How to Write a Coincidence or Intuition Your Readers Will Actually Believe

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writing a coincidence in fiction often leads to reader distrust. To the reader, it appears the happening is a planned action to accomplish an end.

A story containing a coincidence(s), which is an accident, chance, fate, or serendipitous event doesn’t resonate with the reader. They see the contrived nature. The reader no longer trusts the author and is finished with the story—and probably anything else written by the author. Readers seldom give second chances to an author who has disappointed them. Those readers see no reason to commit time and money to another book only to risk frustration again.

Dipping the Quill Deeper—“You Will Achieve Nothing”

by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

A dear friend and I recently had an interesting conversation, discussing the things that “make it big” on social media versus those that don’t. Things such as videos of lip sync challenges, dance challenges, flash mobs, pouring buckets of ice on unsuspecting peoples’ heads . . . You know. Those things. 

“Isn’t it funny what works and what doesn’t?” I asked. “I mean, I bet I could put the very same dance or song or whatever out there and no one would notice.”

Novel Writing Isn't for Wimps & Encouragement to Keep Writing

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

The list of rules, suggestions, and tips for writing a novel can be a huge stumbling block for those who want to write:

Thoughts on Being a Submissive Writer

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7 NIV).

As writers, we’re constantly being called to submit, even if we don’t realize it. Of course there’s the obvious connection, when we submit our writing for possible publication. But there are other ways as well.

Writing Passive Characters: The Kiss of Death in Story

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

One of the worst things you can do in story is write a passive character, but how do you keep your main character active and not passive?

As a writer, I have learned that when it comes to storytelling, there are rules and there are tools. A rule is a universal story principle that applies at all times and should be adhered to in your story. 

6 Healthy Ways for an Author to Respond to Positive Reader Feedback

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

Don’t you just love it when you open your computer and find a positive email from a reader? Your heart soars. YES! There is someone reading out there in the vast publishing wilderness. Of all the books on Amazon, they chose mine. And they enjoyed it enough to write and tell me about it.

Keep Track of Writing Ideas with These 7 Tips

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writing ideas are illusive things. Just when you're certain you'll remember, the idea vanishes without a trace. Beyond that, inspiration is a fickle thing. And while we all need to keep writing whether we’re inspired or not, that rush of creativity is nice. What's not nice is not being able to capture it when you're away from your computer.