Giving Constructive Writing Feedback

Photo by Ann H on Pexels.com If you belong to a writer’s group or know other writers, odds are that they will ask you to give feedback. Constructive feedback shouldn’t leave the writer feeling dejected and ready to give up, but inspired and motivated to make their manuscript better. Here are some tips on how …

Utilizing Beta Readers

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com Whether you’re polishing up that NaNoWriMo manuscript or have a New Year’s resolution to get that work in progress to press, you need reliable feedback. Beta Readers are a great way to discover what the average reader’s response will be to your book and to find out if there is …

Writing Prompts–75 Ideas to Get the Creativity Flowing

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Sometimes writers get stuck. It happens to all of us. One way to get over a slump is to use a writing prompt. A writing prompt is a topic that provides a starting point for writing ideas. It gets the creativity flowing, helps you practice the craft of writing, and …

JUST RELEASED “THIS BOOK IS TOP SECRET”

News Release from Mischievous Books. This Book is Top Secret officially released. Available on Amazon – eBook and paperback Google Play Books – eBook Smashwords – eBook Direct from Author – paperback. Signed copies available.

A Guide To Children’s Book Categories

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com 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 …

75 Character Interview Questions

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com 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 …

5 Types of Supporting Characters

Photo by Arifur Rahman on Unsplash 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 …

Creating Emotionally Rich Characters Through Trauma

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com 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, …

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, …