May 4, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I use Draft2Digital for a lot of different things: formatting, distributing to multiple retailers, and entering promo opportunities. What I love most is that it handles all the [...]
May 3, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 27, 2026
by Loretta Bushell The most beloved fictional characters aren’t faultless heroes. They’re complex characters who feel real — they have flaws, quirks, likes, and dislikes. Many authors turn to handpicked development questions to [...]
April 26, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 20, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Complex murder schemes might seem clever, but they often backfire with readers who prefer believable motives and realistic methods. The best mysteries feel like they could actually happen. [...]
April 19, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 13, 2026
by Angela Ackerman Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we can write about. When readers sense a character is experiencing it, they practically lean in, waiting to see what will happen [...]
April 12, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
April 6, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Long setting descriptions make readers’ eyes glaze over. Mine do, too. Usually I’ll skim settings as a reader. The key is to keeping reader attention is weaving essential [...]
April 5, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
March 30, 2026
by Jessica (J.R.) Lancaster and Jessica Thompson Writing a book with a friend sounds great until you think about all the time one spends in the publishing trenches, effort spent making [...]
March 23, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Self-editing can’t replace professional editing, but it can make your manuscript stronger before it reaches your editor. Also, the less time your editor spends with your manuscript, the [...]
March 22, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
March 15, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
March 9, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Timeline errors can derail even the best mysteries. When your sleuth interviews a suspect on Tuesday but refers to it happening on Wednesday two chapters later, readers notice. [...]
March 8, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
March 2, 2026
by Juliet Allarton Picture the scene: you’ve just put the finishing touches on your mystery novel. Your plot is airtight, your characters are well-rounded, and you’ve built tension like your life depended on [...]
March 1, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
February 23, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Good dialogue does a lot of work at once; it reveals character, moves the plot forward, and keeps readers turning pages. When conversations go flat, readers start skimming [...]
February 22, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
February 16, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com We’ve all written flat characters before. You know, the helpful librarian who exists only to hand over a crucial book, the grumpy neighbor who complains on cue. [...]
February 15, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
February 9, 2026
by Shannon Symonds ,@shannonsymonds7 I love creating a killer, even if he is a cozy killer. I believe the why behind your bad guy can make or break your story. To show you how [...]
February 8, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
February 2, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com The most satisfying mysteries offer readers that amazing “I should have seen it coming” moment when the killer is finally unveiled. For a mystery writer, one of the [...]
February 1, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
January 25, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
January 19, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When people ask what I’m currently working on, I’ve learned to give vague answers until the first draft is done. It’s almost like telling someone what you’re planning [...]
January 18, 2026
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related [...]
January 12, 2026
By Nina Amir It would be easy to claim that most books written with the intention of creating change fall into nonfiction genres. However, every fiction book has the potential to move [...]
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by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I use Draft2Digital for a lot of different things: formatting, distributing to multiple retailers, and entering promo opportunities. What I love most is that it handles all the behind-the-scenes work without upfront fees. It’s become my go-to tool for getting books where readers can find them, no matter which store they prefer. Edit note: Thanks to Russell Phillips for the correction! Draft2Digital recently introduced new fees: a $20 one-time activation fee for new accounts, and a $12 annual maintenance fee for accounts earning less [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Loretta Bushell The most beloved fictional characters aren’t faultless heroes. They’re complex characters who feel real — they have flaws, quirks, likes, and dislikes. Many authors turn to handpicked development questions to help them achieve greater character depth. Over on Reedsy Studio, we have hundreds of prompts for each character role. Here are five crucial questions to ask yourself about every significant character in your story. 1. How did their childhood shape them? Admittedly, this first question’s not very original — but it is important, as any therapist [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
believable characters, cozy mysteries, mystery plotting, mystery writing, plot development, realistic fiction, story credibility, writing craft, Writing the Cozy Mystery
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Complex murder schemes might seem clever, but they often backfire with readers who prefer believable motives and realistic methods. The best mysteries feel like they could actually happen. Ground Motives in Human Nature The strongest murder motives come from universal emotions like greed, jealousy, fear, revenge, or desperation. A killer who murders for a million-dollar inheritance feels more believable than someone with an elaborate scheme involving ancient curses. Even unusual motives should connect to recognizable human feelings. Readers need to understand why someone would [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Angela Ackerman, character development, guest post, Show Don't Tell, Showing Emotion, writing craft, writing tips
by Angela Ackerman Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we can write about. When readers sense a character is experiencing it, they practically lean in, waiting to see what will happen next. But showing fear in a tangible way requires strong, descriptive choices that layer on discomfort and dread. It’s easy to make common mistakes when describing fear, so let’s look at what they are and how to avoid them. Telling Instead of Showing In real life—say, when you’re giving directions or are short on time—it’s often [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
atmospheric writing, character perspective, description, scene building, setting, story environment, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Long setting descriptions make readers’ eyes glaze over. Mine do, too. Usually I’ll skim settings as a reader. The key is to keeping reader attention is weaving essential details into action and dialogue so readers absorb the environment naturally without realizing they’re being given a tour. Use Character Actions to Show Space Instead of describing a cluttered kitchen, show your character pushing aside stacks of mail to find counter space for their coffee cup. Rather than listing all the books in a library, have [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Jessica (J.R.) Lancaster and Jessica Thompson Writing a book with a friend sounds great until you think about all the time one spends in the publishing trenches, effort spent making another person understand you, and tying up all the loose ends when you are not even the person holding them all. We, Jessica (J.R.) Lancaster and Jessica Thompson, have written a book together, we didn’t fight, we’re still friends, and it makes sense and everything! Therefore, we must have some wisdom to share on how to [...]
editing, editing techniques, manuscript development, revision, self-editing, writing craft, writing process, writing tips
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Self-editing can’t replace professional editing, but it can make your manuscript stronger before it reaches your editor. Also, the less time your editor spends with your manuscript, the less-expensive the edits are. Here are a few tips for better self-editing. Let Your Manuscript Rest Put your finished draft away for at least a week, preferably longer. This distance helps you see problems you missed while writing. When you return to the manuscript, you’ll notice repetitive phrases, unclear passages, and plot inconsistencies that were invisible [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
editing, plot development, story consistency, story organization, timeline management, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Timeline errors can derail even the best mysteries. When your sleuth interviews a suspect on Tuesday but refers to it happening on Wednesday two chapters later, readers notice. Here are five strategies to keep your story’s chronology consistent. Create a Simple Timeline Document Start a separate document that tracks days of the week and major events. List each day chronologically with key happenings: “Monday: body discovered, police called. Tuesday: sleuth interviews neighbor, visits crime scene.” This reference document lets you check dates quickly while [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Juliet Allarton Picture the scene: you’ve just put the finishing touches on your mystery novel. Your plot is airtight, your characters are well-rounded, and you’ve built tension like your life depended on it. Your next step is to self-publish, but there’s just one problem: you need a book cover. How can you create an enigmatic yet iconic cover design, like the cover of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code or Thomas Harris’ The Silence of the Lambs? Never fear; here’s how to perfect that all-important cover in four [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
character development, character voice, conversation writing, dialogue, fiction writing, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Good dialogue does a lot of work at once; it reveals character, moves the plot forward, and keeps readers turning pages. When conversations go flat, readers start skimming to find the action. Here’s what helps me keep dialogue earning its place in the story. Let Characters Talk Past Each Other Real conversations often involve people pursuing completely different agendas. One character might be asking about weekend plans while another assumes they’re being questioned about their whereabouts during a crime. These crossed wires create natural [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
character creation, character depth, character development, fiction writing, storytelling, supporting characters, writing craft, writing techniques
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com We’ve all written flat characters before. You know, the helpful librarian who exists only to hand over a crucial book, the grumpy neighbor who complains on cue. Flat characters serve their purpose and exit stage left. But when supporting characters start feeling more like props than people, readers will notice. Here’s how to add dimension without overcomplicating your story. Spotting the Problem If you can sum up a character with a single adjective like mean, helpful, or nosy, they’re probably too flat for [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Antagonist Motivation, character development, cozy mystery, guest post, Murder by the Book, mystery writing, Shannon Symonds, Villain Creation, writing craft
by Shannon Symonds ,@shannonsymonds7 I love creating a killer, even if he is a cozy killer. I believe the why behind your bad guy can make or break your story. To show you how much I care about the why behind the bad guy, I am going to spoil one of my older books later in this article. But first, Lisa Cron in Story Genius said: “Now we’re going to begin the process of turning those broad generalities into the compelling specifics. “How? By asking ‘Why?’ Because you can’t know [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Last-minute red herrings, Mystery misdirection, Timing red herrings False leads in mysteries, Writing the Cozy Mystery
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com The most satisfying mysteries offer readers that amazing “I should have seen it coming” moment when the killer is finally unveiled. For a mystery writer, one of the most effective tools in your arsenal is the last-minute red herring; it’s a compelling false lead that diverts both your sleuth and your readers just before you reveal the actual culprit. Last-minute red herrings serve a few different purposes. They create that last little surge of tension before the resolution, they demonstrate your sleuth’s ability to [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
creative control, creative process, first drafts, manuscript development, work in progress, writing advice, writing habits, writing process
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com When people ask what I’m currently working on, I’ve learned to give vague answers until the first draft is done. It’s almost like telling someone what you’re planning on naming your child when you’re still pregnant. They might feel free to tell you they don’t like a name when it’s not quite official yet. But after the fact, they probably wouldn’t dream of doing so. First drafts are still finding their shape. Characters are developing their voices, plot threads are coming together, and I’m [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
"Change the World One Book at a Time", character development, fiction writing, Guest Posts, Hero's Journey, Nina Amir, story structure, Transformational Fiction, writing craft, writing techniques
By Nina Amir It would be easy to claim that most books written with the intention of creating change fall into nonfiction genres. However, every fiction book has the potential to move readers to change—if written specifically with that goal in mind. Indeed, novels can inspire and motivate personal, spiritual, organizational, or world change. You might argue that reading any novel changes the reader. After all, the protagonist in every novel experiences transformation, and that change can inspire and motivate readers to seek a similar transformation in their [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
daily habits, life management, organization, personal development, planning, productivity, stress reduction, time management
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I’ve been a list-maker for years, but I’ve learned that effective lists require more strategy than just jotting down tasks. With the new year, it’s a perfect time to rethink how we organize ourselves. Here’s what I’ve discovered about creating lists that reduce stress instead of adding to it, for both writing projects and everyday life. Find Your Format I use a paper planner because physically writing tasks helps me remember them better. I download template 26 from calendarpedia.com‘s weekly planner templates and keep [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Canadian Mystery Writers, Christmas, Holiday Stories, Mike Martin, Seasonal Writing, Sgt. Windflower Series, writing life
by Mike Martin, @mike54martin “Something about Christmastime… makes me wish it was Christmas every day”. So spoke the great Canadian balladeer, Brian Adams. It also kinda captures how I feel about Christmas. And also, why I choose to write about it. It would come as no secret to anyone who knows me that I love Christmas. I love everything about it. And sorry to the ‘haters’ out there, but it can’t start early enough for me. The thing I love about Christmas is the spirit itself. I respect those [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
creativity, productivity, self-care for writers, sustainable writing, writer's block, writing habits, writing life
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com I’ve learned stepping away from writing can be just as important as showing up at the keyboard. But it’s been a tough lesson and something I still really struggle with. Here’s a list of ways cutting back on our writing time can help. Refilling the Well Sometimes we get our best ideas either during or after a break from our book. Taking a walk, reading, watching movies, or doing anything we enjoy has a way of recharging our creativity. Clarity Through Distance When I [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
author branding, author platform, book marketing, Guest Posts, Marketing and Promotion, Publication Consultants, Website Design, writing business
By Evan Swensen When I first heard Donald Miller say, “If you confuse, you lose,” I stopped in my tracks. I’ve spent decades working with writers and publishers, and I’ve seen that simple truth play out again and again. Writers often believe cleverness or complexity will sell books. It won’t. What sells is clarity. The Shifting Landscape of Book Discovery Publishing has never been static. In my early years, bookstores, flyers, and brochures carried the weight of discovery. If you wanted to reach readers, you had to fight [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
By Patricia Crisafulli “The minute you walk out this door you show your character to everyone who sees you.” When I was young, my mother admonished me into good behavior with these words. What she did not know, and I could not fully appreciate until many years later, was just how valuable her advice was for writing. Layer by layer, we reveal the character of our protagonists and antagonists by what they say and do, particularly in interactions with others. There are endless possibilities in character-driven novels like cozy [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
character contrast, character development, character dynamics, cozy mystery writing, mystery series, mystery writing craft, sidekicks, supporting characters
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Sidekicks are important characters in cozy mysteries. They keep our sleuth from having a lot of interior monologue about suspects and motives, for one thing (which can get very boring to read). But they play other big roles in our stories, too. Give Them a Life Beyond the Sleuth I’ve learned that the most memorable sidekicks have identities independent of the main character. In my Myrtle Clover series, I gave her sidekick, Miles, a job as a retired engineer, specific hobbies, and his own [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
author branding, book marketing, building platform, promotion strategies, reader relationships, writing business
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to shout about every new release. But I’ve learned that readers don’t follow books—they follow authors they like. When you focus on building yourself as a presence rather than pushing individual titles, every book you write benefits from the connections you’ve already made. Build Relationships That Last Beyond One Release When someone finds you because you shared something helpful or interesting, they discover your whole catalog. A reader looking for cozy mysteries [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
Canadian Mystery Writers, Crime Writers of Canada, Features, Guest Posts, Mystery Anthologies, Ottawa, Regional Mysteries, short stories
Feature: A Capital Mystery – Ottawa’s First Mystery Anthology by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com Today I’m thrilled to feature something special from Mike Martin, a long-time supporter of this blog and author of the beloved Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. Mike has co-edited (with Bernadette Cox) A Capital Mystery, the first Ottawa mystery anthology sponsored by Crime Writers of Canada. This collection brings together 21 local writers who’ve created stories set in the darker corners of Canada’s beautiful capital city. I’m delighted to share Mike’s introduction to this exciting anthology. [...]
by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig LitLinks are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 70,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you’re there, check out the Writer’s Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer. Have you visited the WKB lately? Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox! Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here. Follow the WKB [...]
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