Video game development involves another type of storytelling. As author and writing teacher Valerie Willis explains, the story behind a video game is typically a lower priority than the game mechanics and player immersion, but it's still important...

In novels and contemporary real life, women are commonly forced into living out one of two stereotypes, says writer and psychotherapist Dr. Stacey Simmons. Most often, they must choose between idealized, passive femininity — when they are always expected...

The entertainment industry has a lot of competition, but also plenty of possibility, says Herbie J Pilato, a writer, producer, TV host, and president of Television, Ink. He advises writers to not just wait for someone to commission them. If you believe...

Author and editor Elaine Ash works with writers to make sure their book is strong as a whole – rearranging chapters, adjusting voice and tone, or adding and deleting material. Then the manuscript is ready for a grammar and spell check. Ash advises authors...

Annette Leach, Publisher of Uriel Press and Vice President of UMI Book Division, says that building momentum for your book is just as important as writing your book. Through a blog, website, social media, or other platform, you can begin to build your...

A press release is an important and very useful way to market your book and yourself as an author. Major publishing houses send out press releases often months before the book has even been published. A press release builds excitement so the public will...

L. E. Perez, author and owner of Palmas Publishing, shares how she chooses the cast of characters for her stories. Today, readers are more aware of representation in books. However, conversations surrounding diversity are complex. Making sense of our...

Author John Locke is arguably one of the most successful independently published authors to date. He is a New York Times best-selling author ( Saving Rachel ) and has written eleven books across three genres (titles include V egas Moon, Wish List, A...

When it comes to editing your own writing, many first-time writers think it will be a walk in the park. It’s your own writing after all, why would it be difficult? Turns out, revising your own words can be much more difficult than editing someone else...