What Genre Is My Story? Why the Answer Matters

What Genre Is My Story? Why the Answer Matters

The first time I wrote a novel, I didn’t think about genre until the first draft was done, and I began trying to untangle my mess in revision. After two painful years (mostly comprised of avoidance, procrastination, and general despair), I hired a developmental editor who began our first phone call by asking, “What kind of book is this?” and “Who is your ideal reader?”

“It’s for everyone,” I said. I could hear the rise and fall of my breathing in the silence.

“No, it isn’t,” she said in a kind, but firm voice. Within minutes, I realized I had skipped a clarifying question that would guide every step of the book process from the plot and characters to cover design and marketing.

Should You Write a Book? Why Write a Book NOW

Should You Write a Book? Why Write a Book NOW

While 2016 was completely crazy, it was also extremely productive for me as I writer. Last year, I was able to finish writing THREE books. THREE. In one year. Sounds kind of crazy in hindsight.

Through writing those three books, I learned a ton. And today I’ve compiled a list of all the reasons you should write a book too.

How to Overcome Writer’s Block: 5 Simple Steps to Get Back to Your Book

How to Overcome Writer’s Block: 5 Simple Steps to Get Back to Your Book

It’s practically inevitable. You’re rockin’ and rollin’ through your writing, feeling invincible, and then you reach a sudden halt: You’re blocked. The words won’t come. It seems like there’s nothing more, and yet you’ve got things to do! Deadlines to meet! Dreams to fulfill!

It can seem impossible. But never fear: it can be done.

Here’s how to write a book when you’ve got writer’s block.

Top 10 Book Planners: Can These Planners Help You Finish Your Book?

Top 10 Book Planners: Can These Planners Help You Finish Your Book?

Writing a book is a bit like going to war. It takes blood, sweat, and tears, often over the course of years to finish writing a book.

And when going to war, it’s important to spend time planning for battle. As Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.”

But how do you plan? What makes a good plan to write a book? And are there any materials that can help make it easier?

Good news: there are now plenty of practical and user-friendly planners, both physical and digital, specifically tailored for the needs of writers.

In this article, we’ve listed some of our favorite book planners, both physical and digital, created with authors and writers in mind so you can create a strong plan for your book that you can actually finish.

When It’s Time to Start Over

When It’s Time to Start Over

How many of you have been writing for a while? This article is for you—though if you’re brand-new, this will eventually apply to you, too. Ahem. There will come a day when it’s time to start that story over from scratch.