https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/identifying-your-genre/8471/is-the-early-2000s-historical-fictionMon, 02 Mar 2026 15:59:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:d789eaa4-7446-4565-92f9-237ad16a1ba6Kate BelliKate Belli, author of The Gallery Assistant and the widely praised Gilded Gotham historical mystery series, explains how she's had to reconceptualize her novel as a post-9/11 period piece. This twisty and sinister thriller follows a New York art gallery assistant reckoning with her past as she is trapped in a web of deceit after an up-and-coming painter is murdered—perfect for fans of Katy Hays and Julia Bartz. For more on this author, gallery director, and college professor visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Kate-Belli/232602393 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionThriller & SuspensevideomysteryHistorical Fictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/8455/the-historical-hauntings-that-inspired-this-novelMon, 27 Oct 2025 20:50:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:00cb3d3c-0472-46fb-877c-fd4ec3ef14b0Christina LiChristina Li shares the historical context that inspired her novel, The Manor of Dreams, her adult literary debut. She is the award-winning author of children’s and young adult books Clues to the Universe, Ruby Lost and Found, and True Love and Other Impossible Odds, which have been selected as a Washington Post summer book club pick, one of the NPR and New York Public Library Best Books of the Year , and recognized for the Asian Pacific American Librarians’ Award for Best Children’s Literature . For more on Christina Li visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Christina-Li/213966675 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionLiterary FictionvideoWomen's FictionHistorical FictionHorrorhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/points-of-view/8446/how-lisa-jewell-writes-multiple-povsMon, 25 Aug 2025 13:32:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:12515f37-2e9a-43c7-b6d6-b2d7801b1a29Lisa JewellHow does Lisa Jewell get in the heads of not just so many characters, but so many different characters? For more on this #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three novels visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Lisa-Jewell/75656043 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/8445/backstory-it-s-not-a-bad-wordWed, 13 Aug 2025 19:11:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:30b3fcce-99ce-452c-98f1-b5efa01ee369Jennifer CrosswhiteAnd Done Right, it Gives Your Characters Everything They Need to Come to Life on Your Page Backstory is one of the most common issues authors struggle with. Done poorly, it results in info dumps that stall the narrative. And yet we are all creatures of our pasts, and our characters are no exception. Letting your readers in on what makes your characters tick will help draw them in emotionally. Backstory can be a powerful tool when used correctly. We'll explore how to do that in this webinar with author, editor, and book coach Jennifer Crosswhite. This session includes tips for both fiction authors and memoir authors. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC_5F00_Backstory-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../BackstoryItsnotabadword.mp4 About the Presenter: Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy. Her twenty years’ experience spans both sides of the publishing desk, from managing editor to author of 20 books and counting.fictionBiographies & MemoirSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/identifying-your-genre/8444/how-a-lifelong-love-of-science-fiction-inspired-this-novelMon, 11 Aug 2025 14:07:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:bc9ba229-9369-47de-8be2-85c9ab796ea4Lincoln MichelAuthor Lincoln Michel discusses how a lifetime journey through science fiction inspired his new novel Metallic Realms . Lincoln Michel’s previous books are the story collection Upright Beasts and the novel The Body Scout , which was named one of the 10 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2021 by The New York Times and one of the 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time by Esquire . For more on this critically acclaimed author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Lincoln-Michel/216701549 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionvideoScience Fiction & Fantasyhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/ending-a-story/1988/epilogues---articleMon, 23 Jun 2025 19:01:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:07656561-047a-421d-a75e-819203f7089bAuthor Learning CenterAn epilogue is defined by Merriam Webster as a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work; in simple terms, the concluding section of a story. Some books refer to it as an “Afterword”, but the gist is the same. It’s a way to tie up loose ends, or to inform the reader of the ultimate fate of a character or characters. But why would an author wait until the epilogue to conclude the story? Why not wrap up the story within the story itself? This makes the reading experience far more satisfactory, and speaks volumes about your talents as a writer and a storyteller. Granted, sometimes an epilogue can be appropriate, even preferable. Those instances are rare. But when you, as an author, feel that an epilogue is necessary, there are some simple rules you should follow: Keep the epilogue “short and sweet.” If it’s not worth including in the body of the story, it’s not worth a great deal of words. Address smaller issues, not critical plot elements. For example, things that happen long after the story has concluded. Consider using the narration style and speaking directly to the reader. Be concise, to the point. Don’t ramble. Rambling on and on is always bad, but ever so much more obvious when it’s in an epilogue. Ideally, the epilogue should include something humorous or surprising. It may not have been considered worthy of including in the main body of the book, but adds to the readers’ enjoyment of the overall work. If you’re planning a sequel, the epilogue can be a good way to open the readers’ eyes to this possibility. For example, if the main character of your book dies at the end of the story, the epilogue might be a good stage upon which to introduce the future protagonist. For the most part, though, including an epilogue in your book is not recommended. The best books include the beginning, middle and end within the body of the story.articlefictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/8434/plot-pants-blueprintTue, 13 May 2025 20:46:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:8c16bd65-1380-48a9-b1d7-6fc7d09846d7Jennifer CrosswhiteThe System Any Kind of Writer Can Use to Create Compelling Characters and Page-Turning Plots In this session with book coach, editor, and bestselling author Jennifer Crosswhite, you'll learn how to write deep characters and compelling plot lines without endless planning, massive rewrites, and still have fun. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Plot-Pants-blueprint-handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PlotPantsBlueprintTheSystemAnyKindofWriterCanUse.mp4 About the Presenter: Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy. Her twenty years’ experience spans both sides of the publishing desk, from managing editor to author of 20 books and counting.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/points-of-view/8427/how-to-write-a-historical-sagaMon, 10 Mar 2025 16:23:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:5cb79e04-878b-4439-bbca-7763ce0eb576Signe PikeAuthor Signe Pike chats about building the world of The Shadowed Land , which reimagines the legends of King Arthur by resurrecting the real historical figures who inspired these enduring tales. She discusses writing in multiple points of view, and how this approach keeps the story going. Signe Pike is the author of The Lost Queen series, recently optioned for television, and the travel memoir Faery Tale . She has researched and written about Celtic history and folklore for over a decade. For more on this author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Signe-Pike/101034402 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionvideoHistorical Fictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/identifying-your-genre/8423/the-art-of-the-slow-burn-romanceMon, 10 Feb 2025 15:24:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:53a0af3b-155c-4607-90cf-8026e500017fPenn ColeAuthor Penn Cole loves to read AND write a slow burn romance! Penn Cole is an internationally bestselling author of magical worlds, feisty women, and angsty romance. Her debut series, The Kindred’s Curse Saga , has been sold in sixteen languages to date. For more on this author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Penn-Cole/228975783 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionRomance and Eroticavideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/4008/how-can-you-tell-you-have-a-great-character-_2d00_-video?CommentId=02d9d6b5-5a8a-4dd2-852e-e5c2851c0d74Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:16:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:02d9d6b5-5a8a-4dd2-852e-e5c2851c0d74Earl EdmondsI talked out loud in public as if I'm a public speaker. But Still, I performed this in a bad way using "F" words, forgetting them and their family when I'm heard not enough. Perhaps, Pamela Ribon The Author "You Take It From Here Going In Circles" made a good point "It's best to do it when nobody's home" or around then other times I do it as a way of training when I'm reading out loud.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/setting/8127/how-a-story-s-setting-can-become-a-character-in-the-story?CommentId=a17c6336-97c5-418c-83f7-91de62c2d081Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:16:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:a17c6336-97c5-418c-83f7-91de62c2d081Earl EdmondsA courageous crew lands on a planet that's alive in "The Witches Of Caries." Therefore, it becomes a character that's made up of dirt. I'd walk along the deserted island if I was in it with high creativity and the ability to follow rules is long as it's not too hard as I hate dogs and ugly creatures.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/6390/the-necessary-elements-for-defining-unique-characters---video?CommentId=d4fdbf38-e129-4c4f-80dd-823a4dd2311cThu, 14 Nov 2024 19:54:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:d4fdbf38-e129-4c4f-80dd-823a4dd2311cEarl EdmondsI want all of my main characters Joseph Edmonds (The Protagonist), Longsuffering (The True Hero as Jesus Christ), Hydrocephalus (The Devil along with any bad act or flaw of an internal conflict) and Mario Wilson The Hiring Manager of an Employment Agency (The Antagonist) who attempted to stay me away from my purpose. Furthermore, I'm targeting humans with a Mental Illness, Travelers, Internet Researchers, Home - Based Business, Business Owners and Copywriters. Perhaps, I'm exact with my purpose To Find The Best Environment For Me To Live Where I Don't Know Anybody Having Less Problems Based On My Behavior According To The Spiritual Law or Longsuffering.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/points-of-view/6946/the-fundamentals-of-point-of-view?CommentId=6dda0416-d76f-4c25-b08f-2bf2bc01d993Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:16:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:6dda0416-d76f-4c25-b08f-2bf2bc01d993JonasThank you!https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/8398/creating-compelling-charactersThu, 31 Oct 2024 12:02:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:b7ee083c-404b-4037-aef5-969f378aa939Jennifer CrosswhiteIdentifying key characteristics of your characters that make them jump off the page Readers will follow strong characters through a weak plot, but they won't follow a character they can't connect with. In this webinar session with author, editor, and writing coach Jennifer Crosswhite, you'll learn the key elements of jump-off-the-page characters for a powerful book. There are helpful tips for both fiction and nonfiction authors! Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Creating-Compelling-Characters_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../CreatingCompellingCharactersIdentifyingkeycharacteristicsofyourcharacters.mp4 About the Presenter: Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy. Her twenty years’ experience spans both sides of the publishing desk, from managing editor to author of 20 books and counting.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/4640/how-to-deliver-rich-believable-characters-_2d00_-video?CommentId=b4465f8d-088a-4092-b8fd-d29aec9485e0Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:10:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:b4465f8d-088a-4092-b8fd-d29aec9485e0Earl Edmonds:Who are you? :What do you love? :What's your fruit of the spirit? My fruit of the spirit is Longsuffering. I'm IIA. I love writing poetry. We build our relationship seeing if we hear each other good enough. If so, I'll invite you into my Poetry Circle where you can support me on my 1st upcoming Homeless Poetry Collection called IIA. I'll refer to my product called Write Your First Novel Program by Donna Baierstein The Novelist Coach who wrote "The Silver Baron's Wife."https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/5705/the-secret-to-creating-great-characters---video?CommentId=cb9b47c2-6c9f-4ec9-8988-b45aa2b73305Sat, 12 Oct 2024 03:57:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:cb9b47c2-6c9f-4ec9-8988-b45aa2b73305Earl Edmonds:Can I give you a short interview? We ask advice through this thread. I sent you an invitation to join my Poetry Circle. Let me interview. I think we can work together. Furthermore, I own a product called Write Your First Novel Program by Donna Baierstein The Novel Writing Coach Of AWAI. She'll teach you how to create names and made up names for your compelling characters. We know I'll need to give you a short interview to build our business relationship.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/7381/how-writers-can-use-flaws-to-create-interesting-characters?CommentId=b502c217-1784-4858-83af-d079110bcf19Wed, 09 Oct 2024 01:03:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:b502c217-1784-4858-83af-d079110bcf19Earl EdmondsDan Wantanabe clearly explained about our main character's flaws or bad actions like masterbating about an attractive lady. We usually don't want to express this. It avoids poets, travelers, Internet Researchers and Home - Based Business Owners thinking we're too perfect. I seek to have perfect behavior for Jesus Christ who's giving me a future wife I believe named Aiza The Model Chief Physician. I started adding that biggest flaw to my Epic Poems. Lisa Cowen The Teacher already had liked how I explained my characters. So that would just improve it more. The flaw is separate from a problem that seems to be an internal problem. Thank You.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/8384/ethan-joella-on-the-magic-of-short-chaptersTue, 30 Jul 2024 12:34:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:bfe87f86-9cef-41d8-90b6-d2a0bb14aa62Ethan JoellaFrom the author of the "Read with Jenna Bonus Pick" book, A Little Hope , The Same Bright Stars is an uplifting and emotionally resonant novel set in a Delaware beach town about a local restaurant owner at a turning point. In this clip, author Ethan Joella discusses why he loves writing in short chapters. He teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware, and is the author of A Little Hope, A Quiet Life, and The Same Bright Stars . For more on this author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ethan-Joella/178936526 . youtube.com/watchCommercial FictionfictionLiterary Fictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/8382/how-to-write-a-fiction-seriesWed, 10 Jul 2024 19:37:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:66546fe8-4e3d-467f-9956-8b11fc0c340aAllie PleiterReaders love a series. Agents love series. Both indie authors and publishers know that a well-connected series can gain loyal fans and increase sales. Series also create opportunities for those “extras” that can serve as lead magnets, give-aways, fan bonuses, and promotional tools. Bestselling author Allie Pleiter, who has written over 60 books including eight series for both traditional and independent publishing, shares the secrets of crafting a great series. Whether you’re proposing it to a publisher or utilizing a series to power up your indie career, you’ll come away with tactics to help you succeed well beyond one book. This webinar will cover: • Capitalizing on the advantages of a series • The different ways to structure a series • Single author and multi author possibilities • Building a plot arc strong enough to support a series • Handing off from one book to another • Crafting strong lead characters • Consistency in world-building • Series pitfalls to avoid Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Fiction-Series_5F00_Pleiter-ALC-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowtoWriteaFictionSeries.mp4 About the Presenter: Award-winning bestselling author Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time. She teaches writers how to achieve the consistent, dependable productivity today’s market requires. The author of over 60 published titles, Allie has spent a decade in the publishing profession with over 1.8 million books sold worldwide. In addition to her own writing career, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on faith, the creative process, women’s issues, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management.Mystery – Thriller – SuspensefictionScience Fiction and FantasyTeen and Young AdultRomance and EroticaSubscriberRecorded WebinarWomen’s FictionHistorical Fictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/6138/the-fundamentals-of-writing-short-stories---recorded-webinar?CommentId=10ff8228-fcaa-46c3-a5b2-87a1f4fca5b5Mon, 08 Jul 2024 23:33:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:10ff8228-fcaa-46c3-a5b2-87a1f4fca5b5Earl EdmondsThea Marshall I read about The Fundamentals Of Writing Short Stories by Douglas Gardham. Furthermore, He talked about 4 Rules to writing short stories. For an example, Write it down, Edit, edit, edit, Finish It - Ship It, Read, read, read and then read some more. Moreover, I wrote a full rough draft of IIA About How I Traveled To 28 Environments Off Medications While I Made Fair Decisions According To The Rules Of Jesus Christ. Perhaps, I'm organizing Epic Poems. Nevertheless, I'm hiring an Editor. Needless to say, I've read "Remembering Chapel Hill" By Valerie Shwartz The Journalist who wrote in the Chapel Hill News. I'm using these 4 Rules of writing short stories for my Survey Interviews from Paid View Point. "The Drive - In" By Douglas Gardham sounds like another interesting book to practice reading.