Transform your writing so it lingers with your readers using the tips in Ignite Your Ink’s blog articles. New posts are released Sunday mornings and cover topics from grammar to story craft to techniques working in published books.
Your story is only as good as the words you choose to communicate it with, so pick your words intentionally. Make sure your word choices build vivid, specific images your readers can fully picture. Learn how to make sure your using verbs, adjectives, and active voice to craft that picture.
Read MoreMost authors know they should avoid passive voice, but not everyone knows why or how. Passive voice slows your story’s pace and dulls your descriptions. Once you learn to recognize it, you can rephrase from passive to active voice.
Read MoreOne way to study writing and improve your skills is to read like a writer, especially books that challenge your way of thinking about stories. Newcomer by Keigo Higashino is murder mystery with an nontraditional structure. Read his novel to learn how to develop a spiral story structure, characters, and setting.
Read MoreIf you’re the type of author who loves to make things happen in your stories, a dynamic book series might be for you. These plot-based books are driven by events, but you do need to make sure you have enough plot for a series and can learn to love the middle of a story. Learn how.
Read MoreNot every idea or tangent will fit in your book, but that doesn’t mean you have to cut them completely. When you’re writing an anthology-based book series, you have the freedom to create standalones and mini-series on any thread of story you come up with. That’s what Mercedes Lackey does in her Valdemar series. Learn how here.
Read MoreIf you like the freedom to explore, an anthology book series might be the best choice for you. Tied together by setting or related characters, these series are the most open. Discover how you can plan your series using your world and/or characters.
Read MoreIf you’re writing a character-driven static book series, you need to study similar series like Patricia Briggs’ Mercedes Thompson novels. Through such a series you’ll learn how to show your main character’s personality so your readers want to follow them for multiple books and how to plant seeds to inspire and use in future books.
Read MoreWriting a book series is a wonderful, terrifying, time consuming process. If you’ve decided to commit to a static series — one that’s driven by your characters — you need to develop a character readers want to read more of and make sure you have enough ideas to fill you books. Here’s how to get started planning your static book series.
Read MoreOne way to submerge your reader in your character’s perspective is through the format of your piece. Subtle changes in formatting and the way you present character thoughts can reinforce their character, advance the plot, and deepen their perspective. Discover the techniques Caroline Pignat used to do this in her young adult novel Shooter.
Read MoreYour series bible is your cheat sheet for your book. By keeping track of details like scar placement, favorite colors, and room layouts, you’ll create a more consistent story and smoother reader experience. Discover what to put in your series bible.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever thought about writing a series, but were too overwhelmed by how much work it would take, you are not alone. Many authors find series daunting, but they are worth the time and effort. Book series build super fans and allow you to dive deeper into characters and settings. Discover why you should commit to a book series.
Read MoreBeing an author means you are a bit of a public figure. You need to interact and build relationships with your fans and industry professionals to have your writing read. Some people find this terrifying. I get it. I used to be extremely shy, so I want to share how I got over that shyness and developed confidence in myself and my writing so you can too.
Read MoreYou’ve finally published the book you’ve spent months, years, even decades dreaming about. Now it’s time to celebrate! One way to celebrate your writing is to throw a book release party, but before you dive into event planning check out these tips on publication parties to decide if you even want one, where to host, and what to do at your book release.
Read MoreAuthor events don’t have to be only about reading your work. Your readers are there to get to know you and your writing better. These gatherings are more fun for everyone when you create space for questions, conversations, sneak peeks, and other activities.
Read MoreYour readers want to hear from you. Readings are an opportunity to connect with fans and turn attendees into readers. Which excerpt you choose will determine whether your listeners are hooked and invested in your reading or bored and internet surfing, so learn how to make your selection wisely.
Read MoreEnding books in a series is different than ending standalone novels or the final book. Each book in a series still needs to satisfy your reader in some way, but also retain enough of their interest to convince them to read the next book. Accomplishing this is not easy and can be the difference between a series readers can’t stop reading and one they never finish.
Read MoreWriting a book series is a great way to build a career as an author. Readers love series. However, if you’re going to commit to that many polished words in one story, you need to understand what type of series you’re writing, so you know what readers want and can deliver the kind of book series they can’t get enough of.
Read MoreYour beginning may sell your first book, but it’s your ending that sells subsequent books. A satisfactory ending leaves a reader with a strong emotion and answers the questions the author sets up. A satisfactory ending is one that makes a reader want your other books.
Read MoreA synopsis is a key part of your submission packet if you intend to traditionally publish. Agents and publishers use this summary to determine if you can write a compelling story all the way to the end, and it has some specific nuances. To give yourself the best chance at landing a publishing deal, learn how to write a compelling synopsis.
Read MoreIf you plan to traditionally publish, you’ll need a query letter with claws to capture an agent’s or publisher’s attention. Even though there is a bit of a formula to queries, they aren’t easy. Pitches, comparables, and credentials all need to come together to make an agent want your book.
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