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Creating Captivating Characters in Fiction

Jeanne Lyet Gassman

Strong stories need a plot, a setting, and most importantly, engaging characters. Agents and editors will tell you that all stories are character-driven. However, if your characters are stereotypes, one-dimensional, or predictable, the reader will soon...
- over 8 years ago
- Fiction
- Character Development
Ask the Author: 8 Questions with Author, Poet, & Blogger Madeline Sharples

Author Learning Center

Madeline Sharples worked in the aerospace business (TRW and Northrop Grumman) as a technical writer and editor, web content writer, and proposal manager for almost thirty years – hiring in five times and retiring twice. She also worked for non-profits...
- over 6 years ago
- Managing Your Writing Life
- Goal Setting and Process
Ask the Author: Ten Questions with Award-Winning Author D.B. Jackson

Author Learning Center

D. B. Jackson is the award-winning author of three novels: They Rode Good Horses, Unbroke Horses, and Small Moving Parts, as well as several short stories. His screenplays include the television series adaptation of They Rode Good Horses, the feature...
- over 7 years ago
- Managing Your Writing Life
- Goal Setting and Process
Are writing contests a realistic way to get published? How can you tell which ones are legit?

Author Learning Center

Question: Are writing contests a realistic way to get published? How can you tell which ones are legit? Answer: It’s always nice to have someone acknowledge your hard work, and it’s especially encouraging to be recognized with an award or honorable...
- over 4 years ago
- Author Learning Center
- Ask Keith
Genre Basics: Comic Books and Graphic Novels - article

Author Learning Center

American comic books were first popularized in the 1930's and the demand for comics has fluctuated over the decades. Recently, the comic book market is showing growth. Print and digital sales of comics are rising . People are being introduced to comic...
- over 8 years ago
- I have an Idea!
- Choosing Your Topic
And the winner is... - article

Molly Blaisdell

Have you ever thought of entering a writing contest but stopped because the rules were complex, and you didn't want to spend that much time preparing. Is winning a contest worth the time and effort? Yes, winning a contest can be worth the time and effort...
- over 8 years ago
- Contests and Endorsements
- Contests
Genre Basics - Science Fiction - article

Molly Blaisdell

Science fiction, or sci-fi, is a popular genre. It’s one of the broadest genres in terms of theme, and is characterized by numerous sub-genres. Sci-fi also connects with a wide audience, from stories for the youngest readers to women and men of all ages...
- over 8 years ago
- I have an Idea!
- Choosing Your Topic
Writing Competitions: The Basics - article

Michael Esser

If you've been writing for any time at all, you've probably heard about writing competitions. These are events created by all sorts of publications, universities, publishers, writer groups, and other miscellaneous associations. The idea behind the...
- over 8 years ago
- Contests and Endorsements
- Contests
It's Not Just About You: How to Write an Engaging Memoir - recorded webinar

Georgia Lee

Join writer and teacher Georgia Lee in this two-part series on memoir writing and take the first steps toward sharing your story with the world. Part 1: Writing can be intimidating. Writing about your own life can be downright terrifying. So how do...
- over 8 years ago
- Nonfiction
- Elements
Secrets of Getting Traditionally Published

Jeanne Lyet Gassman

NONFICTION AUTHORS: You love to do research & have great ideas for nonfiction articles, but how do you get them traditionally published? You have written personal essays about your life. Is there a market for stories like these? What about a nonfiction...
- over 1 year ago
- Traditional Publishing
- Submission Process