Word Magic
Looking for book marketing ideas? If your sales have slowed during the pandemic, remember the 30 Day Rule. This rule states that the marketing you do over the next 30 days will pay off over the next 90 days. In short, you need to be consistent in your marketing. 15 minutes a day every day for 30 days is more … Read more
Are you writing fiction? Lately I’ve received many more questions about fiction. Most of them can be answered in four words: do it your way. Writing fiction without rules Questions: I don’t know how to… But what if… I can’t write (something or other)… Someone said that… To repeat: do it your way. Every novel and short story you write … Read more
Over the past few years I’ve received lots of questions about writing and selling short fiction. I’ve answered as many questions as I could in blog posts. Here’s why I tell you about short fiction. Not only do I adore writing short stories and novellas, but they pay well and they’re fast to create. I woke up this morning with … Read more
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