Category Archives: Publishing and Writing Tips

Less Can Be More

We want readers to see our worlds as we see them, but that doesn’t mean they want whole scenes describing every detail inside our heads. It’s safe to assume that readers can fill in some of the blanks for themselves. Besides, isn’t that why we like to read?

Making A Mystery

I think one of the most challenging genres anyone can write in is mystery. As an author, the last thing we want to do is bore the readers with predictable outcomes and in a world where we’re desensitized towards shocking elements, it can be difficult to surprise people.

To Kill A Character

No one loves to kill off a character in their story, but sometimes, it must be done.

The One-Dimensional Bully

This post is about the stories where the bully or bullies are minor characters with the sole purpose of popping up every now and then to remind the reader that the main character is relatable and/or a social outcast. We can talk about enemy-to-lover romances later, but those are entirely in their own category. These types of bullies tend to be forgotten as the main character comes into their own. It becomes less about the obstacles the main character has to endure and more about what they can accomplish. Can’t showcase that with a bully still in the way, right?

Horrific or Shocking?

I remember when horror used to be suspenseful. The kind of stuff where you didn’t want to read too late into the night so you wouldn’t have nightmares or suffer from paranoia. It used to be where you’d read a book, wanting to put it down, but you couldn’t look away. I miss those days because this newer stuff seems to be heavy on the shock value but light on actual horror.

Rushing Romance

Have you ever read a romance novel with great characters, but their attraction and sexual tension happened a little too quickly? Then after the initial sparks the story fizzles out? I have. Pacing is so important in a romance story. It can make or break it.

All The Tags

I’ve seen quite a few people confused over the use of tags for their books on popular writing sites like Inkitt and Wattpad. Tags aren’t new and shiny anymore, but they can be hard to navigate, especially if you don’t know what’s trending.

To Sequel or Not to Sequel?

As a writer, have you ever started writing a book that you meant to be a standalone and then realize that there’s too much going on with the plot to wrap it all up in one book? That’s where I’m at. As hard as I try to make standalone stories, I happen to find a way to turn it into a sequel, trilogy, or even a series.