Pen Names: 3 Reasons Not to Use One

Pen Names: 3 Reasons Not to Use One

At some point, many authors consider using a pen name. Tempting as it may be, it may cause more headache than it’s worth. Here are three reasons to stick with your real name. First, Let’s Define Pen Names A pen name is a fake name. Instead of publishing...
Picture Book Pacing 101

Picture Book Pacing 101

When a book moves too slowly, you put it down. While you may think this only happens with novels and nonfiction works, picture book pacing is just as important. So, you better get it right. Pacing beyond Children’s Books In novels and nonfiction, pace is...
The Power of Contractions

The Power of Contractions

At some point in life, you learned about contractions, and your world changed. With a little apostrophe, you could suddenly combine two words into one. Then, something changed. After years of saying can’t, don’t, and wouldn’t, you fell back into old...
Use Less Dialogue for a Better Book

Use Less Dialogue for a Better Book

Our world moves quickly. We drive fast cars, fly across the world in a few hours, and watch screens that jump from scene to scene in an instant. Let your characters talk too much, and your book will move slowly. Have a slow-moving book, and you’ll lose readers....
Tab Button: Why Writers Shouldn’t Use It

Tab Button: Why Writers Shouldn’t Use It

You’ve used the tab button for years. It’s how you indent after a new paragraph. But if you’re a writer, it’s time to do away with the tab key. Here’s why to give it the boot and what to do instead. The Tab Key Wastes Your Time If you use...
Farther and Further—Which to Use?

Farther and Further—Which to Use?

You found a way to fit writing into your day. Every day, you’ve been pumping out word after word. Now, in the heat of a writing session, you get a brain freeze. Your character is being chased and needs to keep traveling, but you’re unsure whether she...