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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...
Audience-Centered Writing
Preparing audience-centered writing requires that the writer knows and understands the audience members he or she is trying to reach. To properly do this the writer needs to first focus on gaining information about the intended audience. For a writer to create an audience-centered work means...
Adjectives and Adverbs - Friend or Foe?
Adjectives and adverbs – an author’s nemesis All of the articles I’ve read echo my college tutors. “Cut adjectives, avoid adverbs, and keep your work focused.” When it comes to sentences like “Harry walked slowly, very reluctant to enter the dentist’s surgery, dreading the feel of cold...
From Pixels to Pages: Igniting Creativity with Internet Aesthetics and Subcultures
In today's digital age, the internet has become a treasure trove of inspiration for creative individuals. From vibrant aesthetics to burgeoning subcultures, the online world offers many resources to fuel your imagination and break through writer's block. By embracing internet aesthetics and new-age subcultures, writers...
Unraveling the Tapestry: Crafting Layered Stories
In storytelling, there exists a certain allure—a magnetic pull that draws readers deep into the heart of a tale, captivating their senses, and igniting their imaginations. The key to unlocking this power lies in the art of crafting layered stories that leave a lasting impact...
Bite-sized Fiction: A literary Respite for Modern Life
Since I first set eyes on Roald Dahl's The Hitch-Hiker, I have developed a deep appreciation for the irresistible allure of bite-sized or short stories. Within the realm of literature, these compact narratives hold a special place in my heart, offering a unique and enthralling...
Mastering Character Tropes for Captivating Fiction
In the realm of fiction writing, tropes have long been the building blocks that authors use to shape their stories and captivate readers. A trope is a recurring narrative device or motif that helps create familiarity and connects work to a larger literary tradition. While...
Weaving Wonders: Collaborative Storytelling in the "Wild Cards" Series
In the vast realm of speculative fiction, there exists a remarkable series that exemplifies the power of collaboration and shared storytelling. Enter the realm of "Wild Cards," an anthology series edited by the esteemed George R.R. Martin. From its humble beginnings as a superhero role-playing...
A Guide to unleash the Power of Collaboration in Fiction
In the world of fiction writing, collaboration has emerged as a powerful tool, allowing authors to harness the collective creativity of multiple minds. Co-writing and crowdsourcing have revolutionized the way stories are crafted, breaking the barriers of individual authorship and inviting a diverse range of...
The Synergy of Creativity and Technology: Empowering Authors in the Digital Age
In the vast realm of fiction writing, a new chapter has unfolded, one where technology has become a trusted ally for authors. Technology has revolutionized every facet of the creative process from the inception of an idea to the final publication. In this article, we...
What the WGA's Strike Reveals About the Literary World
On May 2, 2023, the Writers Guild of America, or the WGA, initiated a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television after the two sides failed to come to an agreement in regard to contract negotiations with streaming services. This comes after six...