It is the job of the writer to effectively build upon the "heart" of a character; that is, his goals, dreams and motivations that sometimes cause him to act in angelic or despicable ways. Without acknowledging accurately a character's strengths you...

Many authors are drawn to memoir writing because it allows them to share the powerful moments of their life with others. But finding marketing or publishing success as a memoir writer can be difficult. Lucy Silag, community and engagement manager at...

Writing the first draft of a book is an exciting process, but it can also be quite terrifying. Pen Densham, Hollywood producer, writer, and director, tells the secret to overcoming the fear inherent in the writing process so you can finish your first...

Many authors are drawn to memoir writing because it allows them to share the powerful moments of their life with others. But finding marketing or publishing success as a memoir writer can be difficult. Lucy Silag, community and engagement manager at...

Putting yourself and your work out into the world can be very difficult for a writer. In order to network and make important connections you must learn to overcome any fear or self-doubt associated with this effort. While major creative hubs like Los...

Getting Started as a Writer If you’re reading this, you probably have an idea for a book you’ve been dying to write. That’s great! At the core of every successful book is a unique idea that inspired an author to take the initiative and write it into...

When you create a fictional world, you include all the vivid imagery so you reader can envision himself there. Often, however, the characters that a writer devises to fill that world are left are only partly defined. Of course, it’s generally easy to...

Join author Jeanne Lyet Gassman and discover how to explore, develop, and refine your fictional narrative in this exclusive ALC webinar. Part 1: Fleshing Out Your Fictional Narrative A novel consists of chapters and scenes, but what do you need in...

Collaborating with fellow writers and meeting readers are two exciting parts of being an author, but in-person gatherings cannot always be easily arranged due to budget constraints or unforeseen circumstances. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to virtually...