Uniting readers, writers, and authors to build better books.
Its truly a challenge to edit your own work, let alone, hunt down all the repeat offenders in your work (That's what I call overused words). Today we'll look at ways to spot those little buggers. I always recommend getting a professional editor, who will spot things like that, and hopefully give a few suggestions.... Continue Reading →
When did you know you had a story you needed to tell? When I first started figuring out this whole language thing (maybe two, three years old), I immediately started narrating my life as if it were a storybook. I have no memory of this, but that was when my parents looked at each other... Continue Reading →
A not guilty verdict. A kidnapping. A midnight trial. Six sitting in judgment and one empty chair. Revenge- is it sweet or just a bitter seed? Coach Terrence Jackson is the man who has divided the town of Marston. There are those who believe in the coach and his innocence and then there are the... Continue Reading →
Amazing is a commonly overused word, and finding replacements can be tricky work. But you can always count on the IABE to have a solution to that issue. Check out all these ways to say amazing, without actually saying it. Astounding- surprisingly impressive or notable. Bonny- attractive; beautiful. Captivating- capable of attracting and holding interest;... Continue Reading →
In the last decade, self-publishing has become more acceptable. However that started a major catch 22 of who is better, traditional publishers or the good ol' DIY. And while I LOVE the indie book world, rare gems can be found amongst the traditionally published books too. Now, I'll set out some facts and you can... Continue Reading →
At what point in your life did you decide to start writing? I started writing at a very young age. It really took off when my Dad bought me a typewriter.... Continue Reading →
Walker Callaghan doesn't know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago...and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences. Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead. She doesn't go to heaven or hell.... Continue Reading →
As a reader, I get turned off by repeat offenders! Now you're probably thinking "Repeat Offenders?" Yes, in writing we have words that are completely over used. So, we're countering that with replacement words that might make your work read more natural. Check it out. Very Careful, try: Cautious, Heedful, Watchful, Alert, Prudent, Circumspect, Cagey,... Continue Reading →
So, writer's will swear those little b@stards will move over night. Others, just ignore the rules and use them sparingly. But are you really saying what you need to say, correctly? Are you painting the right story, including the right punctuation? Well, let's get over the comma drama, and learn the rules of a comma.... Continue Reading →
When did you decide to start writing? About 6 or 7 years ago. I had this elaborate “bedtime” story in my head I had been developing for several years. A couple of my friends told me I should write it down. It took me a while to take them seriously, but eventually I gave in,... Continue Reading →
Nicco rapped his knuckles quietly on the door and pushed it open. “Hey big guy.” He moved inside, knowing he didn’t need an invitation. “I get you’re really busy right now, but something’s come up and I need your input.” Merry, twinkling eyes peered up from over a pile of paperwork. “Nicco, my friend.... Continue Reading →
Even authors need a vaca! Enjoy your celebrations!
First, let us learn, what are sensitivity readers? They read through manuscripts for bais instances and representation issues. Let's not forget, they look out for the naughty words. Basically they point out all the "sensitive" areas of a manuscript. Now this isn't something you need to worry about unless you are marketing to a group... Continue Reading →
When did you first realize you wanted to write? I used to write a lot when I was in high school, but it was mostly short comedy sketches because I used to act in high school. It wasn’t until last year, when I realized that one of my kids is a really good actor, so... Continue Reading →
After years of abuse and eventual abandonment, Janie wants to forget her parents ever existed. Moving to her mom’s hometown of Everod doesn't make that easy. Then she meets Tristan. The emotions he ignites within her are almost enough to make her ignore all of the weird things he says. Almost enough to ignore the... Continue Reading →
You’ve taken the time to create an amazing character. You’ve crafted a brilliant setting, and plotted your stories path. But how do you get that character to speak? You can hear the character talk to you in you’re head, but when you type it out, there is no sense to any of it. Well, you’re... Continue Reading →
As it turns out Word isn't the word anymore. More authors are branching out to other writing tools, and I'm here to show you the best. Plus I'll tell you what types of writers benefit from these apps/software. You'll find everything from free to paid, and for all skill levels! Writing's hard enough, so make... Continue Reading →
1) When did you get the writing bug? When I was young - maybe 7 or 8, I knew that someday I’d write a book. I even sat down and hand wrote a book about horses, but at that age, my mind lost focus and the book was left forgotten. Over the... Continue Reading →
Alex Bolton is a police detective on the verge of losing his family and his job due to his aggressive nature. He is given one last chance to regain both, although it does not look as though he will succeed. Diana Pearce was once a rising teen superstar. Now she is nearly broke in every... Continue Reading →
Here's all the fun you missed out on!!
If you haven't caught on by now, we're focusing on repeat offender..... this means you commonly overused words!! I'm coming for you with substitute words to kick those offending words out! Bonus: you'll look like a professional when readers dive into your work! So, without further adieu... Mirrors Reflect Echos Emulates Survey Leer Inspects Trolls... Continue Reading →
We've all heard the testaments before. All great books started as a sketch on a napkin, or an all-night writing spree, after a heavy dose of boozing. Writer's had an idea, they wrote it down, expanded that idea, and crafted a novel. Though I am all for writing when the mood hits, there has to... Continue Reading →
What got you into writing? I inherently gravitated towards writing. It was just something I love. I was writing stories as soon as I learned my alphabet. I had a lot of encouragement from my mom and my teachers. From there, I went to as many conferences, lectures and online websites that I could to... Continue Reading →
Just over a year has passed since the zombie virus rapidly spread across the United States ravaging the population. Damon Marshall’s Dream of creating a safe haven for survivors of the apocalypse has come to fruition. The Compound, as it came to be known, is considered a success by many. But Damon and his crew... Continue Reading →
It’s hard not to repeat a word used a lot in a novel. And a word so vital is really hard not to use repeatedly. Said is one of those words that just reused to the point that I could miss it being misspelled in just about anything I read. So to help keep your... Continue Reading →
Thanks for reading today! We're going to devel in plot structure and how to use them properly! We should start this off with the definition of we're talking about today. Plot: Also called storyline. the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.There, don't we feel clear on the subject now? So let's make your plot structured to fit your readers needs! There are 4... Continue Reading →
1) What compelled you to start writing? I’ve always enjoyed reading. Mysteries, horror, some sci-fi. I’ve been an avid reader since childhood. I’ve collected mystery series and as many books as I can by my favorite authors. Somewhere during my early days, I thought it would be neat to write the kinds of stories I’ve... Continue Reading →
She’s an unstoppable human. He’s an immovable beast... Through her research, University of Washington student Chloe Etain accidentally stumbled into an ancient war between the Light and Dark Fae that has culminated in the human world being thrown into pre-industrial chaos. The earth’s sky has been scorched, thrusting it into unending darkness and the humans... Continue Reading →
Know how to act can be hard when you're an author and at a signing. You love the readers for coming out, but you aren't about to be bullied either! So, what is author appropriate behavior? What is reader appropriate behavior? Well, we will learn from the best today. Let's start with a few tales... Continue Reading →
One of my newest favorite writing styles is educational. I love teaching, and no I do not have a degree for it! And believe it or not, publishers are desperate for more educational writers. Why? Well, the title alone can scare people away, but you do not need a high price paper to do it!... Continue Reading →
Where did your love of writing begin? I think it started around middle school when I read Dragon’s Milk by Susan Fletcher. I, of course, immediately fell in love with dragons and the author. I’d scribble out my dragon story on notebook paper in a Lisa Frank folder, which I still have I... Continue Reading →
Dragon Wars Enter DRAGON WARS ... a continuation of an exciting new reverse harem urban fantasy, where paranormal monsters fly and magic fights back! Brooklyn just discovered she's the only female dragon in existence--and the key to everything. She can see things others can't, and summon strength no one else can. Brooklyn attends York Academy,... Continue Reading →
Check out all the fun we had this year!!! Hope to see you at the next show! Firstly Thank you to all the staff and security at Valley West Mall. Without you, this year never would have been possible, and I am happy to say, we'd love to come back next year. Here's a... Continue Reading →
You wrote an amazing book, and reviewers are going wild. That’s amazing! But what next? Readers are demanding more of this fascinating tale, and you want to give it to them. And while some writers boast about pre-planning everything, most writers just go with the flow of their writing needs. In my case, I couldn’t... Continue Reading →
Yes, another must of the book world. Traditional or Indie, you still need a press release for you upcoming release! And if you've never thought about it before, this may be a challenge. It looks like the easiest part of the whole process, but one bad press release can get the next one deleted before... Continue Reading →
Can you tell us a little about you? My name is Joleene Naylor and I’m the author of the glitterless Amaranthine Universe. When I’m not writing or doing author related things, I’m working on remodeling our sagging Victorian house, watching anime, or playing Pokemon Go or Niki-Love Dress Up Queen. Do you self-publish or work... Continue Reading →
Check out all these amazing indie reads, and help us celebrate our independence from publishers. Some secrets are better left dead. Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child... Continue Reading →
Just like everything in life, settings in fiction books, need love and attention. Today I want to explore ways to make your books setting clear, and engaging. Keeping up with the ever changing world of storytelling is hard enough, let’s make this part easy. Here are some of the most important things to remember. Locale:... Continue Reading →
Can you tell us a little about you? (A) I’m a retired special education teacher. I have five grown children who are delightful people. My husband and I are living in the house and on the land where I grew up. I call myself the Happiest Woman on the Planet. I love to tell stories.... Continue Reading →
Here is a sample of an upcoming book with author Linzie Salmons and myself! Though what you read here today, is solely the word of Linzie! Love The moment I looked into thine, eye's of a bluest blue the summer skies. My heart did catch up in my throat. I was lost at once there... Continue Reading →
