My Sunday long runs often take me past the local Little Free Library (LFL), and I can never resist a peek inside the charming hutch. Two new additions the other weekend immediately caught my eye. Once was a phased-out library hardcover of Douglas Adams’ sci-fi classic The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, which I immediately snatched … Continue reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Print Design: Three Book Formatting Flaws and How Indie Authors Can Avoid Them
Tag: writing advice
Shipping and Handling, Pt III: How to Write Sex Scenes (By Writing Fight Scenes)
“You know why your books don’t sell?” asked my Laddie, scrolling idly through the Kindle sale page. Suggestive covers whizzed by on the computer screen. “No sex scenes.” I wrinkled my nose. “The protagonists in my last series were fifteen.” “Teenagers have sex.” “Not when they’re preoccupied with survival.” While adolescent sexual experiences may be … Continue reading Shipping and Handling, Pt III: How to Write Sex Scenes (By Writing Fight Scenes)
Winter (Writing) Is Coming: Tips for Winning NaNoWriMo
It’s that time of year again. The crisp rustle of (page) leaves, the chill in the air (at the thought of writing a novel in a month)…it’s not just autumn, it’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), that magical/maddening season when aspiring authors around the world sprint toward a 50,000-word draft. I participated last year and won. … Continue reading Winter (Writing) Is Coming: Tips for Winning NaNoWriMo
The Beautiful Scientist Problem, Pt I: Three Tips for Describing Female Characters
Indie authorship seems to have exacerbated my penchant for masochism: I can't help looking at the bestseller lists, even though it only leaves me sad that my books aren't on them! Browsing the top titles a few weeks ago, the blurb for Dan Brown's latest novel Origin caught my eye. After reconnecting with one of … Continue reading The Beautiful Scientist Problem, Pt I: Three Tips for Describing Female Characters
The ESSENCE of Writing a Novella Serial
If you've been following my book reviews, you know how much I enjoyed the Insurrection science fiction serial by my indie author pal Anela Deen. So when she invited me to do a guest post on writing novella series, I was both excited and anxious. What could I possibly say on the topic to someone … Continue reading The ESSENCE of Writing a Novella Serial
