Author. Screenwriter. Columnist. Freelance.
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A Guide To Children’s Book Categories
So, you have an idea for a children’s book. But where to start? Navigating the world of children’s books can be confusing, and it can be difficult to pinpoint how your idea will fit in to that world. Before you begin to write, you need to choose a category. Children’s book categories are narrowed down… Read more
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75 Character Interview Questions
All great stories have one thing in common–memorable, realistic, well-rounded characters. Dynamic characters draw the reader into the story and entice them to become emotionally involved. The need to know what is going to happen next with those characters keeps the reader turning the pages. To create characters that cause the reader to become emotionally… Read more
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Why Your Book Needs A Logline
“What is your story about?” This inevitable question can send authors either into a stammering stupor or a ridiculously long-winded explanation of the intertwined subplots and fantastic twists of your novel. Either way, without a succinct answer, you’ve lost your audience and maybe even a sale. There’s a simple solution to this situation. The logline.… Read more
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10 Tips for Receiving Critique With Resilience
Having fellow writers and professionals read and critique your work is a necessary step on the way to publication, but hearing all that is wrong with the words you poured your heart and soul into can feel stressful and disheartening. It doesn’t have to be this way. When you embrace the critique with resilience (the… Read more
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Writing Action Plan in 6 Steps – with Free worksheet Download
Have you ever made a new writing goal only to find yourself getting distracted, giving up and failing? The sad fact is, that a staggering 82% of new years resolutions fail. The vast majority of goal setters don’t follow through. The problem is not the goal, it is in the lack of preparation. Benjamin Franklin… Read more
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5 Types of Supporting Characters
You’ve nailed down your main character and constructed a worthy adversary and now need to flesh out the cast and people your book. You need more characters. Well-developed supporting characters help to create a more rounded protagonist and reinforce the story between the protagonist and the antagonist. Supporting characters work in harmony with the main… Read more
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Creating Emotionally Rich Characters Through Trauma
Creating characters that resonate with readers can be difficult. As writers, we have the tendency to strive to design the perfect character. Like an artist at the potter’s wheel, we take a nondescript hunk of clay, and we mold, shape, and smooth it until we cultivate the traits, behaviours, and actions of the perfect character.… Read more
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Just Released: Canadian Shorts II
FREE SHIPPING A new short story by Allison Gorner, Killer First Date, is now available in the collection Canadian Shorts II. Canadian Shorts II is available in paperback, large print, and audio (digital and CD). Order from the publisher’s website and receive FREE SHIPPING (Canada & US). The romantic thriller, Killer First Date explores modern… Read more
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Plotting in 5 Acts
(or How to Get Your Readers to Binge-Read Your Story) It’s the end of the day and you’re curled up on the couch (stretchy pants on) binge-watching a show. Just before the break your favourite character gets shot (or fired, or kissed)! You need to watch just a little bit more. Before you know it,… Read more
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Interview With Steven Salpeter, Literary Agent with Curtis Brown Ltd.
After finally finishing your book, you are ready to release your masterpiece to the world – preferably to high acclaim. Getting published can be a tricky business, so, what’s the next step? Do you self-publish or go the traditional route? How do you create that perfect query letter and land an agent? How do you… Read more
Featured Works
Allison Gorner 