Let's talk about minor characters.These are your protagonist’s family members, friends, and coworkers. Important enough to have a name, but definitely not an above-the-title name. They mainly exist to help move the plot along, often being on the receiving end of your protagonist’s witty dialog or exposition. “OMG Amber, let me tell you about what... Continue Reading →
In the Beginning – Starting a New Novel
My ninth book (Glitched) is with my editor right now and so, it's time for me to start writing the next one. Book number ten will be the second in the Mike Malick series, and it's unique in my experience for one reason. I don't really know what it's about. Here's what I've got: A title: You Go... Continue Reading →
All About That Pace
Let's talk about pacing, i.e. the action in your novel. Does it start slow and build to an action-packed climax? Do you hit on your main themes in a regular pattern? Do you sprinkle humor here and there? I wasn't sure how I did it. I've had readers comment that they like the pacing in... Continue Reading →
Series Fiction: What I wish I’d known at the start
I'm in the final stretch of writing the fourth book in my Lexy Cooper mystery series. Now, I'm certainly nowhere near as prolific as many writers, but by the time you get to Book 4, you've built up a pretty substantial cast of characters, a history, and a world. Here are some of the things... Continue Reading →
Crowdfunding for Novelists
In between the second and third Lexy Cooper books I did a crowdfunding campaign to fund a research trip. The trip wasn't critical to my book; I had already budgeted money for the cover, editing, and proofreading. I didn't have to travel to Roswell, but believed the book would be more authentic if I had... Continue Reading →
5 Great Reasons to Publish Short Content
When you’re trying to establish a brand, it’s important to build your series as quickly as you can without sacrificing quality or sanity. If you have a good response to the debut book, don’t make readers wait a year or more for their next meal—they will move on, and you need all the momentum you... Continue Reading →
How Not To Write
There are a million and one things you could do instead of writing a book. Things that are easier, more fun, and will earn you more money. You've been doing some of them for years. Let’s take a look at the excuses we use and the lies we tell ourselves when we aren't writing. Fiction... Continue Reading →
When to release and promote your books
There are those who say that authors should release a book simultaneously in digital and paper form. Their argument being that everyone who wants to read your book should be able to. If they want to give you money, why make them wait? Well, I’ll tell you. Every new format is a chance to promote your... Continue Reading →
Novel Experiment Day 2 – The trouble with S and hella words
I decided "Hiatus Experiment" doesn't really make sense, ergo "Novel Experiment." Day Two research involved the book Rush by Maya Banks. In contrast to the Rafe MacKade book, the sex was not lukewarm. Nope, not at all. It was hot. Here's my Goodreads Review for Rush. "Pretty well-written. The author believes that manly men say... Continue Reading →
