Writing Fiction: 3 Strategies To Keep You Writing

Frustrated? When you’re writing fiction, frustration is a given: you’ll often become annoyed. Please expect that. Every project is different, regardless of what you’re writing. Last week, an author told me she was ready to give up. She’d started a series, and although the first book sold well, the second wasn’t moving at all. Moreover, the third novel was a … Read more

A Plotting Challenge: When Fictional Characters Won’t Behave

Confused about plotting? A reader said that she’s giving up on her current novel because “her characters won’t behave.” She doesn’t like them, nor does she believe in them. Here’s a secret. Misbehaving characters can be a GOOD thing. Usually, it happens when you’re trying to make a character do something he can’t naturally do. It’s wonderful: it means that … Read more

Got Questions About Writing And Publishing Short Stories? 5 Answers

When a novelist’s struggling, I suggest writing a couple of short stories. They clear your mind. You’ll often return to a current project with a fresh perspective. You can publish stories quickly. A story may give you the boost of confidence you need. They can ignite your self-publishing program too, especially if you’re writing in different genres—it can be hard … Read more