Word Magic
Writing fiction for self-publishing authors, as well as aspiring authors
You’re writing fiction and you’re aware that your idea trumps everything. If you doubt this, check the bestseller lists. Readers decide in seconds whether or not they want to read your novel, based on your title, cover and blurb. Extra points if your idea is controversial and/ or shocking. Novels like The Exorcist were shocking in their day. Writing fiction: … Read more
A reader messaged me: “Although I’ve published four novels, I don’t have a mailing list. I realize I need one… Will writing serial fiction help to build my list?” Serials are sometimes conflated with series fiction, so let’s look at what defines “serial” fiction first. What is “serial” fiction? Serials are ongoing stories, published in installments. In Charles Dickens’ day, … Read more
Wondering about writing short stories? I often recommend short fiction to new authors, but established authors can benefit too. Amazon even has an entire category devoted to short ebooks—more on that in a moment. A few days back, an author told me: “Yes, but bestselling authors don’t publish very short books!” Well… Many bestselling authors know the value of short … Read more
I’m a big fan of short fiction. If you’re a new author, publishing short stories gives you a boost in confidence. Myths about short fiction abound. “Readers won’t read short stories,” my students tell me. Not so. Many readers love short material. Readers are willing to pay and invest 30 minutes in a story, but will baulk at investing hours … Read more
I’ve received several questions about revising fiction from authors who are readying last November’s NaNoWriMo novels for publishing. An author reported that his beta readers said that they were “confused” about the plot. This can mean that you’ve lost the plot (pun intended.) You may have: An unclear story question; or You may need to look at cause and effect. … Read more