https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/outlining-your-story/7967/telling-highly-personal-stories-for-highly-powerful-impactThu, 02 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:85f12af0-4659-44ea-80c2-5c897151f7d0Allie PleiterPeople respond to stories. Compelling stories of real life experiences impact audiences and readers in ways no other words can. You may want to write a book about an important episode of your life. You may want your fiction to reflect your own experiences. After all, everyone says “write what you know,” right? Yes...and no. It’s important to be wise about how you use personal experiences. The impact can be enormous, but so can the risk. Join bestselling fiction and non-fiction author Allie Pleiter for a lesson in how to best use highly personal stories in your writing. Get your pen and paper or download the handout, there are some writing exercises! Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../4578.Telling-Highly-Personal-Stories-ALC_5F00_Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TellingHighlyPersonalStoriesforHighlyPowerfulImpact26.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 70 published titles, Allie has spent a decade in the publishing profession with over 1.9 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.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/brainstorming/4735/the-writing-process---getting-started---video?CommentId=3e6b4cdd-958c-4d42-bfda-f3a51d37e1ecMon, 16 Mar 2026 12:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:3e6b4cdd-958c-4d42-bfda-f3a51d37e1ecAuthor Learning CenterHi Rhonda, we have a whole section of the ALC website that is dedicated to nonfiction writing - just click on this link: https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/brainstorming/4735/the-writing-process---getting-started---video?CommentId=c7035966-2eb8-4cce-b5fb-2aab9300690aSun, 15 Mar 2026 17:02:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c7035966-2eb8-4cce-b5fb-2aab9300690aRhonda AriasIm writing nonfiction. I didn't see a "getting started" video for that, but this video is still helpful. I can put a short story from a real-life person in each chapter to illustrate it's point THANKS!https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8470/you-need-to-read-in-order-to-writeMon, 23 Feb 2026 14:05:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:cc4e27f2-805c-430d-be26-de4e47703c44Marisa MeltzerWhat's the number one quality to have in order to be a good writer? According to Marisa Meltzer, author of IT GIRL, you have to read...a lot! For more on this bestselling author and journalist visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Marisa-Meltzer/186642301 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8451/memoir-magic-mining-your-journals-to-craft-gripping-memoir?CommentId=5066577a-3b4e-4a9c-985c-2f8d5ca87987Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:28:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:5066577a-3b4e-4a9c-985c-2f8d5ca87987T. Diane NguyenThank You very much for all the advice Julie McGue and the ALC host...https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8451/memoir-magic-mining-your-journals-to-craft-gripping-memoirWed, 10 Sep 2025 20:07:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:ef96f0e1-d579-4b70-8129-eac125bb6425Julie Ryan McGueJournaling gives us a private space to vent, reflect, speculate, problem-solve, record memories, and heal. But it also holds the raw material of powerful storytelling. In this recorded webinar with award-winning memoirist Julie Ryan McGue, you’ll discover how to use your journals as a springboard for memoir writing. You'll explore how to: • Breathe life into memories with vivid sensory details and authentic dialogue • Identify recurring themes, emotional arcs, and pivotal turning points • Unearth tension, conflict, and transformation hidden in everyday entries • Shape scattered thoughts and timelines into a compelling memoir structure By the end of the session, you’ll have a practical roadmap for transforming journal pages into a cohesive, emotionally resonant narrative—one that speaks to readers and honors your voice. Here are the two handouts referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../McGue_2D00_ALC_2D00_Journals-to-Memoir.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../McGue_2D00_ALC_2D00_Journal-to-Memoir-Themes.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../MemoirMagicMiningYourJournalstoCraftGrippingMemoir.mp4 About the Presenter: Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. Her first memoir, "Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging" (She Writes Press), released in May 2021, won multiple awards. Her work has appeared in Writers Digest, Story Circle Network Journal, Brevity Nonfiction Blog, Imprint News, Adoption.com, Adopting.com, Lifetime Adoption Adoptive Families Blog, Adoption & Beyond, and Severance Magazine. Her personal essays have appeared in several anthologies, including "Real Women Write: Seeing Through Her Eyes" (Story Circle Network), "Real Women Write: The Power of Friendship" (Story Circle Network) and "Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis" (She Writes Press). Her collection of essays, "Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship" (Muse Literary) released in November 2023. She writes a bi-weekly blog and monthly column (The Beacher Newspapers), in which she explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it. Her third book, "Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood" (She Writes Press) released February 4, 2025. Julie splits her time between northwest Indiana and Sarasota, Florida.Christian Books and BiblesSelf-HelpNonfictionSubscriberReligion and SpiritualityRecorded WebinarBiographies and MemoirsReligious and Inspirationalhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/identifying-your-audience/7874/audience-development-for-indie-authors-and-publishersWed, 16 Jul 2025 20:41:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:bf6abf0b-93c1-4d62-9599-376fb085a646Beth Kallman WernerAs much as you’d like it to be, your book is not for everyone. While some books may appeal to many types of readers, most books appeal to only select audiences. As an indie or self-published author, identifying and reaching your specific readers is key to selling books. In this webinar session, Author Connections President and book marketing advisor Beth Kallman Werner covers the following steps for developing and reaching your book’s audience: • Research your genre and define layers of readers for your book • Identify bloggers and reviewers who are reaching your intended audience • Select successful/role model authors and imprints as gateway influencers • Plan social media content, print/online ads, text teasers, video trailers, etc. • Schedule networking and outreach efforts for pre/during/post-launch, to foster effective engagement and build momentum • Determine ongoing connection channels: social media, blog, Substacks, website, newsletter, Wattpad, Goodreads, Bookmory, Book2Look, serial releases, etc. • Create subscription/member/follower/Patreon perks and rewards: first notice new releases, special discounts, giveaways, events, exclusive content unlocked for VIP, etc. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC_5F00_Audience-Development25.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AudienceDevelopmentforIndieAuthorsandPublishers25.mp4 About the Presenter: Author Connections (AC) has been serving a global roster of author and publisher clients since 2010. AC is devoted to editing and marketing excellent content for discerning readers. As former Director of Marketing & Sales for Kirkus Reviews, Beth worked with major houses and indie authors on book reviews and title campaigns for any size budget. Since launching Author Connections, Beth has worked on more than two hundred titles in fiction and nonfiction, adult and children’s books; many earning multiple marketplace awards and accolades. Beth is Advisor to the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA), a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and Author Connections has earned the coveted Seal of Excellence from the Association of Independent Authors (AiA). Beth’s own book, "Travels of an Independent Woman", is scheduled for September 2026.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/working-with-a-co-author/8435/how-know-your-newlywed-came-to-beTue, 27 May 2025 18:14:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:2c0469f1-ddcf-456f-8d1c-e9b822a5b6e1Heather Taylor and Hillary NussbaumAuthors Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum discuss the creation of audio original Know Your Newlywed with executive producer Elena Armas. Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) and Mary Mouser (Cobra Kai) star in this swoon-worthy, full-cast rom-com! When two super-fans of a beloved dating gameshow hear that it’s being rebooted, they decide to team up and fake a marriage to compete in the hilarious new audiobook. For more on these authors visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Know-Your-Newlywed/Heather-Taylor/9781797170657 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionvideoromance & eroticahttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/choosing-your-topic/6304/exploring-writing-styles---article?CommentId=3165f31e-1c01-48c8-affb-88f493aec91dWed, 07 May 2025 12:09:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:3165f31e-1c01-48c8-affb-88f493aec91dKeith OgorekGlad you found this helpful. There are lots of other great resources on the ALC to help you on your author journey. Excited to see your published bookhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/choosing-your-topic/6304/exploring-writing-styles---article?CommentId=c9ae830e-655a-4279-9e05-2b93eb59aae0Fri, 02 May 2025 12:02:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c9ae830e-655a-4279-9e05-2b93eb59aae0Carol HungerfordThank you for this excellent article explaining various .methods and rools for the emerging writer. I plan to use all of them as I begin my first non fiction Christian book. I write narrative and descriptive.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8432/lessons-from-robin-s-boss-stephen-kingMon, 28 Apr 2025 16:50:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:da1ede97-101d-4aeb-a448-c5e48bbb73a4Robin FurthRobin Furth, Stephen King's research assistant, shares what she's learned from working with the master storyteller. For more on Stephen King's library of work that Furth has collaborated on, visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Robin-Furth/20586501 . www.youtube.com/watchMystery – Thriller – Suspensefictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/identifying-your-audience/7982/how-fiction-authors-can-go-beyond-genre-to-identify-their-target-audienceThu, 17 Apr 2025 12:35:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:17ee841e-cf47-4856-8c73-b432f851994aBeth Kallman WernerIdentifying your target reader can often be more challenging for fiction authors because your book's themes and messages might be a little more subtle than a nonfiction book. Book marketing advisor and Author Connections President Beth Kallman Werner recommends that fiction authors look beyond just their book's primary genre to understand who you are trying to reach. For example, if you've written a romance novel, is it a thriller romance, young adult romance, paranormal romance, or erotica? Each of these subgenres target very different audiences. For fiction authors, it's important to dig deeper into your characters' situations, plot, and writer voice when determining the type of reader you are targeting. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowFictionAuthorsCanGoBeyondGenre.mp4fictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/identifying-your-audience/7981/how-nonfiction-authors-can-use-the-four-ps-to-identify-their-target-audienceThu, 17 Apr 2025 12:05:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:a72d86d5-b9d2-4bfa-b356-5e19470f4ba0Beth Kallman WernerBecause nonfiction authors typically focus on a specific topic or area of expertise in their books, it helps to clarify the type of reader they are targeting. If you are struggling to identify and reach your target audience with your nonfiction book, marketing advisor and Author Connections President Beth Kallman Werner recommends going back to the "4 Ps" of product marketing - product, price, position, and promotion. Asking yourself questions like, "Who is my book for?" and "Why am I writing this book?" can help focus in on your target reader.. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowNonfictionAuthorsCanUsetheFourPs.mp4Nonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8430/the-true-crime-story-that-inspired-this-novelMon, 14 Apr 2025 13:53:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:56ee9fe8-f8cd-4e8f-9b8a-0eafbaebba91Tova MirvisTova Mirvis shares the true crime case that inspired her novel We Would Never , a riveting literary page-turner that maps the extremes to which a family will go in order to protect their own. Tova Mirvis is the author of the memoir The Book of Separation as well as three previous novels: Visible City, The Outside World, and The Ladies Auxiliary , which was a national bestseller. Her essays have appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Real Simple, and her fiction has been broadcast on NPR. For more on this author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Tova-Mirvis/218683383 . www.youtube.com/watchMystery – Thriller – SuspensefictionLiterary Fictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8428/will-ai-write-the-next-great-novelMon, 24 Mar 2025 20:49:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:e03680ca-534f-4e97-a86e-99613cf73c68Sergio De La PavaSergio De La Pava, author of Every Arc Bends Its Radian, Lost Empress, Personae , and A Naked Singularity , offers his thoughts on artificial intelligence in today's culture and the arts. For more on this award-winning author visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Sergio-De-La-Pava/166773424 . www.youtube.com/watchfictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/2224/researching-people-in-history---video?CommentId=09804b12-779a-4bc5-bac7-36385dde5f02Sun, 23 Feb 2025 19:35:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:09804b12-779a-4bc5-bac7-36385dde5f02Hashim Hi, I am also stuck in my research paper. Research work is really tired me. Now I want to get help from any expert who could write research paper for me. Can you help me? Or could recommend me any professional?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/brainstorming/2531/getting-started-as-a-writer---articleWed, 12 Feb 2025 14:10:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c059e942-2013-49c9-969b-3a230c2aebb7Verneda LightsPeople often make the mistake of thinking that writers don’t really work. The truth is: Writing is hard, sometimes painful work that requires detailed preparation, practice and persistence. Here are several things you should do to get started as a writer: 1. Decide What Kind of Writing You Want to Do You can choose to embrace either fiction or nonfiction (or both) . As a fiction writer you can write novels, short stories, plays or poetry. Nonfiction writers can research and write scholarly articles, how-to-books, biographies or fact based books on any subject in art and science. Ideally, the kind of writing you decide to do will be rooted in your personal interests, desires and skills. 2. Read and Write as Often as Possible In order to excel at writing, you have to enjoy reading and you should read a lot. The best writers read a vast array of content that can range from history, classical and contemporary literature, art and science. Reading expands your thought vocabulary and informs your writing with a knowledge of “the big picture” that will entertain and teach your audience. Practice is part of the pain that creates the beauty in what you write. Writing everyday is akin to being an acrobat, magician, dancer or singer: It makes your delivery smooth. Imagination delivered by the fingers of crisp, well-crafted sentences linger long in the literary gustatory palate. Set aside a time and place to write everyday . Choose wisely by selecting a time and place with ample room and minimal distractions. 3. Set Your Stage You will be spending a lot of time in your writing space, so it’s important to stock it with what you need. Adequate lighting and ergonomically correct chairs will help you to avoid hand, back and eye strain. If you are an “old school” writer who eschews computers, stock up on notebooks and ball point pens from your local Dollar Store. If you don’t know how to use a word processor, consider investing some time in free classes at your local library. If you are computer literate , set up a file on your computer (or thumb drive) that will contain your writing resources and projects. Make sure you back up your files every day. 4. Establish Short and Long-Term Goals Outline what you want to write about, then break it up into sections or chapters. Set up goals for your research , sections and chapters of your book. Make sure you have sufficient resources to obtain the information you need to be well informed about your topic. Short-term goals are what you want to accomplish in days or weeks and long-term goals are for what you want to have accomplished within months and years. Choose goals that are attainable (what you have the time and resources to accomplish) and measurable (something you can quantify such as pages per day or chapters per month). 5. Join a Writing Community Local bookstores, libraries and colleges are reliable sources of information about real world writing communities. Goodreads is a free online writing community that lets you search and browse books. Its Author Program allows you to promote your book as well. Writer’s Cafe gives you the opportunity to post your work online and network with other writers for free. 6. Continue to Learn Actively look for more information about what you want to write. Continue to read and write as often as possible. Seek out other people who are writing or trying to write the things you want to write, and see if they're part of communities you can join. See how other writers got started with their writing . The most important thing you can do is keep going. Don't stop. For even more helpful tips on getting started, check out this article .articlefictionNonfictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/brainstorming/2531/getting-started-as-a-writer---article?CommentId=04d468f8-7981-4ec2-928d-20187a234dfeMon, 10 Feb 2025 13:47:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:04d468f8-7981-4ec2-928d-20187a234dfeAuthor Learning CenterHello, please check your Author Learning Center message inbox - you can access it by clicking on the message icon in the upper right corner of the page, next to your profile photo. Thank you.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/brainstorming/2531/getting-started-as-a-writer---article?CommentId=32e55230-77ac-4506-8d6d-d712e786c3d0Fri, 07 Feb 2025 22:01:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:32e55230-77ac-4506-8d6d-d712e786c3d0Sylvia MenchacaI just joined up and would like a to chat with someone regarding my getting started. I don't see a chat box. Where can I get support?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8422/a-deep-dive-into-the-value-of-research-for-both-nonfiction-and-fictionWed, 05 Feb 2025 17:49:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:30fbd408-f075-4a9f-9b63-5d64dea4b2e8Jeanne Lyet GassmanThe Methods, Applications, and Larger Benefits In this webinar with award-winning writer Jeanne Lyet Gassman, we will look at doing research for your writing and how it can benefit you in multiple ways. We will discuss how to conduct your research, how to apply your research to your story or narrative, when you need to research, and how you can expand its benefits for your writing career. This presentation is useful for all types of prose writing, from nonfiction narratives to memoirs to novels. Here are the handouts referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Handout-Library-Databases-for-Research_2D002D00_2025.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Reliable-Internet-Sources-for-Research_2D002D00_2025.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Podcast-Guest-One-Sheet_2D002D00_2025.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ADeepDiveintotheValueofResearchforbothNonfictionandFiction.mp4 About the Presenter: Jeanne Lyet Gassman lives in the mountains of New Mexico where she writes & teaches. Her debut novel, "Blood of a Stone" (Tuscany Press), received a Bronze 2015 Independent Publisher Book Award. Her short work has been nominated for Best Small Fictions and the Pushcart Prize. Other awards include fellowships from Ragdale and the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, & poetry have been published in numerous literary magazines and anthologies, including "45 Poems of Protest: The Pandemic", "Bosque7", "Dear America: Reflections on Race", "Debris & Detritus: The Lesser Greek Gods Running Amok", "The Manifest-Station", "Queen Mob's Tea House", & "Hippocampus Magazine", among many others. Jeanne recently received a New Mexico Writers Grant for her novel-in-progress, a story about a family of downwinders who were affected by the radioactive fallout from the atomic bomb tests in Nevada. You can learn more about Jeanne at her website: www.jeannelyetgassman.com or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeanneLyetGassman .fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinar