Writing Blog
The Big Five Publishers and Their Romance Imprints: A Guide for Writers
For writers looking to publish traditionally, understanding the major players in the industry is essential. The "Big Five" publishing houses dominate the market, each with a range of imprints that cater to different genres, including romance. If you’re an aspiring romance author, knowing which imprints are most receptive to your work can help you target your submissions effectively.
📖 Story Genius – Lisa Cron
Story Genius by Lisa Cron challenges the conventional wisdom that story is primarily about plot. Instead, she argues that great stories are built on the internal journey of the protagonist, with plot emerging organically from character development.
Trope Deep Dive: Only One Bed
The "Only One Bed" trope is a beloved narrative device in romance literature that thrusts characters into intimate proximity, often leading to heightened tension, vulnerability, and the blossoming of romantic feelings. This scenario typically arises when two characters, due to unforeseen circumstances, are compelled to share a single sleeping space, challenging their boundaries and accelerating emotional connections.
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Weighing My Options as a Debut Author
One of the most critical decisions an author faces is choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Here’s a closer look at my early insights into these two distinct publishing worlds, along with my own experiences and plans.
Embracing Imperfection: The Art of the Messy First Draft
In a world where perfection is often celebrated and polished pieces are seen as the standard, the concept of a messy first draft might seem counterintuitive. Yet, this initial, unrefined burst of creativity is precisely where true innovation begins. Embracing imperfection isn't about settling for mediocrity—it's about freeing yourself from the paralyzing grip of perfectionism and allowing ideas to flow without constraint.
📖 The INFJ Writer – Lauren Sapala
The INFJ Writer by Lauren Sapala is a book specifically aimed at writers who identify as INFJs (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It explores how the INFJ personality type influences creativity, writing struggles, and the overall approach to storytelling.
Trope Deep Dive: Forced Proximity
The Forced Proximity trope is a compelling narrative device in romance literature that brings characters into close quarters, often against their initial wishes. This enforced closeness creates a fertile ground for emotional development, as characters navigate their differences, confront personal barriers, and often discover unexpected affection.
The Complete Guide to Editing and Feedback for Writers
Here is a comprehensive guide to the stages of feedback and editing, along with when each should take place. You may not need to pursue every avenue of editing, but this is the general trajectory you should take.
📖 Story Engineering – Larry Brooks
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks takes a highly structured, almost scientific approach to storytelling, breaking it down into six core competencies that serve as the foundation for a well-constructed novel.
Celebrating Small Wins: Every Step Forward Counts
Every small win you celebrate is a step closer to your larger goals. By focusing on these incremental achievements, you create a life filled with gratitude, positivity, and relentless progress. The journey becomes as fulfilling as the destination itself.
Categories
Writing Journey – My goals, milestones, reflections on my progress, and lessons learned along the way.
Writing Process – Blog posts about drafting, revising, and my creative habits.
Writing Resources – Tools, research methods, and recommendations.
My Novel – Updates on my current work in progress.
Book Reviews – Reviews of various writing craft books and comparable novels to my work in progress.