First Chapter Analysis: The Midnight Library

First Chapter Analysis: The Midnight Library

If you’re a writer (and if you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you are!), you probably spend a happy amount of time reading. But when you read, do you read like a writer? Writers who learn how to read like writers inevitably improve their craft in immeasurable ways. The longer you read like a… Read more »

First Chapter Analysis: Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

First Chapter Analysis: Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

If you want to write a novel that captures your readers’ attention—and your future literary agent’s interest—then you need to write a first chapter that purposefully sets up expectations for the story’s big picture and contains an interesting story event on the scene level.  Of course, a strong first chapter is only one step in… Read more »

The Book Nook: The Thirty Books Challenge

The Book Nook: The Thirty Books Challenge

Today I present to you an interesting challenge: what if you only kept thirty books? I recently moved and it was exhausting. I had plenty of time before the move took place to go through things and get rid of stuff I didn’t want to bring. And I certainly availed myself of this opportunity.  But… Read more »