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 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.
Read MoreThe decision to traditionally or self-publish your book is not easy. The book industry is in a period of transition, meaning both options have pros and cons and are constantly evolving. To decide if you prefer creative control or payment upfront, you need to understand the benefits and pitfalls of traditional and self-publishing.
Read MoreAuthors write to be read. One way of getting your words in front of readers in through literary journals. These publications are looking for specific kinds of polished short pieces. To give your writing the chance to impact and linger with readers, learn how to tell when your piece is ready, find literary magazines, and submit.
Read MoreWriting with emotion doesn’t mean you need to create a soap opera story. Emotion can be subtle, overwhelming, positive, and negative. In It Happened One Doomsday, Laurence MacNaughton tells the thrilling story of a weak sorceress determined to save a demon and stop the apocalypse, while keeping his readers smiling. You can learn to keep a dark situation light and use setting to your advantage by reading his novel.
Read MoreWhen you finish a book or a chapter and pause to linger in the moment, it’s because that author has left an emotional impression on you. Mood is one of the ways you can create that emotional impression in each of your scenes.
Read MoreWhether you realize it or not, your attitude toward what you write about seeps into your piece. When readers say a piece is whimsical, sentimental, critical, or vindictive, they are referring to the author’s and characters’ attitudes. They are talking about the tone of your piece. Just like tone of voice, your writing’s tone impacts your story’s meaning.
Read MoreHave you ever read a novel with such a vivid setting, you wanted to visit that place or use it to inspire your own stories? Dennis L. McKiernan’s Faery in Once Upon an Autumn Eve is such a place. From McKiernan’s novel, writers can learn how to create a world readers hate to leave and strong female characters.
Read MorePlaces have personalities just like living creatures. Readers want to feel your setting and see how your story affects it. To make your setting come alive, you need to bring out that personality, to think of or transform your setting into a character.
Read MoreStrong settings impact your plot because you are using them as more than a backdrop. If you can pick up your story and move it to a different place and/or time, you are not using your setting effectively. Transform your setting into obstacles your characters must overcome, so your plot advances and your characters have to make decisions.
Read MoreIf you want your readers to dread reaching the end of your book, to wish they could linger in your story longer, you need to build a strong setting. Create a place your readers day dream about or are haunted by with your setting’s time, place, environment, and society.
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