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Book Review & Contest Insights from Real Reviews and Submissions
What separates great books from the rest? Below are articles with insights from real reviews and contest submissions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your book. You’ll also find a wide range of articles covering writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Each article has a Comments section so you can read advice from other authors and leave your own.
Why Some Books Win Awards (And Most Don’t) — Insights From Real Contest Submissions
What separates award-winning books from the rest? After evaluating contest submissions across a wide range of genres, certain patterns become clear. Some books consistently rise to the top. Others, even with strong ideas and clear effort behind them, fall short. The difference is rarely dramatic—it...
What We’ve Learned From Reviewing Hundreds of Thousands of Books (And Why Most Don’t Stand Out)
After reviewing and evaluating books across thousands of submissions over the past two decades, certain patterns become impossible to ignore. Some books immediately stand out to reviewers. Others—even well-intentioned ones—fade into the middle or fall short. The difference is rarely luck. It comes down to...
The Character Cafeteria: Imagining Lunchtime Conversations Between Your Protagonists
Imagine a bustling cafeteria, with trays falling, the clattering sound of chatter filling rooms, and the air redolent with the smell of food. Now, all the tables are occupied by different characters from different stories who are like old friends mingling together. This is an...
The Plotting Playground: Using Children’s Toys and Games to Develop Your Story
Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places when developing a story. One such unconventional source is children’s toys and games. These simple, imaginative tools can ignite creativity, helping writers construct intricate plots, develop rich characters, and create engaging settings. Leveraging these playful elements can...
The Author's Scrapbook: Collecting Visual and Textual Inspiration in a Creative Journal
For every writer, there are times when inspiration seems elusive. During these moments, having a wealth of ideas can make a big difference. One practical and effective method for accumulating these ideas is through maintaining a creative journal, often referred to as an 'author's scrapbook.'...
The Writer's Stargazing: Using Astronomy to Inspire Cosmic Story Ideas and Settings
As an artist, you always seek inspiration to make your canvas special and magical. Stargazing is something more than just a mesmerizing view; it has always inspired artists, scientists, and dreamers. For writers, the cosmos offers endless ideas that can turn a simple story into...
The Fictional Diary: Writing Diary Entries from the Perspective of Different Characters
Writing fictional diary entries from the perspective of different characters is a unique and creative exercise that can significantly enhance a writer's ability to develop complex, believable characters. The idea behind it is for the writers who use it to go beyond the surface-level reconciliation...
The Dream Journal: Keeping Track of Nighttime Visions for Story Inspiration
As the world sleeps, our minds set sail on vibrant journeys during nighttime's tranquility. These imaginative expeditions often fade from memory by daybreak, and it's a shame to let such fascinating narratives disappear. That's why keeping a dream journal is so important; it can be...
The Plotter's Post-It: Using Post-It Notes to Map Out and Rearrange Your Plot
Organizing the plot for a compelling novel can be overwhelming, with numerous factors to consider. However, writers have an advantage as Post-It notes provide them with a straightforward and efficient method of arranging their ideas. This article explores how these vibrant adhesive squares serve as...
The Character Casting Call: Holding Auditions for Your Characters to Explore their Depths
Rich and dynamic characters are the lifeblood of compelling storytelling, much like the perfect casting for a successful film. As writers, we embark on a thrilling journey akin to a casting call, where we 'audition' our characters to unveil their depths and complexities. This process...
The Writer's Challenge Jar: Filling a Jar with Writing Challenges and Drawing One Each Day
Imagine a simple jar filled with slips of paper, each one holding a unique writing challenge. Every day, you draw one slip and complete the prompt or task written on it. A Writer's Challenge Jar can work wonders, magically turning your writing routine into a...
The Character's Playlist: Compiling Music that Your Characters Would Listen To and Writing to It
Have you ever tried writing to music? If you've ever found yourself listening to a song and thinking, 'This is precisely what my character would listen to,' then you're ready to build a character playlist. It's a customized music collection that brings your character's powers...