Another Way to Look At "Viral" Writing

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Many of us create Facebook posts and You Tube segments hoping they will go viral. But I’d like to make a few suggestions for viral writing defined as writing that continues during social distancing because of a virus.

Weapons for Fearful Times

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

On March 16, 2020, President Trump appeared on our televisions to announce his 15 Days to Slow the Spread. And each of our worlds took on a science fiction tint.

All of our plans and routines slammed into a cliff called COVID-19. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying inside became part of our new normal. Home schooling our kids became mandatory. Going to a movie, a restaurant, or even the park became a dream. And watching the news took on even greater importance to get a glimpse of what our future as a nation and a community might hold.

Story, and How to Tell One When You Write

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Story is basically what the story is about. Doh, right? But we have to have a bottom line. A short one.

Imagine you're at a writers' conference and an editor or agent asks you to tell them what your story is about so that they will sell (agent) or buy (editor) it and make you a gazillionaire. 

Start Writing Your Book in the Right Place

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

What a silly question! It starts at the beginning, right? Or does it? Where exactly IS that beginning?

Believe it or not, most people (especially newbies), start in the wrong place. Do you?

Starting Where You’re At (in Book Marketing and Life)

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

I have had one CRAZY summer. Insane. Unyielding. Emotional. In fact, I’m convinced August was a blackhole that didn’t actually happen. Before I could recover, my book release time was here, and I had hardly done anything I had planned to do. This launch was going to be a total failure. 

Unforeseen Circumstances 

The Art of Writing Action

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Characters do more than just talk at each other. They move—with grace, in anger, to disguise emotion—and movement tells even more about them than their words. Understanding and using action to tell a story is both powerful and organic—a naturally evolving way to strong characterization.