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A Good Story Begins with, "What If?" - article

Bob Martin

What’s the best way to get started with a story? I suggest you consider asking the question, What if? That question—What if?—can stimulate your entire creative process. You start to think about answering that question, and it can take you in a wide range...
- over 9 years ago
- I have an Idea!
- Brainstorming
Pros and cons of using a pen name. How would you actually do that?

Author Learning Center

Question: Pros and cons of using a pen name. How would you actually do that? Answer: A pen name is a fictitious author name that is used in place of a writer’s real name. Many writers consider using a pen name (also known as a “pseudonym”) to publish...
- over 5 years ago
- Author Learning Center
- Ask Keith
Social Media: How to Host a Great Twitter Contest - article

Michael Esser

When an author is looking to increase the numbers of his fans and readers, he should set himself up with a social network, such as Twitter. But why? Twitter COO *** Costolo has shown that Twitter has over 190 million users, tweeting more than 65...
- over 9 years ago
- Social Media
- Twitter (X)
How to Get Your Book Placed in Big Box and Airport Stores

Amy Collins

Many authors dream of having their books placed on the shelves of big box stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco, or front and center in airport stores across the country. But, is this dream even feasible, especially for self-published or indie...
- over 7 years ago
- Distribution & Sales
- Booksellers
4 Ways to Publish a Book in 2026

Author Learning Center

There’s never been a better time to publish a book! Fifteen years ago, the only way to publish a book was through a literary agent and a traditional publishing house. It was a highly competitive market, saturated with thousands of query letters and...
- over 7 years ago
- Preparation
- Choosing a Path
Elements of Inspirational Romance Stories

Allie Pleiter

Bestselling author Allie Pleiter has published over 50 books and has sold over 1.5 million books worldwide, many of which are inspirational romance stories. Pleiter writes several series for Harlequin's Love Inspired imprint, and knows what it takes...
- over 5 years ago
- Fiction
- Identifying Your Genre
Valerie Willis on How Her Background in Graphic Design Has Enhanced Her Publishing Journey

Valerie Willis

Being artistically inclined can be beneficial to a writer. When author and writing teacher Valerie Willis is facing writer's block, she often pulls out drawing tools and doodles to work through the character or scene that's causing the interruption...
- over 8 years ago
- Managing Your Writing Life
- Writer's Block
How Can Writers Create Income While Building Writing Credibility? - podcast

Karleen Koen

Author Karleen Koen discusses creative avenues for living while chasing the dream of becoming an established writer. Click here to play this audio clip
- over 9 years ago
- Writing Jobs
- Freelance Writer
How Do You Write a Fairytale from Scratch? - podcast

Gina Otto

Children's Author Gina Otto encourages us to leave the old story behind, and find the new story. By taking personal stories and making them universal stories, your story can go the distance, and maybe even change the world. Click here to play this audio...
- over 9 years ago
- Children's Books
- Writing for Kids
How to Stay in High School Forever: Writing the Young Adult Novel - video

Janette Rallison

YA author Janette Rallison shares valuable details about what you need to know to write in this popular market. In her quick overview for what makes YA novel a YA novel, she lists the following things: a teen protagonist, issues teens care about, fast...
- over 9 years ago
- Fiction
- Character Development