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How To Write Shop

Articles on the craft and business of writing

amwriting

Jump-Start Your Imagination with Story Starter First Lines

February 5, 2017 by Kathy Steffen 22 Comments

One way to fire up your imagination? Creative writing exercises focused on the first line of a story. Below is a list of first lines for you to use to hone your storytelling and writing skills.

Posted in: Writing Craft, Writing Prompts Tagged: amwriting, creative writing exercises, ideas, inspiration, muse, writing prompts

A No Stress Guide to World Building

October 5, 2012 by Lori Devoti 2 Comments
guide to world building

I’m a big believer in a conversational approach to writing a synopsis which frequently is also part of my plotting. This Guide to World Building works with this same idea. Rather than going all left brain and filling out a list, I just sit back and let the ideas flow. One great way to do this … [Read more…]

Posted in: Worldbuilding, Writing Craft Tagged: amwriting, world building, worldbuilding, writetips

Why Build Your Own World, When You Can Steal One?

October 1, 2012 by Lori Devoti 1 Comment
worldbuilding world building build your own world

No, this is not a post about fan fiction or making a living as a copyright thief. It’s really more of a “write what you know” post or what you can research post. It’s a build your own world post based on what is already established or accepted. I’ve had two series that required some … [Read more…]

Posted in: By Genre, Fantasy, Worldbuilding, Writing Craft Tagged: amwriting, world building, writetips

Grammar: Affect vs Effect

September 24, 2012 by Rachel Berens-VanHeest 5 Comments
grammar

Affect vs effect. Many people use these words interchangeably, rather than correctly. So what do they mean? By definition, you “affect,” or act on something, and something that you do causes an “effect.” In other words, “affect” is a verb, and “effect” is a noun. Or think of it this way: “affect” is something you … [Read more…]

Posted in: Grammar, Writing Craft Tagged: affect vs. effect, amwriting, grammar tips, writetips

Face Your Fear and Query

September 21, 2012 by Bobbi Dumas 8 Comments
Stack of envelopes, query letters

Years ago, a knew a woman (we’ll call her Amanda) who wrote romances, but never actually submitted one.  At a writers’ meeting, a mutual published author friend was talking about making money as a writer, and Amanda kind of snorted and said, “C’mon, you can’t make real money writing.” To which the author said, promptly … [Read more…]

Posted in: Featured, Finding Writing Markets, Writing Business Tagged: amwriting, GetPublished, writerslife
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Mastering Amazon Ads: An Author’s Guide

by Brian D. Meeks

Considering running ads at Amazon? Don’t make the mistakes so many authors do. Read this book first.

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The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers
by Christopher Vogler

The Writer’s Journey explores the relationship between mythology and storytelling in a clear, concise style.

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