by Tamela Hancock Murray @Tamela_Murray A reader of novels: Expects the expected Wants something unexpected Offering both the expected and unexpected isn’t most effortless order to fill. However, there are a few ways you can try to keep from annoying your reader: [tweet_box design="default" float="none" inject="#writing #pubtip"]How Not to Annoy…

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel Just because you write non-fiction doesn’t mean you can’t be a good storyteller. In fact, I heartily advocate using all the elements of fiction in your writing. This is often called “narrative non-fiction” and employs good storytelling in order to offer an important takeaway. While…

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson Last year I launched two books and signed a contract for four more in the next two years. This year, I launched two more books and am about to sign a contract for several more. Over the course of my career I have published through big…

by Lindsey Brackett @LindsBrac If you want to develop authentic characters, learning the Enneagram is a great place to start. This old tool suggests nine basic personality types for people—all focused on identifying a person’s underlying motivation (or core sin). Enneagram experts believe every person carries tendencies of the nine…

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I bet you’re thinking that this article is about fishing. Well it is, and it isn’t. We all have our favorite novels, rich stories that send us into the lives of our characters—and even become our friends. We’re walking with them, sharing their joys and sorrows,…

by Lisa Carter @LisaCarter27 Readers often ask what kind of research I do for my novels. First, I read everything I can regarding factual topics and law enforcement issues before I ever speak with LE officials. Once I’ve done this and feel I'm ready to ask semi-intelligent questions, I turn…