Sleep Your Way to Success [Infographic]
A good night’s sleep is crucial to success! Whether you dream of being a published author, a brilliant entrepreneur, or an expert in your field, there are a few habits you should embrace to get the most out of your nighttime hours. This infographic from Sleepy People lays out thirteen important things to do before bed so you wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the world! ...
Read More
World Building 101
Especially for sci-fi and fantasy writers, creating a convincing world is key for immersing readers in your story. The world is the backdrop for your entire narrative, and a truly well-developed world will play a role in the characters’ journeys and drive the story’s conflict.
But world building can be intimidating for new writers. I have to create an entire universe? Yes, it’s a difficult task. But it’s also a lot of fun! You get to create something entirely unique, the perfect home for your characters. What would Harry Potter be without the wizarding world? Or Riddley Walker without the post-apocalyptic world? Let’s talk about how to get started and the most important aspects to consider during world building. ...
Three Surprising Sources of Writing Inspiration
Inspiration strikes in strange and unexpected ways. But when it doesn’t strike, there are lots of tricks to juice it along. Here are three that might surprise you.
1. Listen
StoryCorps creates an archive of oral interviews for future generations. It began in 2003 with a StoryBooth set up in Grand Central Terminal for family members to record their interviews with their elders; the results were archived for the rest of us to hear. These days, StoryCorps encourages the interviews to happen at family dinner tables after Thanksgiving, or anytime, anywhere, thanks to its free smartphone app. ...
5 Writers You Need in Your Tribe
Do yourself a favor: Find your writing tribe! Whether they’re online, in person, or ghosts in the attic, spending time and sharing creativity with other writers will push you toward your goals and keep things fun. Writer brains are different, and we need like-minded people to share our experiences with. Non-writers just can’t understand the euphoria of finishing a draft or that close connection you have with your main characters. Having other writers around makes us feel supported and part of something bigger. Here are five types of writers to have in your tribe. ...
Read More
Watch Out for These Words [Infographic]
The English language is complex and inconsistent. Understanding commonly confused and misused words is indispensable for clear, effective writing. Impress your readers (and publishers!) with perfect prose. This infographic from Listmonde lists twelve of the most misused words in the English language. Review the list for a refresher, and keep the infographic on hand for those moments when you can’t remember whether to use “lay” or “lie.” Keep this page bookmarked for a quick answer so you can get back to writing! ...
Read More
How to Spot a Reputable Lit Mag
After all the time and energy you spend crafting your stories, you want to know the literary magazine you’re submitting to will be a good home for your work. With so many disreputable publications out there, how do you differentiate between high-quality magazines you should be thrilled to get in and poor publications you should run from? Here are a few signs you’ll want to watch for when scouting possible literary magazines to submit to.
Bad Sign: They ask contributors to pay.
Run! You should never be asked to pay to have your work published. Keep in mind...
Show off your stuff
