I subscribe to dozens of writing advice sites and new advice articles come into my news reader at a steady pace. You can see some of my favorites at my Writing Advice Sites resource page.
Here are the best writing advice posts from this previous week. Occasionally I include an RSS feed. To subscribe to an RSS feed, add the feed URL to your RSS reader app. The most popular is Feedly, which is the one that I use. It has a website and mobile apps, and it keeps track of which articles you’ve read, synched across all your devices.
You can see all the previous writing advice of the week posts here and subscribe to the RSS feed for this writing advice series here (direct Feedly signup link).
This week, I’ve decided to divide the list into three categories.
The first, for the beginning writer, is about getting the writing process down. Finding time to write, discovering your own writing rituals, learning how to overcome your inner critics, fighting writer’s block, and how to finish what you start. Experienced writers sometimes hit these speedbumps as well, but they can kill a career for a new writer before it even starts.
Second, for the writer who’s already started getting the hang of the mechanics of getting the words down on paper, is improving the quality of the writing. Of course, you can’t improve writing if you don’t have any to improve, so the previous step is critical. But once you’re getting words down, you can start asking yourself if they’re the right words, or maybe you can find better words. And you can even start thinking about sentences, paragraphs, scenes, chapters, plots, character arcs — all that stuff that goes into writing readable work. And even experienced writers probably have areas where they can improve, or new things to learn.
Finally, for the writer who’s finished stories or books that are ready for the public, there’s the question of finding your publishing platform, producing the actual book, finding copyeditors and cover artists, marketing, and advertising. For beginning writers these are mostly theoretical questions, but for experienced writers, they are critical for success. And the answers keep changing as the industry changes, so staying on top of things is critical.
So here we go.
Productivity, mood management, and battling the demons inside
Everything That Will Tempt You To Quit Writing And How To Deal With It by Ryan Lanz
Pursuing a career in writing comes with plenty of obstacles. Overcoming those obstacles — especially when your barriers involve other people — can be overwhelming. The stress of trying to Make Writing Happen can be draining enough to force you to consider quitting. Even though you shouldn’t! Here are a few things that will, or have already, almost convince you to stop writing — and how not to let them bring you down. Writer Ryan Lanz the author of The Idea Factory: 1,000 Story Ideas and Writing Prompts to Find Your Next Bestseller. A Writer’s Path is an advice site for writers. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @TheRyanLanz and on Facebook at @AWritersPath.
Aimee Bender On Creating Structure To Ward Off Writing Dread by Jordan Kisner
In this episode, Jordan Kisner talks with athor Aimee Bender about how developing a structure can change your writing life. Author Jordan Kisner is host of LitHub Radio’s Thresholds podcast. Literary Hub is a literary magazine that also publishes writing advice. Subscribe to their RSS feed here (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter at @lithub and on Facebook at @lithub.
Pro Tips From A Nano Coach: how I Wrote My Novel In Six Weeks by Vera Kurian
NaNoWriMo can seem like a daunting task sometimes, for NaNo newbies and veterans alike. Author Vera Kurian shares some tips for meeting your goal this month. Vera Kurian is a writer and scientist based in Washington DC. Her debut novel, Never Saw Me Coming, was published in September 2021. You can find her at verakurian.com or on Twitter at @vera_kurian. NaNoWriMo is the official website of the National Novel Writing Month, which happens every November.
What Is Your Daily Writing “Workout” Routine? by Scott Myers
Scott Myers gets some advice from A Quiet Place screenwriters Scott Beck and Bryan Woods about what they do every day as pro filmmakers to stay sharp. Scott Myers is the editor of Go Into The Story. For more advice like this, follow Scott Myers on Twitter at @GoIntoTheStory and on Facebook at Go Into The Story. Go Into The Story is the official blog of the screenwriting community The Black List and was just ranked as one of the year’s best screenwriting websites by Writer’s Digest. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
How Journaling Can Stimulate Your Creativity And Enhance Your Other Writing by Sabrina Ricci
Journaling can be the perfect catalyst for writing that flows. Sabrina Ricci writes advice about indie publishing. Follow her on Facebook at @sabrinadenisericci or on Twitter at @sabsky. Digital Publishing is a site about indie publishing. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Six Universal Truths About Writing Novels by Cathy Hayward
Guest author Cathy Hayward has found that there are six universal truths about writing a novel. Cathy Hayward’s debut novel The Girl in the Maze was published in the fall of 2021. You can find out more about her writing journey at CathyHayward.co.uk or on Twitter at @cathyhayward7 or on Instagram at @cathy_hayward_writer. Women Writers, Women’s Books is an online literary magazine by and about contemporary women writers from around the world. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Wrangling Your Writer Demons In 4 Steps by Tiffany Yates Martin
Writing is a career where it can feel that there are so many outside forces standing between you and your goals: work or home commitments that may keep us from your writing time; the agents or publishers who stand at the gates of career success; the booksellers or reviewers we need to help us reach readers. But often the most formidable foe of our writing lies within ourselves. Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers, and is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial and author of the bestseller Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing. Writers in the Storm is another great site for writing advice, with a group of regular contributors and guest writers who post frequently. It is very well worth following on RSS (direct Feedly signup link here).
How To Write In Bed by Noelle Sterne
Here are some tips for catching those elusive creative ideas that come to you while you’re lying in bed. Noelle Sterne is an author, editor, writing coach, writing and meditation workshop leader, spiritual counselor, and gentle nag, Noelle has published over 700 writing craft articles, spiritual pieces, essays, short stories, and occasional poems. For more advice like this, check out her website, Trust Your Life Now. Two Drops of Ink publishes short stories, poetry, essays, interviews, literary criticism, book reviews, and biographical profiles of authors. Follow them on Facebook at @TwoDropsofInk. Subscribe to them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link here).
How To Handle Criticism: 3 Strategies To Make Criticism Work For You by Joslyn Chase
You invest a lot of yourself in your writing, and putting your creative work in front of others is scary. Your mind floods with questions like, What if they don’t like it? What if they think I’m dumb? What if I’m no good at this? And what if someone doesn’t like it? Do you know how to handle negative criticism? Joslyn Chase is a thriller writer — you can see all her books on Amazon here and follow her on Facebook here. The Write Practice is an advice site from a group of writers. They also have a writing critique community and a newsletter. Follow The Write Practice on Twitter, on Facebook, or subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link).
Help For The Home Stretch Of NaNoWriMo by Jessica Strawser
Writing a novel in a month? This roundup of our best resources for marathon fiction writers will help carry you to the finish line. Jessica Strawser is editor-at-large at Writer’s Digest, where she served as editorial director for nearly a decade. Career Authors is one of Writer’s Digest top 101 websites for writers and helps authors write better, get published, and sell more books. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @CareerAuthors and on Facebook at @CareerAuthors.
How To Find The Right Critique Partner For Your Writing by Gloria Russell
Think your rough draft is ready for editing but just not sure? Getting an early critique is a key step in the editing process, and critique partners are a great way to get that done! Gloria Russell is a freelance writer and author living in Colorado who also critiques manuscripts. Self Publishing School offers online courses about self publishing, as well as a podcast, blog, and other resources. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @Self_Pub_School and on Facebook at @Self Publishing School.
NaNoWriMo: Almost To The Finish Line by Moriah Richard
Writing fatigue can hit like a bowling ball from the sky when you’re at the end of a writing challenge. Let these quotes from NaNoWriMo Pep Talks give you a boost of inspiration. Moriah Richard is the managing editor at Writer’s Digest. Since obtaining her MFA in fiction, she has worked with over 100 authors to help them achieve their publication dreams. Follow her on Twitter at @MoriahRichard93. This venerable resource for writers celebrated its hundred-year anniversary last year, but is still going pretty strong. Follow Writer’s Digest via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @WritersDigest and on Facebook at @writersdigest.
Can You Banish Your Fear Of Writing? by Daphne Gray-Grant
Credit: BIGSTOCK Reading time: About 2.5 minutes. Fear of writing is a terrible burden. But do what you fear and fear disappears, according to writer David Joseph Schwartz. Here’s how to take that advice…. Can you banish your fear of writing? Fear is considered one of seven universal emotions experienced by everyone … Can you banish your fear of writing? Read More » Daphne Gray-Grant is a writing coach, author of Your Happy First Draft, and host of The Write Question show on YouTube. Publication Coach offers books, courses, videos, and one-on-one coaching for authors. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter at @pubcoach or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Are You Making Creative Mistakes? by Daphne Gray-Grant
Creativity doesn’t come from determination or brute force. It comes from being relaxed, and open and ready. Daphne Gray-Grant is a writing coach, author of Your Happy First Draft, and host of The Write Question show on YouTube. Publication Coach offers books, courses, videos, and one-on-one coaching for authors. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter at @pubcoach or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
The Best Dictation Software For Authors In 2021 by Jason Hamilton
What is the best dictation software if you’re an author and want to dictate a whole book? This article breaks down each of the main contenders.
Jason Hamilton is a fantasy author. Check out Hamilton’s site, MythBank, full of reading and viewing guides to the most popular sci-fi and fantasy works. You can also follow him on Twitter at @StoryHobbit and on Facebook at Jason Hamilton. Kindlepreneur is pretty much the top site out there for self-published authors who want to sell more e-books on Amazon. The RSS feed is here (direct Feedly signup link). Follow them on Facebook at @KindlePreneur and founder Dave Chesson on Twitter at @DaveChesson.
Handling Rejection by Scott Myers
Rejection can be motivating. Rejection can be debilitating. But one thing to bear in mind when dealing with the sting of someone saying ‘no’ to you… It may take years before you piece together what it means. Scott Myers is the editor of Go Into The Story. For more advice like this, follow Scott Myers on Twitter at @GoIntoTheStory and on Facebook at Go Into The Story. Go Into The Story is the official blog of the screenwriting community The Black List and was just ranked as one of the year’s best screenwriting websites by Writer’s Digest. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Writing Mantra: “Writing Is Rewriting” by Scott Myers
Why did the ancient Greeks and Romans use wax tablets for writing? Because the entire tablet could be erased for reuse by warming it and smoothing the softened wax surface. Scott Myers is the editor of Go Into The Story. For more advice like this, follow Scott Myers on Twitter at @GoIntoTheStory and on Facebook at Go Into The Story. Go Into The Story is the official blog of the screenwriting community The Black List and was just ranked as one of the year’s best screenwriting websites by Writer’s Digest. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Getting Yourself To Write by Ryan Lanz
Writing can be a struggle for writers of all levels, from beginning to professional. The struggle has a dreaded name: writer’s block. Writer Ryan Lanz the author of The Idea Factory: 1,000 Story Ideas and Writing Prompts to Find Your Next Bestseller. A Writer’s Path is an advice site for writers. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @TheRyanLanz and on Facebook at @AWritersPath.
How To Create A Writing Schedule (In 3 Simple Steps) by Gloria Russell
You can take control of your productivity and your muses. All you need is a writing schedule. Gloria Russell is a freelance writer and author living in Colorado who also critiques manuscripts. Self Publishing School offers online courses about self publishing, as well as a podcast, blog, and other resources. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @Self_Pub_School and on Facebook at @Self Publishing School.
The art and craft of writing
Messy Middles And Mystery Boxes by Staci Troilo
In this post for the Story Empire, guest author Staci Troilo says that the middle of your novel is where fifty percent of the activity takes place. It’s bound to get messy in there, especially if you don’t have a plan or if you deviate from it. She offers some advice to make sure you take care of things that make your character’s life messy while still keeping your novel tight and tidy. Staci Troilo is a multi-genre best-selling author, editor, and ghostwriter. Learn more about her at StaciTroilo.com. For more advice like this, follow the Story Empire Blog on Facebook at @StoryEmpire5 or on Twitter at @StoryEmpire or get their RSS feed here (direct Feedly signup link).
Theme Equals Meaning by Scott Myers
More than just the moral or premise of the story, theme can best be understood to be about what a story MEANS, says Scott Myers. Scott Myers is the editor of Go Into The Story. For more advice like this, follow Scott Myers on Twitter at @GoIntoTheStory and on Facebook at Go Into The Story. Go Into The Story is the official blog of the screenwriting community The Black List and was just ranked as one of the year’s best screenwriting websites by Writer’s Digest. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
How To Draw Readers In Through A Character’s Choices by Angela Ackerman
Quick, what’s one thing you need in every scene? This question can have a lot of answers – tension, conflict, stakes, emotion, action…on and on it goes. But one of the most important is one of the most basic: choice. Characters with agency are always doing, acting, and pushing the story forward. Writers Helping Writers co-founder Angela Ackerman is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus and its many sequels. I own a copy of this book and use it frequently, and highly recommend it. Follow Ackerman on Twitter at @AngelaAckerman. Writers Helping Writers is a great site for writing advice. These guys also have the One Stop for Writers online tool set. Subscribe to them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link here) or follow them on Facebook at @DescriptiveThesaurusCollection or on Twitter at @WriterThesaurus.
Attributions In Dialog by David Farland
Writing clear dialog isn’t hard to do, but many new writers—and some old ones—make some pretty simple mistakes. Here are a few things to be wary of and that you should know. David Farland is the eleven-time New York Times bestselling sci-fi author with over 100 million books sales. And he’s a writing instructor who’s mentored dozens of dozens of New York Times bestselling authors, including Brandon Sanderson and Stephenie Meyer. Follow him on Twitter at @davidfarland, on Facebook at @DavidFarlandAuthor or subscribe to his YouTube channel. MyStoryDoctor offers writing advice, editing, coaching, online courses, and live workshops. Subscribe to them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link here).
Pain For Pleasure And Character Development by Tara A. Lake
The ratio between pain and pleasure is an interesting testament to our unique differences, and can be especially helpful in establishing differences amongst our characters. It brings into perspective what human beings are willing to suffer for. Tara A. Lake is an author and co-founder of The Indie Writers Collective, which is a community with a focus on promoting indie authors and their work on Instagram. You can find Tara on Instagram at @tara.a.lake, on Facebook at @Tara A. Lake and on her website at TaraALake.com. Kiingo is a writing and story telling school with online courses, how-to articles, and the book The Structure of Story. Follow them on their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter here, on Facebook here, or support them on Patreon.
Pantsing And Plotting? by Stavros Halvatzis
There are two distinct approaches to writing: pantsing and plotting. The first approach is to write from the gut; the second from a carefully planned synopsis or treatment. There is much to commend both approaches, depending on the personality and mood of the writer, and the medium that he or she is writing in. Stavros Halvatzis is a writer and writing teacher. For more advice like this, check out StavrosHalvatzis.com or follow himvia his RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
What Is Tone In Writing? And How Do You Use It Effectively? by Jeremy Anderberg
As a writer, it is up to you to set the tone in your writing that will impact how the reader feels after reading what you have to say. But how do you define tone? And, more importantly, how can you utilize the power of tone in your writing? Jeremy Andenberg is the managing editor at Self Publishing School. Writing advice site Make a Living Writing has been named one of The Write Life’s Top 100 Websites for Writers every year since 2015. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @MALWriting and on Facebook at @makealivingwriting .
4 Steps To Writing The First Chapter Your Book Deserves by Gloria Russell
First impressions are extremely important when it comes to meeting people, and the same goes for books. How many times have you come across a book with an intriguing cover and decent blurb, only to crack it open to page one and find yourself instantly disappointed? There’s a lot riding on the first chapter of […] Gloria Russell is a freelance writer and author living in Colorado who also critiques manuscripts. Self Publishing School offers online courses about self publishing, as well as a podcast, blog, and other resources. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @Self_Pub_School and on Facebook at @Self Publishing School.
8 Tips For Developing A Thrilling Espionage Premise by Philip Kaplan
Maintaining tension and high stakes requires careful attention in the writing process. Ambassador Philip Kaplan offers 8 tips for developing a thrilling espionage premise that helped him in writing his debut book, Night in Tehran. Philip Kaplan had a 27-year career as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service, including being U.S. minister, Deputy Chief of mission, and Charge d’Affaires, to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines during the tumultuous overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos. This venerable resource for writers celebrated its hundred-year anniversary last year, but is still going pretty strong. Follow Writer’s Digest via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link), on Twitter at @WritersDigest and on Facebook at @writersdigest.
How Can I Portray Nature Spirits In An Industrialized Setting? by Oren Ashkenazi
Oone of the most important things in making urban fantasy — or any setting — is to take into account how the elements present would logically affect the setting. Oren Ashkenazi is a speculative fiction manuscript editor at Mythcreants. Mythcreants is my all-time favorite writing advice site. Get their RSS feed here (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter @Mythcreants and on Facebook at @mythcreants.
Relationship Thesaurus Entry: Benefactor And Recipient by Becca Puglisi
Successful stories are driven by authentic and interesting characters, so it’s important to craft them carefully. Becca Puglisi is one of the founders of the Writers Helping Writers website and the author of the Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, which has sold over half a million copies. I own a copy and refer to it nearly every day. Writers Helping Writers is a great site for writing advice. These guys also have the One Stop for Writers online tool set. Subscribe to them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link here) or follow them on Facebook at @DescriptiveThesaurusCollection or on Twitter at @WriterThesaurus.
Best Books For Writers On Craft, Creativity, Marketing, And More! by Chad R. Allen
Reading the right books can help you become a better, more successful writer, but where to start? Chad R. Allen is a writer, editor, speaker, and writing coach who’s spent 20 years in the traditional publishing industry. Follow him on Twitter at @ChadRAllenand and on Facebook at Chad R. Allen. For more advice like this, follow Chad R. Allen via the website’s RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Foreshadowing Reveals Is Easier Than You Think by Chris Winkle
Does your reveal have to be guessable or just plausible? Chris Winkle is the founder and editor-in-chief of Mythcreants, Mythcreants is my all-time favorite writing advice site. Get their RSS feed here (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter @Mythcreants and on Facebook at @mythcreants.
How to Create Tension with Dialogue and Subtext by Tiffany Yates Martin
Tension—the friction or obstacles that keep your characters from what they want—engenders narrative unease in the reader; human nature craves resolution of it. Creating and sustaining tension throughout your story is one of the most effective ways to keep your readers turning pages to see it resolved, and you have a powerful tool for doing so… Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers, and is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial and author of the bestseller Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing. FoxPrint Editorial offers online courses, workshops and presentations, and advice to authors.
The business side of writing
Why You Should Enter Writing Contests by Carol Van Den Hende
Writing contests can help both new and established writers break through among hundreds of thousands of books that are published every year.
Carol Van Den Hende is an award-winning author, public speaker, and MBA with 20+ years’ experience in marketing, strategy, and insights. Follow her on her website at CarolVanDenNende.com, on Twitter at @c_vandenhende and on Facebook at @Carol Van Den Hende. DiyMFA offers classes, advice articles and other training materials for writers. For more advice like this, follow them on Twitter at @DIYMFA and on Facebook at @DIYMFA or subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link).
6 Essential Branding Steps For Authors And Bloggers by Nina Amir
Serious writers who want to succeed as bloggers and authors should include branding in their early success planning. A strong brand helps you in the same way it helps a company. It gives you name recognition and helps you sell your products—your books. Nina Amir is a book coach and a book proposal consultant and editor. For more information, check out her website NinaAmir.com or follow her on Twitter at @NinaAmir or on Facebook at @Inspiration to Creation Coach. How to Blog a Book is an advice site for nonfiction and fiction authors who want to use a blog to create a book. For more advice like this, follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Start Marketing Your Book Now (Here’s How) by Steven Spatz
The benefits of marketing before your book is even completed. Steven Spatz is a writer, marketer, and the president of BookBaby. BookBaby bills itself as the nation’s leading self-publishing services company. For more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (directly Feedly link here), or follow them on Facebook at @BookBaby or on Twitter at @BookBaby.
The Business Of Screenwriting: The Value Of Three Scripts by Scott Myers
Three scripts. Don’t even contemplate working in Hollywood as a writer until you’ve completed at least three scripts, says Scott Myers. Scott Myers is the editor of Go Into The Story. For more advice like this, follow Scott Myers on Twitter at @GoIntoTheStory and on Facebook at Go Into The Story. Go Into The Story is the official blog of the screenwriting community The Black List and was just ranked as one of the year’s best screenwriting websites by Writer’s Digest. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
How To Track Book Marketing Activity And Results by Sandra Beckwith
Sometimes authors feel like they’re doing all the right things, but they’re not seeing the results they expect. It’s frustrating. But the thing is, they might not be doing the right things. Or maybe they are, but the execution is weak. Sandra Beckwith is an award-winning former publicist who now teaches authors how to market their books. Follow her on Twitter at @sandrabeckwith and on Facebook at @buildbookbuzz. Build Book Buzz offers do-it-yourself book marketing tips, tools and tactics. Follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Book Contracts: Let’s Talk Surprises by Kate McKean
In the final installment of her column about book contracts, Kate McKean tells us about the things authors don’t expect to be in a book contract. Kate McKean is a literary agent and writer in Brooklyn, NY. Catapult is an online magazine that publishes fiction and non-fiction and offers writing glasses and an online writing community. For more advice like this, follow them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here), on Twitter at @CatapultStory and on Facebook at @catapultstories.
Book Launch Parties: A How-To by Elle E. Ire
Now that in-person social gatherings are coming back, here are some tips for how to throw a book launch party. Elle E. Ire writes science fiction and urban fantasy featuring kickass women who fall in love with each other. For more advice like this, check out her website, ElleIre.com or Follow her on Facebook at @ElleE.IreAuthor. The Florida Writers Association is a great resource for writers, with a very active advice blog. Follow the Florida Writers Association via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here), on Facebook at Florida Writers Association and on Twitter at @FloridaWriters1.
Three Sentences That Will Catapult You To Success (Maybe) by Al Pessin
They say every author should have an elevator pitch ready. The theory is that you run into your dream agent or publisher, or your all-time favorite author, on an elevator. You have just as much time as it takes to get to the lobby to pitch your book. Although the elevator scenario is not very likely, it’s a useful exercise to write those few sentences—to boil your proposal down to its essence, to use at in-person conferences, or in online pitch opportunities via video chat and Twitter. Al Pessin is a thriller writer. For more advice like this, check out his website at AlPessin.com or follow him on Twitter at @apessin or on Facebook at @AlPessinAuthor. The Florida Writers Association is a great resource for writers with a very active advice blog. Follow the Florida Writers Association via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here), on Facebook at Florida Writers Association and on Twitter at @FloridaWriters1.
Unique Author Branding And Content Ideas Using December Observances by Penny Sansevieri
It’s time to run through December observances and unique author brand enhancements and content ideas for your monthly book marketing plan. Penny Sansevieri is the CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, an adjunct professor at NYU, and a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Follow her on Twitter at @Bookgal and on Facebook at @therealbookgal. Her book, How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon, has just been updated for 2021 and is in Kindle Unlimited. Author Marketing Experts is a book promotion company. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link).
Update Your Author Platform With These 3 Easy Tips by Penny Sansevieri
Your author platform is how your author persona shows up in the world and — unsurprisingly — it can impact your sales! Penny Sansevieri is the CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, an adjunct professor at NYU, and a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Follow her on Twitter at @Bookgal and on Facebook at @therealbookgal. Her book, How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon, has just been updated for 2021 and is in Kindle Unlimited. Author Marketing Experts is a book promotion company. For more advice like this subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link).
How To Self-Publish Your Book: A Simple Guide by Jordan
Learning how to self-publish your book and cover every step will help you find greater success as an indie author. Learn about indie publishing vs traditional publishing plus ISBNs, the benefits of good cover design, and more. Jordan is a writing advice columnist. Now Novel is a company that offers writing sources, coaching, and editing. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter at @nownovel or on Facebook at @nownovel or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Start Here: How to Write a Book Proposal + Book Proposal Template by Jane Friedman
Everything you need to know to start writing a book proposal for your nonfiction book. Jane Friedman is an expert in digital media strategy for authors and publishers and publishes The Hot Sheet, the essential newsletter on the publishing industry for authors. She is also a professor with The Great Courses, which released her 24-lecture series, How to Publish Your Book. Her book for creative writers, The Business of Being a Writer, received a starred review from Library Journal. Follow her on Twitter at @JaneFriedman. For more advice from Jane Friedman, subscribe to the site’s RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link here).
Self-publishing News: Futurebook 2021 – Very Different Visions of the Future of Audio by Dan Holloway
In this week’s Self-Publishing News Special, Dan Holloway reports from Futurebook 2021 where the debate over audiobook subscription got heated. ALLi news editor Dan Holloway is a novelist, poet and spoken word artist. He is the MC of the performance arts show The New Libertines. Self Publishing Advice is the advice center of the Alliance of Independent Authors. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link).
Podcasts
113 Cover Design For Indie Authors With Julia Rozdobudko by Sacha Black
In this episode of The Rebel Author Podcast, Sacha Black talks about cover design for indie authors with Julia Rozdobudko of custom book cover design company MiblArt. Sacha Black is a fantasy author and writing coach, with several writing advice books including 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains (Better Writers Series) May 9, 2017. Follow her on her website, Sacha Black, on Facebook at @Sacha Black or on Twitter at @sacha_black. Sacha Black is a site that offers writing advice, courses, and podcasts. Follow the site via their RSS feed (direct Feedly link here).
Short Stories As The Basis To An Award-Winning Author Career With Alan Baxter by Joanna Penn
How do you know when an idea is a short story, a novella, or a full-length novel? How can you turn one story into multiple streams of income? Alan Baxter talks about a long-term craft-centered approach to the author career and how his short stories have won him multiple awards. Joanna Penn has been sharing writing and publishing advice since 2008 at The Creative Penn and is the author of Successful Self-Publishing and many other writing and publishing advice books. She also has one of my favorite writing advice podcasts, and you can subscribe to it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. The Creative Penn offers articles, videos, books, tools, and courses for independent authors.
Making Mysteries Complex by Oren Ashkenazi, Chris Winkle, and Wes Matlock
We’ve all experienced (and probably written) stories that were too complicated, but it’s possible to have the opposite problem, especially with mysteries. Oren Ashkenazi is the a speculative fiction manuscript editor at Mythcreants. Mythcreants is my all-time favorite writing advice site. Get their RSS feed here (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter @Mythcreants and on Facebook at @mythcreants.
A Report From The Futurebook Conference by Howard Lovy
In this episode with book editor Howard Lovy, Dan Holloway reports from the Futurebook conference, and the future belongs to audio. Also, Spotify buys Findaway in a potential audiobook game-changer. Dan Holloway is an editor at Alli News, the team behind Self Publishing Advice. Self Publishing Advice is the advice center of the Alliance of Independent Authors. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link).
Digital Narration With Ai Voices With Taylan From Deepzen by Joanna Penn
Is digital narration with AI voices good enough for non-fiction or fiction audiobooks? Can human narrators benefit through voice licensing? What are the options for sales and distribution? Joanna Penn has been sharing writing and publishing advice since 2008 at The Creative Penn and is the author of Successful Self-Publishing and many other writing and publishing advice books. She also has one of my favorite writing advice podcasts, and you can subscribe to it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. The Creative Penn offers articles, videos, books, tools, and courses for independent authors.
Developing Character Relationships by Oren Ashkenazi, Chris Winkle, and Wes Matlock
Oren Ashkenazi chats with Chris Winkle, and Wes Matlock about what happens if characters are replaced with animal companions? Oren Ashkenazi is the speculative fiction manuscript editor at Mythcreants. Mythcreants is my all-time favorite writing advice site. Get their RSS feed here (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter @Mythcreants and on Facebook at @mythcreants.
Videos
Top 10 Reasons Your Query Got A Request by Jessica Faust and James McGowan
You got a request! Congrats! Whether it’s a full or partial, receiving a request from an agent is worth celebrating. Jessica Faust is the owner and president at the BookEnds literary agency. Follow her on Twitter at @BookEndsJessica or on Instagram at @jfaust_bookends or email her directly at [email protected]. James McGowan is a literary agent at the agency. BookEnds is a literary agency that represents more than 300 authors and illustrators, both fiction and non-fiction, including several New York Times and USA today bestsellers. They are currently open to submissions. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter at @bookendslit or on Facebook at @BookEndsLiterary.
Self Publishing Vs. Traditional Publishing by David Farland
The differences between traditional and self-publishing, writing query letters, how to find an agent, and more. David Farland is the eleven-time New York Times bestselling sci-fi author with over 100 million books sales. And he’s a writing instructor who’s mentored dozens of dozens of New York Times bestselling authors, including Brandon Sanderson and Stephenie Meyer. Follow him on Twitter at @davidfarland, on Facebook at @DavidFarlandAuthor or subscribe to his YouTube channel. MyStoryDoctor offers writing advice, editing, coaching, online courses, and live workshops. Subscribe to them via their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link here).
How Can You Deal With Supply Chain Problems In Publishing? (Video) by Daphne Gray-Grant
How can you deal with supply chain problems in publishing? Daphne Gray-Grant is a writing coach, author of Your Happy First Draft, and host of The Write Question show on YouTube. Publication Coach offers books, courses, videos, and one-on-one coaching for authors. If you want more advice like this, subscribe to their RSS feed (direct Feedly signup link) or follow them on Twitter at @pubcoach or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
More videos from this past week:
- Guest Speaker Brandon Sanderson on Apex Writers on David Farland
- Hooking the Reader: Tips for writing a strong opening scene on Now Novel
- How To Promote Your Self Published Book Post Launch by Book Launchers
- 10 Best Tips for Writing Horror Books on Write with Claire Fraise
- Are you a pantser? Plotter? Or an inbetweener? on Get Writing!
Am I missing any useful writing advice sites or video channels? Let me know in the comments or email me at [email protected].
Edited by Melody Friedenthal
MetaStellar editor and publisher Maria Korolov is a science fiction novelist, writing stories set in a future virtual world. And, during the day, she is an award-winning freelance technology journalist who covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise virtual reality. See her Amazon author page here and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and check out her latest videos on the Maria Korolov YouTube channel. Email her at [email protected]. She is also the editor and publisher of Hypergrid Business, one of the top global sites covering virtual reality.