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 …

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. …

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, …

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 …

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, …