Tag: Guest Posts

Kismet by Thomasina Burke

Author Thomasina Burke

Can it be possible for someone who has never taken a writing class, or had a dream of publishing a book to actually produce a polished novel without any formal guidance? I found the answer is ”yes”, although I’m not sure I would recommend it to everyone. I am just lucky enough to have a cadre of creative friends who were willing to give or barter their services because of their belief in me. Let me tell you the story of Magic Bridge.

Almost every weekend, we head up a dirt road to a tiny little town in the mountains outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Very few know of Crown King, but we like to call it the best-kept secret in Arizona. Potential stories abound in our hamlet, and some producer is missing a great opportunity for a reality show. Continue reading “Kismet by Thomasina Burke”

Learn to Navigate If You Want to Gaze at the Stars by Mark Cantrell

Author Mark Cantrell

REMEMBER the days of innocence. That was such a carefree time, when the words poured forth untroubled by matters of craft and technique.

The learning needed was steep. The fertile mind of the new writer, however, was too star-struck by the first emergence of the creative cosmos to notice the incline rising rocky underfoot.

Too engrossed to consider where a turn might lead to a grassier path, the emergent writer follows their star oblivious to the hazards ahead. Continue reading “Learn to Navigate If You Want to Gaze at the Stars by Mark Cantrell”

Choosing the Right Editor for You By Ally E. Peltier

Ally Peltier
Editor & Writer Ally Peltier

Did you know nearly 3 million books were published in 2010? That’s a lot of noise to get through, especially for indie authors. To get an edge, many hire freelance editors to review and edit their manuscripts. But with individuals and companies offering everything from rewriting to reviewing, how does one choose the right editorial service?

First, identify which service you need.

Book doctoring: With this editing/rewriting hybrid, a pro dives in and “fixes” your manuscript rather than showing you how to fix it, as editors do. This is best for those unable to write a publishable book (for lack of time or skill), and who want to get their book out ASAP.

Developmental/substantive editing: This service examines issues such as plot and character development, use of dialogue and setting, conflict/tension and pace, and audience suitability. You’ll get the big-picture feedback you need to tackle your revisions and enrich your story. [Some consider “substantive editing” the same as “line editing” (see below).] Continue reading “Choosing the Right Editor for You By Ally E. Peltier”

Find the resonance in your characters – Thea Atkinson

Author Thea Atkinson

I hate running. I really do. Some runners anticipate a good run with eager legs. Not me. I hate every step, each landing of foot on the pavement, every breath I drag in and expel in quick, uncoordinated bursts.

I’m not a good runner either, but two years ago something happened that sent me out into a frigid March morning in Nova Scotia, wearing cheap sneakers and raggedy sweatpants.

My husband had his first real and frightening MS event then. You need to understand: the 23 years I’ve known this man, he’s been a hearty and hale, strapping, no-holds-barred, forearms-like-Popeye’s fisherman. In Nova Scotia, no less — that means he fishes for lobster in the dead of winter. Think Deadliest Catch on a smaller scale but no less dangerous. Continue reading “Find the resonance in your characters – Thea Atkinson”