How do you decide settings, character names, and book titles?
How do you decide the setting? When choosing a setting you want to make sure it's a location that makes it so if your story were set anywhere else, it wouldn't work the same way. For example, in my book coming out in early 2022, my setting is set in Cincinnati...
Where do I start my story?
Hi friends! I'm continuing my series, Ask the Author. Feel free to send your questions through the contact form and yours might end up on my blog. Don't forget to check out my questions for you at the end. Where do I start my story? I always end up writing more than...
Take the 2021 Reading Challenge
Unlocking the Past: American History A 2021 Reading Challenge I've noticed over the years that many avid readers like to participate in reading challenges. Well this year, I decided to create my own and make it a giveaway opportunity. Since historical fiction/romance...
A New Short Story
It's hard to believe, but last month I turned in my first manuscript to my publisher for editing. As always, God's timing is perfect. I turned in my manuscript on a Wednesday and that Friday, my mother-in-law ended up in the hospital. It's been a few whirlwind weeks...
Research: Love It or Hate It, You Gotta Do It
This month's "From the Author's Desk" is a long post about researching for your novel that I wrote for another blog meant to help other writers. I wanted to post it here too, so I could include it in my For Writer's Tab. I hope you'll find it an interesting look a the...
Getting into Character
Have you ever wondered about how authors come up with characters? I'm sure every author has their own process, but I can guarantee you, it is similar to making new friends. In the beginning, you don't really know much about them. Sometimes you'll have a name,...
Author Desk: Meet the Heroes
Welcome to the end of a crazy month (so crazy, I'm a day late on this post) with the prospect of one more left to go. It's wild how much our world can change within a matter of weeks. I pray you are staying home, staying healthy, and if you are one of those essential...
Writing Craft: Character Voice
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a person in possession of voices in their head, must be an author." Okay, so not the most eloquent remastering of the Pride and Prejudice quote, but a truth all the same. Only for authors is it socially acceptable to...
Writing Craft: Finding Your Author Voice
Voice seems to be one of those elusive things I have encountered as an aspiring author. What is it? How do you know what your voice is? How do you know if it is unique? Until recently, I just avoided the whole issue because it seemed so convoluted. But the day...
WCW: Creating Well-Rounded Characters – Dark Moment Stories
How do you create a character readers can connect with? It takes more than actions. Heroes and heroines need a past. Read on to find out how to create resonating histories for your characters.
