifty Shades of Twilight Abbey is free of clichés and that anti-woman monologue, you’re ready to “sware” all… Read more »

An Introduction to Flash Fiction

My name is Alicia Audrey, and I am addicted to flash fiction. It is my hope that, if you are not already a flash fiction addict, you will join the club. I’ve always loved writing, and I spent a lot of time focusing on novel-length work. By the end of my second decade of writing,… Read more »

#5onFri – Five Spooky Picture Books

Whether it’s carving pumpkins, visiting haunted houses or planning your costume, the month of October is stuffed full of Halloween. Kids and adults alike get excited to dress up for trick or treating, parades and parties. In fact, Halloween is turning into a month-long celebration of everything spooky, creepy and fun. Here are five picture books we’ve… Read more »

What to Know Before You Submit Your Novel: Part One

So you heard the old saying that everyone has a novel inside them and now you’re ready to shop Fifty Shades of Twilight Abbey around all the indie and major publishing companies. But you also heard that old adage, “Editors are awful people who will never read that manuscript you slaved over.” Hell, you probably… Read more »

Square One: Where is the Best Place to Start Platforming?

Starting your online platform can be daunting, and it seems everyone an opinion on how to do it “right.” But the truth is, the best place to start your platform is where you feel most comfortable and naturally strongest. Platforming is simply putting forth an organized, focused effort to connect with your target readers. It’s… Read more »

#5onFri — Five Multiple Perspective Novels That “Work”

While in the process of nudging my first novel toward publication, I gave it to a bestselling nonfiction author to read. Although he gave me some excellent advice, he prefaced his list of edits with this: “You need to change your point of view. Multiple perspectives never work in novels.” It was like someone was… Read more »

#5onFri — Five Books to Read if You Loved Game of Thrones

For many readers, Game of Thrones is the first foray into the magical world of epic fantasy novels. It’s also the first introduction to the phrase: “The sequel is coming,” and the corresponding question: WHEN???? The Winds of Winter is, in fact, coming (or so Mr. Martin says), but as it’s likely it will be… Read more »