https://kreatonbooks.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-11-29 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/six-common-writing-obstacles monthly 0.5 2025-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1764416480624-DHA87XYYL97LUJL9VR7N/unsplash-image-j4w_JdK_nEg.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Six Common Writing Obstacles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/support-characters monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1761757573497-KIYTPB4568D5JB8FOZ0W/unsplash-image-PGnqT0rXWLs.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Support Characters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-obstacles monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1759225915622-G3N2XOBH6T5PXWDENMKF/unsplash-image-s9CC2SKySJM.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Obstacles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/creating-characters monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1756587243150-XCEMG9ZKUEF7Q9YB1X3R/unsplash-image-o-IJPGt8G5o.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Creating Characters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/deleted-scenes monthly 0.5 2025-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1753552681435-MKPAUG019BWLX91VL4HY/unsplash-image-xZv946pldqc.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Deleted Scenes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writers-enemy monthly 0.5 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1751045976674-VWB2Q9SY78X1XO4M05U9/unsplash-image-_nvKjg0aliA.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - A Writer’s Enemies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/build-your-website monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1748500945573-K48BDMCLD2WS3Y6W2PP6/unsplash-image-7okkFhxrxNw.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Get Published - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/small-habits monthly 0.5 2025-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1745684164668-DIWHA2R06LCMIAIKXLWL/unsplash-image-7JyQGcWxBSI.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Small Habits - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-struggles monthly 0.5 2025-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1743182129690-HBBIYT8PDQUG7MF79SAK/unsplash-image-viMyUbkD84k.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Struggles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/hardest-things-about-writing monthly 0.5 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1740475421378-DZLHOE2UYE9ZQQXX0E0U/unsplash-image-1K9T5YiZ2WU.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Hardest Things About Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/organization monthly 0.5 2024-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1732983901085-WX3X4DUPGJHG4VK5G611/unsplash-image-ZDYN7azwO6c.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Organization - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/isbn-primer monthly 0.5 2024-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/ff112ae2-a734-490f-847a-07d8f8317ea0/isbn-1.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - ISBN vs ASIN - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/my-writing-process monthly 0.5 2025-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1725127171884-AIAJFNPWEYIPK4JRAPE6/unsplash-image-N7XodRrbzS0.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Writing Process - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/chose-to-self-publish monthly 0.5 2024-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1722719832430-SA6BKKMVB14K6A72QR8W/unsplash-image-uyDdZgW3q-M.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Self-Publishing II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/my-personal-debate-2 monthly 0.5 2024-07-15 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/reqevil monthly 0.5 2024-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/8f2213a6-8c3b-4ab8-989a-cac090733636/requisite-evil-epub.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Requisite Evil - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/character-development monthly 0.5 2024-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1708188887308-VYTC2E6L97BP1RYCLA9K/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Character Development - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/prompts monthly 0.5 2024-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1707583046802-CIFF7CIEPVHYIU7OIDT7/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Prompts - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/isbn monthly 0.5 2024-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/5bf34499-d3b4-458a-ab3b-2de2c4d57b15/isbn.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - ISBN - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/selfpublishing monthly 0.5 2024-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1706384743701-NO6VZD54P4MN0EDAIVJA/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Self-Publishing Basics - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/personal-debate monthly 0.5 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1705772547841-7UI1ZYFA7XLKJP4E7442/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Personal Debate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/publishing monthly 0.5 2024-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1705172490767-8PELCNYBAUQ9O0M7XW1L/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Self Publishings Basics - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/plotting monthly 0.5 2024-01-06 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/title-bhgrz-phx6e monthly 0.5 2023-12-24 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/dialogue monthly 0.5 2023-12-16 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/genres monthly 0.5 2023-12-09 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/beta-readers-2 monthly 0.5 2024-10-01 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/arcs monthly 0.5 2023-11-25 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/reader-magnet monthly 0.5 2023-11-18 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/scenes monthly 0.5 2023-11-11 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/be-a-writer monthly 0.5 2023-11-04 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/drawbacks monthly 0.5 2023-10-28 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/the-elements-of-fiction monthly 0.5 2023-10-21 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/active-voice monthly 0.5 2023-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/92f33515-7f37-4c83-b845-1186d6554909/multi-subject.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Magic Of Active Voice - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/from-blank-page-to-words-flowing monthly 0.5 2023-10-07 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/creating-multidimensional-characters monthly 0.5 2023-09-30 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/fictions-tropes monthly 0.5 2023-09-23 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-your-first-novella monthly 0.5 2023-09-16 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/types-of-characters monthly 0.5 2023-09-09 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/finding-your-writing-tone monthly 0.5 2023-09-02 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/setting-writing-goals monthly 0.5 2023-08-26 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/unlocking-your-writing-potential monthly 0.5 2023-08-19 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/the-written-legacy monthly 0.5 2023-08-12 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/transforming-your-writing monthly 0.5 2023-08-05 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/the-show-dont-tell-conundrum monthly 0.5 2023-07-29 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/crafting-multidimensional-characters monthly 0.5 2023-07-22 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-great-fiction monthly 0.5 2023-07-15 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/breaking-through-writers-block monthly 0.5 2023-07-08 https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/boost-your-creativity monthly 0.5 2023-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1688211147417-EKGQ4OPYMI73AAZ99CSO/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Boost Your Creativity - Introduction Establishing writing habits is one of the most important things you can do to become a successful writer. Writing habits can help you increase your creativity, improve the quality of your writing, and expand your skills. They are an important way to set goals and make progress. Strong writing habits will make you more productive and efficient. It's important to know how to establish, set goals, and follow through. Read on to see the importance of, the benefits of, and strategies for developing your writing habits. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/conquer-impostor-syndrome monthly 0.5 2023-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1686430059558-WYSC33KH98KWLDGMZFL2/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Conquer Impostor Syndrome - Introduction Most writers, at some point in their careers, battle a phenomenon known as impostor syndrome, a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy that can prevent them from reaching their full potential. But for fiction writers, the challenge can be particularly pervasive. Impostor syndrome is a mental state of feeling inadequate despite success. It can be a source of great anxiety and self-doubt, often preventing writers from sharing their work with the world. In fiction writing, it can be especially difficult to overcome. The subjective nature of fiction makes it highly personal, and can make it harder to trust in your own abilities. This is especially true for beginners who may not understand the complexities of the craft or the nuances of the publishing industry. It is also true for those who have experienced criticism or rejection. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/self-publishing monthly 0.5 2023-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1685809637316-42IIXZP5SGME2LNAQV2Y/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Self-Publishing - Introduction Self-publishing has become more popular because of its convenience and affordability. With the rise of technology and the internet, self-publishing is now an option for anyone looking to write and publish a book that they can share with the world. There are a variety of self-publishing platforms you can choose from, and it can be overwhelming when trying to choose the one that's right for you. It's important to know what your options are before you decide on a platform, as each one offers distinct features and advantages. It’s also important to consider the fees associated with self-publishing, as these can vary between platforms. To make the best decision, you'll need to know the pros and cons of each platform and weigh them against your own goals and needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1685813369389-SXQ8ZV5XY3LC89CNFYTZ/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Self-Publishing - The Pros of Self-Publishing Platforms One of the key benefits of using a self-publishing platform is that it gives authors the freedom and control to publish their writing on their own terms. Authors can reach more audiences through self-publishing. Self-published books offer higher royalty rates. With higher royalty rates, authors might earn more money than if a traditional publisher published their book. Self-publishing platforms are typically quick and easy to use. Authors can upload their work and make it available for sale in just a few clicks. Authors can get their work out to readers much quicker, as there is no need to wait for a publisher to pick up their work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1685813543261-PHJC4222VZ08OH2NFDXD/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Self-Publishing - The Cons of Self-Publishing Platforms Although there are many benefits of using a self-publishing platform, there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks is that authors have to take on all the marketing and promotion work themselves. This can be a daunting and expensive task. Many authors are unfamiliar with the techniques that are used for successfully marketing a book. Authors will have to pay for marketing or promotional expenses associated with their book’s sales, as there is no publisher to take on these costs. Another potential issue with self-publishing platforms is that the quality of the book may not be as high as it would be with a traditional publisher. This is because there is no editor or publisher to provide feedback or guidance to the author. The author is responsible for editing and formatting their book. Self-publishing may not provide the same level of distribution as a traditional publisher.. Overall, self-publishing platforms can be a great way to get a book out to readers. Before taking the plunge, it’s important to assess the pros and cons of each option and decide which platform is the best fit for a particular project. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/escapism monthly 0.5 2024-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1685208755288-TQ7VKD6GUQ4BKETL7L9V/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Escapism - Introduction Escapism is an enticing concept: the idea of freeing oneself from the confines of reality and entering a world of fantasy. It is an age-old form of escapism that people throughout history have used to take a break from their daily lives and seek refuge in the world of imagination. It is no wonder that fiction writing has become a popular way to experience the its power. Fiction writing allows the writer to create an entirely new and vivid world that is free from the constraints of reality. Through writing, one can explore different scenarios and ideas without the risk of any real-world consequences. The potential to craft a unique and captivating story and transport readers to another realm is one of the primary benefits. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling monthly 0.5 2023-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1684600522296-AK2H905LP72QEFIXKVKJ/image-asset.jpeg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Power of Storytelling - Introduction Stories have always been the means by which we understand and communicate with the world. Through fiction, non-fiction and autobiographical tales, storytelling has been used for generations to share culture, nurture values and pass on knowledge. Today, storytelling remains as important as ever, with its power now reaching far beyond the traditional realm. Storytelling is the art of creating or reciting a story in order to entertain, teach, or evoke emotion. We can convey stories through both written and spoken word, and different cultures have their own ways of doing so. Stories can be funny, magical, romantic, and many more. The power comes from its ability to captivate an audience and draw them in. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/dialogue-tags monthly 0.5 2023-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1683993790569-MZOALK370Q9F7CZIUEA6/dialogue_tags.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Dialogue Tags - Introduction Writing dialogue is a skill that takes time and practice to perfect. Dialogue tags are the often overlooked elements that determine how the reader interprets the dialogue and the emotion behind it. They are an important component of storytelling because they help to establish the context of the conversation, the emotion of the characters and their relationship with each other. Dialogue tags are the words used to refer to the speaker in dialogue. Writer’s usually place them at the end of the dialogue, usually as a verb or an adverb. For example, “She said” or “He asked”. They are used to add clarity and structure, as well as to show the emotion behind the dialogue. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/vanity-presses monthly 0.5 2023-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1683392065452-TII51R1XB5Z967RDIQOB/unsplash-image-Tzm3Oyu_6sk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Vanity Presses - Introduction Are you an aspiring author who is considering taking the leap into publishing with a vanity press? While vanity presses can offer the quick and easy avenue to publishing that you desire, it’s important to understand the potential pitfalls. In this article, I’ll explore what a vanity press is, the pitfalls to avoid, tips for avoiding them, and more. No matter what kind of book you are writing, make sure you fully understand the company’s approach in order to make informed decisions about your best path. If you take nothing else from this article, engage in a little abductive reasoning and then remember the Duck Test; If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it just may be a duck. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/literary-tropes monthly 0.5 2023-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1682767234255-MWM7REPL0D6ULTPV457B/unsplash-image-81PkOTYkN2Y.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Literary Tropes - About This Article Are you looking to write engaging and powerful stories with maximum effect? Literary tropes can help you do just that. But what are literary tropes, exactly? In this article, I’ll go into some of the different tropes and how to use them in your writing. I’ll provide examples of their usage in literature, so you can gain an understanding of how to use them yourself. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be ready to use literary tropes in your writing in ways that will help your stories stand out, engage your audience, and make a lasting impact on your readers. So let's dive in! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/your-website monthly 0.5 2024-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1682165390184-EB0QVE64SGIY4CZV8BJZ/unsplash-image-7lryofJ0H9s.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Your Website - About This Article As an author, having a website is a must. Your website is the digital headquarters for your entire literary career. It's the place where readers can get to know you and your work from anywhere in the world. In this article, I’ll discuss the many ways a website can benefit authors. I’ll discuss the essential elements of creating a website, such as choosing a domain name, hosting your website, structuring your website and choosing a design. I’ll also show you some creative ways to use your website to market and monetize your work. So if you’re serious about your career as an author, read on to learn the importance of having a website and how it’s a must-have for authors. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/reader-magnets monthly 0.5 2023-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1681490238100-5IOF3YMCN3ENTIVF3CVN/unsplash-image-yktK2qaiVHI.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Reader Magnets - About This Article As an online marketer or business owner, you know how hard it can be to capture and keep user attention in the digital world. Reader magnets are the perfect tool to help you achieve this. Reader magnets are incredibly powerful tools that can help you draw in more readers, build trust and authority with your audience, generate important leads, and much more. In this article, I’ll explore what reader magnets are, the benefits of using them, the different reader magnets, and, most importantly, how to create them. Let’s get started! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/beta-readers monthly 0.5 2024-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1680976242946-K7WJGQBCFDWZINM0K01G/unsplash-image-jXAyAl4g7DY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Beta Readers - About this Article Are you an aspiring author who wants to write a captivating novel? Have you written one already but don’t know how to improve it? Beta readers are the answer. They can provide unbiased feedback, identify plot holes, and help you improve your writing. They can also guide you in choosing the right readers and responding to their feedback. In this article, I’ll discuss the multiple ways you can utilize beta readers to help make your manuscript more polished and professional. Keep reading to learn how to take your story to the next level with beta readers. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/plot-twists monthly 0.5 2023-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1680381787976-V1SV79LMPRFVI8IN99XJ/unsplash-image-4K2lIP0zc_k.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Crafting Clever Plot Twists - About this Article Are you stuck in a story rut? Are you finding it hard to come up with creative plot twists? You’re not alone! Crafting a clever plot twist can be challenging for a writer. Plot twists can add a thrilling element to your story by keeping your readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. But how do you create effective plot twists without cliches? In this article, I’ll explore how to craft clever plot twists. I’ll look at what makes a great plot twist and how to create unexpected twists to keep your audience engaged. I’ll also cover common pitfalls to avoid to make sure yours don’t become cheesy or contrived. Let’s get started! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/creating-serial-fiction monthly 0.5 2023-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1679771827417-C39A48CFXNLVL498RLC3/unsplash-image-3gu_BmEbHaM.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Creating Serial Fiction - About this Article Creating serial fiction is one of the most challenging yet rewarding writing projects you can undertake. It takes great skill to create a story that can capture the attention of readers, not just for one installment, but for multiple parts over weeks or months. I recently wrote my first serial fiction work, The Pursuit, and published it on the Kindle Vella platform. It was a very exciting and challenging exercise. In this guide, I’ll define what serial fiction is, and then discuss the key characteristics that you’ll need to use in order to create an interesting work. I’ll look at how to create cliffhangers and suspense, the style and tone of the writing, and tips for writing for serial fiction. Finally, I’ll talk about how you can focus on distributing and promoting your work, and then finding an audience for it. Let’s get started, and learn more about creating engaging serial fiction! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/fiction-writing-challenges monthly 0.5 2023-04-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1679161963103-UXR5KFCXZ31KPHE428VW/unsplash-image-eMP4sYPJ9x0.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Fiction Writing II - About this Article Writing fiction is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly challenging. From crafting unique characters to constructing engaging plot lines, there are a lot of challenges that come with writing a great novel. In this article, I’ll explore six common fiction writing challenges and provide tips for overcoming them. I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you produce a brilliant piece of fiction. So, join me as I equip you with the tools to write your perfect story! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/characters-gone-rogue monthly 0.5 2023-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1678563983729-62FVQXTVVJT8NRNLWFBC/unsplash-image-56CjIvG10lo.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Characters Gone Rogue - About this Article Do you ever root for the rogue characters in fiction? It's a common phenomenon - we're all drawn to the characters that challenge the norms and find themselves on the wrong side of the law. But what makes characters to go rogue? This article dives into the complex psychology behind rogue characters in fiction, looking closely at their motivations and desires, character flaws, and external factors. Let’s explore why fictional rogues are so fascinating and get to know some of our most beloved rogue characters. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/ready-set-write monthly 0.5 2023-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1677953421494-JWK0NNBA9MQ3NABGA8FG/unsplash-image-XrSzacdYbtQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Ready, Set, Write! - About this Article Are you looking to turn your passion for writing into a book, novel, but need help getting started? Writing a book can be a difficult task, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor. In this article, I’ll cover the basics of writing a book and explore the various steps you can take to transform your ideas into a publishable manuscript. From establishing a writing schedule to refining and marketing your work, I’ll provide you with the steps and tools you need to be successful. So, let’s get started with the basics of writing your first best seller! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/elements-of-fiction-writing monthly 0.5 2023-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1677354523719-F6D65M5UVEI1IKOHTE1Y/unsplash-image-9BuubT2lFKs.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Elements of Fiction Writing - About this Article Are you an aspiring writer looking to get started in fiction writing? This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the unique elements of fiction writing, from Freytag's Pyramid and plot, to conflict, characterizations, and even dialogue. Read on to discover how to use these elements to create compelling stories and captivate audiences. Before I begin, let’s examine the structure of a written work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/33adb2f6-9a11-4791-b1d1-d03f8d278d15/FTP.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Elements of Fiction Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-types monthly 0.5 2024-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1676722051296-USBJTMCDC7G2ER40VUMI/unsplash-image-6Ptwy-nDnoE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Types - About this Article Writing is an essential skill that is used in all walks of life, yet its complexities are often overlooked. In this article, I will uncover the many mysteries and nuances of writing styles, explaining exactly what expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing entails. I will break down the common elements of each type of writing and explain how the principles of writing can improve your own writing. Finally, I’ll cover features of effective writing and touch on additional resources at the conclusion of this article. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/fiction-writing monthly 0.5 2023-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1676141996886-KDDQ00FT3HWEPWZ1S65Y/unsplash-image-59lC6TgZAbQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Fiction Writing I - About this Article Are you looking to write fiction? Writing stories can be an exciting and creative way to express yourself, but it can also be daunting. Writing fiction requires a unique approach and handling the many components of story-telling can be tricky. It’s important to separate the facts. This article will provide you with all the information you need to demystify the process and help you craft a captivating story. NOTE: Please feel free to skip around and read just the sections that apply to your current or upcoming projects. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-challenges monthly 0.5 2023-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1675533711392-C1BP7JLD0CZFFWO3BG54/unsplash-image-6bibCUj3lfA.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Challenges to Writing - About this Article Writing is a creative endeavor that requires talent, passion, and dedication. However, it's difficult sometimes to stay focused and motivated. Many writers face challenges that can put a damper on their creativity. From fear of becoming a writer to lack of focus, there are plenty of struggles to the writing process. In this article, I'll look at some of the common challenges writers face, and the strategies they used to overcome them. I'll discuss how to edit as you go, manage distractions, develop your creativity, and more. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to tackle any roadblock you come across. Let's get started! https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/character-arcs monthly 0.5 2023-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674774541573-WAZBJI95TWBYRZNR6JS6/unsplash-image-ZC4zXCMqpdk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Character Arcs - About this Article Creating meaningful character arcs is a crucial component of any story. Character arcs provide depth and complexity to your characters and plot, making them dynamic and interesting. In this article, I’ll discuss the unique characters and character arcs, and how to make them powerful and engaging. I’ll provide examples and look at the anatomy of a character arc to help you write arcs that move your readers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674812357818-N0LN1PXSUF367XYAVSJB/unsplash-image-s6KRh-y42Uk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Character Arcs - What Are the Arc Types A character arc is an essential part of fiction writing. It allows the reader to get to know and follow a character’s journey. In this section, I’ll look at the three main types of character arcs: positive, negative, and flat. I’ll explore examples of each and discuss how to create compelling and powerful character arcs for your stories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674813858300-Y5WS029T93C6QLSM02X3/unsplash-image-gJgSwvKkyRA.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Character Arcs - The Anatomy of Character Arcs Character arcs are an integral part of effective writing. Done correctly, they can propel a story forward with interesting twists and turns, engaging readers and compelling them to keep reading. But to understand how to craft an effective character arc, you’ll need to get to know the anatomy of a character arc. A character arc is the journey the character takes throughout the story. It’s the process of the character’s growth and development over the course of the story, and you can break it down into three parts: the setup, the conflict, and the resolution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674814674908-HZG7MYSACB0815E0DZD6/unsplash-image-YfsyWcoI9Ko.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Character Arcs - Characters You May Know Character arcs are a vital element of storytelling, and with the right arc, your characters can capture your audience's attention and create an engaging and powerful narrative. In this section, let’s look at some popular character arcs you may know. By exploring these arcs, we can better appreciate how powerful they can be. Walter White - Breaking Bad The iconic character arc of Walter White in Breaking Bad is one of the most memorable and powerful arcs in television history. Walter White is a struggling science teacher diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He subsequently enters the dangerous world of crystal meth production in order to provide financial security for his family. Throughout the series, we see Walter go on a journey of transformation, as he evolves from a timid and law-abiding individual to a ruthless criminal kingpin. The writers focused his arc heavily on character development and his struggle with morality and his own sense of identity. The writers of Breaking Bad expertly crafted Walter’s character arc and make it emotionally resonant and powerful. As Walter progresses through his arc, he slowly and gradually slides further down the slippery slope of criminal activity, which leads him to make increasingly immoral choices. This dynamic between his morality and his criminal activities is used to create a sense of tension and suspense that keeps viewers hooked. Walter’s character arc is one of the most memorable arcs in television history because of its complexity. While it is easy to see the destructive path that Walter takes throughout the series, viewers also get to see the nuanced motivations behind each of his decisions. This creates a sympathetic character that viewers can’t help but root for, even as he slides further and further down the dark path of criminality. Overall, Walter White’s character arc in Breaking Bad is one of the most powerful and memorable arcs in television history. Not only does it show viewers the consequences of living a life of crime, but it also provides a compelling look at the motivations and character development of one of the most iconic characters of all time. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-scenes monthly 0.5 2023-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674322122637-ILVMWJNBCU6DBXS6FCH0/unsplash-image-aS4Duj2j7r4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - ONE | What Are Scenes? To create a cohesive story structure, a writer uses scenes to form chapters. I usually write scenes in an order that is chronological, but for some stories, the order of the scenes is not critical. Scenes make a novel come alive. Using scenes helps show the dramatic action taking place and tells the story in a more engaging way. Using scenes to form chapters is a way to create thematic unity in your writing. It's a technique that allows for a holistic view of a longer work of writing. Using scenes to create chapters leads to a cohesive story. In short, scenes are those snippets of information, settings, and character dialogue that, when combined, form a complete chapter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674322166720-A3K11G2UZCG7TOQV465E/unsplash-image-eTlkUZX1U0s.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - TWO | Are Multiple Scenes Necessary? Some will tell you that individual scenes are unnecessary to create chapters. Some writers, myself included, find it difficult to pen a novel of any substantial length without using scenes. With the use of scenes, I can break my chapters into more manageable sections. I think that multiple chapter scenes are essential for a well-rounded and interesting story. Without using different scenes, my characters could not explore their world and uncover the mysteries hidden within it. Using scenes allows me to weave together various aspects of the plot, developing subplots that connect to the overall arc of the narrative. With scenes, I can introduce important characters and events as they emerge throughout the course of my story. By creating multiple scenes, I can make sure that every element of my plot is relevant and serves its purpose in progressing the narrative. With different chapter scenes comes new opportunities for conflict, resolution and even suspense; this keeps readers interested and invested in my work. Together, these elements make up a powerful novel that has a clear beginning, middle and end–something only achievable with careful crafting of several chapter scenes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674322245841-WSGP6JKON2Y5B8WKY97N/unsplash-image-0aMMMUjiiEQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - THREE | Do Multiple Scene’s Help? If you feel like your chapters don't flow very well, it may benefit you to break those chapters down into scenes. Think of it as breaking each chapter down into sections that appear more like a scene in a movie? Some writers are hesitant to use multiple scenes when writing a book because they fear it will make the story choppy. But I feel individual scenes are an important part of structuring a book to make it easier to read and understand. Consider this example. Scene 1: Jim, a recent college graduate, is feeling overwhelmed as he starts his new job. He nervously enters the lobby of the corporate office building, feeling small and out of place in the towering high rise. Scene 2: Jim rides the elevator up to the top floor, where he’ll be starting his job. His palms sweat as he stands among a crowd of business professionals. As the elevator slowly rises higher and higher, Jim feels his anxiety growing. Scene 3: The elevator stops at Jim’s floor and everyone steps out into a bustling workspace. He takes a deep breath and walks down the hallway to find his cubicle. When he arrives, he takes another moment to prepare himself before heading in to meet his supervisor. Using multiple scenes helps the writing process by providing more details about each part of the story and creating vivid imagery for readers. Each scene can serve its own purpose within the chapter while helping to move the story forward. By utilizing several scenes, readers get a clearer sense of how Jim is feeling during his first day at work and what his environment looks like around him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674322317376-S00J97NDGOEBQI50IAJR/unsplash-image-GX1Dz9cZHc0.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - FOUR | How Many Scenes Per Chapter? It’s hard to say how many scenes should be in a chapter because it depends on the length of your chapters. The number of scenes in a chapter is up to the author's preference. Chapter scenes of your book are like the scenes in a movie, providing a glimpse into the story. There is no definitive answer about how many scenes to include. If you are a Plotter, you probably are in a better position to determine beforehand how many scenes your chapters require. Pantsers are just the opposite. They will let the characters, their situations, mood, or current experience determine the number of scenes required. A chapter should contain enough scenes so that the reader can understand the story. A chapter should include a climax and resolution. One way to make sure you have enough scenes is to divide your chapters into three sections: beginning, middle, and end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674322434771-N3OLDEUIJKZMUA83OSKB/unsplash-image-Iq9SaJezkOE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - FIVE | Scene and Chapter Differences? A scene is a distinct part of the story. It usually begins and ends in a particular location and is commonly told from the point of view of one or more characters. Scenes are individual parts of a larger section of your work. Scenes have more dialogue than other sections of the novel. A scene is the smallest unit of a novel. It is the shortest, most vivid part of a story. Using scenes can keep the reader in the story. Scenes are typically shorter and more focused than chapters, so it’s easy to identify where one begins and the other ends. Chapters are larger units of a novel. They allow the reader to learn about different parts of the story. They are longer and usually contain more than a single scene. Using chapters, the reader can decide how long they want to read for. Some people like to read for hours on end and some people like to read for a few minutes at a time. Chapter breaks make the story easier to follow, but they also allow readers to pause and reflect on what they just read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674323577764-OV7CJNP1LPK0KNDU18U4/unsplash-image-8xAA0f9yQnE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - SIX | Should Scenes Be Long or Short? I base the length of a scene on how much information I need to present for the reader to understand the story. If a scene is too short, there is not enough information for the reader to understand what is going on. If a scene is too long, it can become boring and difficult to read. Brief scenes can be more exciting because they keep the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for the next one, but long scenes can be better for those who don't have a lot of time to read. Chapter breaks make the story easier to follow, but they also allow readers to pause and reflect on what they just read. Scenes in a novel should be long or short based on the type of novel they are in. For example, if the novel is a mystery, it is best to have quick scenes so that the reader can easily follow along. If the novel is more of a romance, it is best to have long scenes so that the reader can really get immersed in the story. Long scenes can create a sense of suspense or can develop characters, while short scenes are perfect for a quick read. The bottom line is that it’s important to write the scene the way you want to, and not the way you perceive someone else may want you to write it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674323926727-5DJ8MX5O40GGT0C6U6RV/unsplash-image-HNx24Jy9esY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - SEVEN | Any Upsides to Using Scenes? Breaking your chapters down into scenes can help your readers better understand and follow the story. Sometimes, when you start a story, you may not know where to go with it. Breaking your chapters down into scenes will help you focus on what is important and give you a clear direction. It helps to create a more cohesive narrative and allows the reader to focus on a certain event or plot Point in the story. Using scenes can help you organize your thoughts and keep your story advancing. It's a good idea to have an outline or a rough plot in mind before you write a scene. So here’s where I should reiterate the fact that, as I’ve mentioned in other articles, I don’t outline my works (See this article for more.) But, regarding scenes, I kind of do. I outline scenes in my head to make sure they apply to the chapter’s structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1674324113933-TASNXRK4VS7L79C13SEQ/unsplash-image-J59wWPn09BE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - EIGHT | Any Downsides to Using Scenes? The downside of using chapter scenes in your novel is that it can make the book harder to read. Some people prefer to read a book from beginning to end, so every time they open up the book, they have to start at the beginning and read through to the end. There are also some people who would rather read a book in a different order than the order the author intended. Another potential downside is that a scene can take away from the action and make the reader feel as if the story drags on. I honestly don’t agree with any of the ideas in this section, but in the interest of presenting different views on the subject, I thought it relevant to include it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/00d2489d-1662-4ff8-aee2-8f21c596effd/MyBooksHeader-1.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/third-person-pov monthly 0.5 2023-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673732857569-MKY4YJ9RDUSG3354CX4C/unsplash-image-jCfDzOQ2-C8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - ONE | What is Third Person Point of View? Third person point of view is the most common point of view used in literature. The third person point of view is a writing style that includes both the narrator and the character point of view. It tells the story from the perspective of a character, but the narrator tells the reader what the character is thinking. Authors use this POV in novels, short stories, and other forms of fiction. Example of Narrator POV: My sister always wanted to be a famous model. Her dream came true when a modeling agency discovered her when she was twelve. As she became more and more successful, our family was happy for her and proud of her. We knew she could achieve her dreams because of the support she received from us. Example of Character POV: "I've been running for 20 minutes, and I'm still not there." "I'm out of breath, but I keep running." "I can't run anymore; my feet are tired." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673732924322-462YKJVXLCP5TV9EOIXH/unsplash-image-u96-HA3rlv8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - TWO | The Protagonist's Needs and Desires You must define your protagonist's needs and desires. The protagonist must know what they want and need in order to work towards their goals. These can be internal or external. Internal needs and desires could be a need to achieve something great, such as winning a Nobel prize, or a need to feel special, such as being able to say they are the smartest person in their class. External needs and desires are needs that can make you feel loved, accepted, or connected to others. The protagonist must also be able to create tension in their life. This could be as simple as feeling stressed because of a deadline for a paper or presentation. It could also come as something more sinister, such as being stalked. This tension can be internal or external. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673733033323-T9S7CWUMGSMRP9JXPKHA/unsplash-image-vzfgh3RAPzM.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - THREE | Dialogue Many novels and plays rely on dialogue to propel the story forward. It is a powerful tool and an extremely effective method of storytelling. Dialogue has its own unique place in fiction. When used properly, it adds color to your novel and can help engage your readers more effectively. The key to writing a good dialogue is to make it crisp and clean. Here are five tips for writing dialogue in third person point of view. Use dialogue tags to set your dialogue apart from your narrator's monologue. Dialogue tags are phrases that are used to break up, precede, or follow written dialogue to convey which character is speaking. Ensure your dialogue does not sound labored or stiff. Don’t make your dialogue too wordy. Don’t allow your characters to meander. Make sure that you have characters that differ from each other. Your characters should not be too similar to the narrator. There are many other tips available, but if you follow these as a base, your dialogue will adhere to a third person point of view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673733147352-SUS1YW029MNFEB05PQ2W/unsplash-image-0CotaDzHVM0.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - FOUR | Creating Suspense and Tension Creating suspense and tension in your writing is all about making readers feel uneasy and uncertain. Use techniques like foreshadowing, withholding information, adding dramatic pauses, introducing mysterious characters, and avoiding obvious conclusions to keep readers hooked. When crafting suspenseful stories, don't be afraid to make use of red herrings, twist endings, and sudden changes in pace. Here are some tips. Make sure the reader knows who the protagonist is Create a sense of urgency Show character development Show what the protagonist is thinking Use dialogue to show the protagonist's personality https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673733227543-ODRPRBCQEGLGDZ9L8JU6/unsplash-image-axK93Sfmflc.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - FIVE | Why Write in Third Person POV It is important to write in the third person point of view because it helps to make the story seem more real. The reader can imagine what the character is thinking and feeling, which makes the story more interesting. Writing in third person POV is a good way to keep the reader guessing what's going to happen next. Writing in third person point of view, the writer tells the story as if they were telling someone else. The third person point of view is a common point of view used in books and other written material. Writer’s typically use third person point of view when the story is told by an omniscient narrator who knows all about what is going on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673733292473-473VCU59J2SWIJYO9245/unsplash-image-N9fGkZBXNvY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - SIX | Keep the Reader Engaged As a writer, writing in a third person point of view keeps the reader engaged and the story interesting. Here are a few tips on how to do it. Use a variety of characters with unique personalities and backgrounds. This will help the reader get more invested in the story. Build suspense. When building suspense, it is important to keep your reader guessing what will happen next so that when the big reveal comes; they are eager to find out what happens next. Keep readers engaged through the use of foreshadowing, which is when an author hints at what might happen in the future. Consider this example. The sun was setting, and I was eager to get back home. The day had been long, and it seemed like I had gotten very little done. I was tired, and I wanted to just go home and relax. As I approached the last few blocks, I saw my street. It was a familiar sight, one that always brought me comfort. But tonight, as I turned the corner, I saw something that made my heart stop. It was a dark figure standing in the shadows of my porch. Foreshadowing is a great way to keep your readers involved and curious about what will happen next. Foreshadowing will make the reader feel like they are constantly following along with the plot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/00d2489d-1662-4ff8-aee2-8f21c596effd/MyBooksHeader-1.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Why Use Third Person Point of View - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writer-frustrations monthly 0.5 2023-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133074124-Q8L9B5YMR5VDBPA67EPE/unsplash-image-9Ab7LJgdFTQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - ONE | Distractions Sometimes writers get distracted from their work by all the other things that happen around them. Whether it's the phone ringing, the doorbell chiming, or just the sound of people talking in the background, distractions can be tough to ignore. It's important to have a suitable space to write, free from distractions. Learn to understand the difference between “work” and “non-work” and take breaks from writing in order to prevent burnout. If you're having trouble focusing on your work, try turning off your phone and/or shutting the door to your work area. Writer's often benefit from having a space where they can let their mind wander and think about what they are writing. Fight to stay in the zone. Don’t let yourself, your thoughts and ideas become your biggest distracter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133136204-YES8UMY5L3KU85OYY1BA/unsplash-image-2_3c4dIFYFU.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - TWO | Personal Expectations I have always loved the sound of words. I love the way they can transport you to a new place and give you an entirely new perspective on things. Words have always been my escape from reality, my way of taking a break from my everyday life. I write because it's a way for me to release stress and anxiety. It's a way for me to work through my feelings and express myself in a creative way. I believe that writing has the power to change people's lives and help them see the world differently. When I first started writing, I had no idea what I was doing, but I was really excited. I had this idea that I was going to become a published author and I would make a living off of my writing. After a while, though, I realized it would not happen overnight or, perhaps, never, and the reality of it all hit me. I came into the game bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but really had no expectation of what all was involved in becoming a professional writer. I remember having a profound sense of disappointment after publishing my first book because I had set such high expectations for myself. I spent a lot of time worrying that what I put out was nowhere near ready, and, in fact, it wasn’t. My mistake was I got caught up in the excitement of it all and did not understand the rules of the engagement. Now my biggest personal expectation is to continue to improve my skills and exercise patience prior to getting into the publishing process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133175538-N2W1E9FJJF0MFL9XTJMK/unsplash-image-dGqWUPPesrQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - THREE | Staying Focused There are many things that can distract you while you are writing. One of the most common distractions is when you feel anxious about what you are writing. When you feel anxious about your work, it's hard to stay focused. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, try taking a break from writing for a few minutes and then coming back and finishing what you were working on. When you take breaks, your brain will reset and focus better. Start by setting goals for yourself and then setting goals for your writing career. For example, if you want to become a published author, set a goal of writing one book in the next year. Set a goal of writing 1,000 words a day. This might seem impossible at first, but remember that it is just a goal and not something that will happen overnight. By working towards your goals it will help you stay focused and motivated as a writer. Some good ways to stay focused is to write in a journal or keep a running list of ideas you have for your writing project. I mentally scan ahead for different character settings and jot those ideas down as I go. It helps me to stay focused on the task at hand and prevent outside distractions from popping up. I use any method available to jot down notes before they become distractors. I use my phone’s dictation app, an iPad, Post-it notes, or the back of my hand. Just about anything will do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133398911-ZEJZAWL4Q6247T1YM1ZG/unsplash-image-vOWXhoz0X-U.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - FOUR | Focusing on Fear Fear is a powerful emotion. While it can have serious negative effects, it can also be a powerful motivator which can help us achieve our goals. However, when fear becomes too much of a burden, it can hinder our ability to think clearly, perform well, and function normally. Consider how difficult it is to write about things that make you feel vulnerable, and then realize it's a necessary part of the process. The fear of writing is one of the most difficult hurdles for any writer. It's natural to be afraid of what other people will think of your work, but remember that you are the only one who gets to decide how you write. There are many reasons writers focus on fear when they write. Some writers may focus on fear because they want to create the perfect piece of writing. In order to overcome this fear and write, it's important to stay positive and remember why you're doing it. Someone will always dislike your style, your tone, you work. The goal is to be yourself and hope the number of dislikes is in a minority. The fear of writing is something that many people struggle with. It's hard to sit down and put your thoughts on paper without knowing what you are going to say. However, writing is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It's also a good way to keep track of your feelings and the events that have happened in your life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the fear of writing, find a journal to write in or write a couple of paragraphs about the first thing that pops into your head after you wake up. The goal is to practice writing, always, every day, write something https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133493387-XXA8QWCEC71UKRWCX8F6/unsplash-image-LDcC7aCWVlo.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - FIVE | Overthinking I like to write. It is my way of expressing myself and I find it very therapeutic. However, I often overthink my writing and end up with a lot of drafts and revisions. Sometimes I feel like the more I revise, the worse my writing gets. It's good sometimes to just let the writing sit for a while before going back to it. This will give your subconscious time to work on it and make it better. It's hard to focus on what you're doing when you're so caught up in your own thoughts. To avoid overthinking your writing, try limiting the time you spend on it. If you write for a certain amount of time and then stop, you'll find that you're more relaxed and able to focus more clearly on the task when you return to it. Overthinking is something I deal with regularly, but I’m getting better at applying methods to overcome it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133634759-XC1JK5OA4UNMCZU29UJJ/unsplash-image-roCfgvkBLVY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - SIX | Writing Fatigue Writing fatigue is frustrating, an emotional drain, and adversely affects confidence. Overcoming writing fatigue can be difficult, but it can be done. It all starts with recognizing the signs of fatigue. The most common sign is feeling like you can't think straight. Like so many other obstacles to writing, you can deal with it by taking a break. Breaks from writing projects for me can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks. Things are always better after the break though. Writing can be very difficult and tiring, but it's also rewarding. Many people feel overwhelmed by the thought of writing their first novel, but it's important to remember that every step along the way is an achievement. Set small goals for yourself and remember to celebrate your achievements along the way. One of my favorite tricks to help overcome writing fatigue, especially after taking a break, is to attack the page. Don’t overthink, don’t procrastinate, don’t talk yourself out of it. Just start writing. Write anything. Meander if you must, but start writing. I’ve found that when I do this, words jump right out of my brain and onto the page. Are they always the right words? Of course not. The goal is to get the thought down on paper. Correcting those wrong words comes during the editing phases. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133708150-5IVQTBSMT7MLHEPI8P6D/unsplash-image-LndcUO8Z-IM.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - SEVEN | Weak Writing I sometimes find it hard to be creative and come up with new ideas for my writing. I have found that the best way to overcome this weakness is to do more writing in different formats. For example, when I’m stuck on what to write, I’ll take a stab at writing a song or poem, or actually a street rhyme, as I have zero poetic prowess. I’ll admit I suck at both, but it helps me break out of a writing rut. Writing is a complicated process. There are many factors that can influence your quality of work. From time management to self-doubt, there are many things that can make writing difficult. One way I’ve found to improve my writing is to record myself reading excerpts and listening to it during my work commute. It helps me practice rhythm and to identify bad habits. It's not always easy to stay focused and keep going when you are struggling with a piece of writing. Try setting a timer for yourself. If you want to write for 30 minutes, set the timer for 30 minutes and then write for 30 minutes. It can be difficult at first, but once you get into the habit, it will get easier and easier. In order to overcome weak writing, it's important to start with the basics. The first step is to be aware of your weak points. What are the things that you struggle with when writing? For example, I struggle with detail, so I practice that skill in different ways. I find it useful and gives me options for improvement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1673133802767-GJZP166X4I7HNPFRPD8M/unsplash-image--Q_t4SCN8c4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - EIGHT | Finding Your Solitude Writing is a lonely business. It’s best done in a distraction-free environment. My writing time is in the middle of the night. There’s just me, my thoughts, and getting them down on paper. When I brainstorm ideas and just need some time to write, I like to find a place where I'm alone. I choose a quiet corner away from other people. For instance, I have thoughts and need a quiet spot. One of my go to sources of solitude is in the parking lot at work. It’s quiet, and I have no anxiety about someone ringing the doorbell or popping over for a visit. I take that time before heading into the office to hammer out those thoughts on my iPad or phone. The feeling of my fingers typing on the glass screen is all that matters. Finding time for yourself to write is hard, but it is necessary. Without this time to focus on your writing, you will find it harder and harder to concentrate and you might even give up. But with some planning and a little creativity, you can find the time to write. When you do, you’ll find it usually pays off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/00d2489d-1662-4ff8-aee2-8f21c596effd/MyBooksHeader-1.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writer’s Frustrations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/improve-your-writing-skills monthly 0.5 2024-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1672522559032-DGCWAG8G105VBPWKEFD3/unsplash-image-ssmsoRCLE2U.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Writing Skills - ONE | Writing Prompts Daily word counters and reminders to write can be incredibly helpful for writers. They offer structure, deadlines, and encouragement. Many sites offer random writing prompts, which can give writers the inspiration they need to move forward with a project. Having someone else’s ideas can sometimes be all you need to spark your own creativity. There are also sites that offer collections of prompts tailored to the type of writing you’re doing. Look at these writing prompt examples: Write about failure Failure can be a tough thing to deal with. It’s not always easy to move on from a failure. Failure can be personal or professional, but whatever it may be, it’s important to realize that failure is a part of life and you will likely experience it. Write about your last victory In the middle of a run, my foot hit a rock, and I fell. I could feel the pain in my ankle and the blood running down my leg. I knew I had to keep going, so I limped for the rest of the mile and then finished the race. Write about your first memory The first time I played basketball I was 5 years old and my dad was teaching me how to shoot a layup. I was very excited and started jumping up and down. My dad was laughing and told me to calm down. But I couldn’t help it. Write about the story of your life “I have a story to tell you,” the old woman said. “But you must promise not to laugh.” The old woman took a deep breath, then began. “I was born in the town of Sloansville, in the state of New York. I was the youngest of six children, and I was always the smallest and weakest. My mother died when I was young, and my father had to work very hard to support us. We had very few possessions, but we had each other.” If you’re writing a novel, there are a variety of online courses that can help writers improve. These courses can range from general overviews of different writing, such as fiction or non-fiction, to more specific instruction, such as how to craft compelling characters or how to create effective dialogue. This site offers many courses, filtered by topic. Online Novel Writing Courses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1672522645473-KAAN0BQ5RVGEBY2MCC7B/unsplash-image-zCJrolkwRyE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Writing Skills - TWO | Editing Tools What are some of the editing software available to writers? While there are a variety of online programs to choose from, two popular options are ProWritingAid and Grammarly. Both programs use powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence technology to help writers spot grammar and spelling errors, as well as any potential issues with their writing style. ProWritingAid also offers features such as text analysis, which can help you identify and remove any cliches or overused phrases. Grammarly has features such as plagiarism checkers and suggestions for improving your sentence structure. Both programs provide detailed explanations and examples so that you can understand why they suggested a particular correction. They offer personalized feedback and recommendations based on your writing style, helping you identify areas where you may need more practice. Overall, these types of tools can be an invaluable resource for honing your craft and becoming a better writer. ProWritingAid Grammarly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1672522711617-K399IB2OBXS9Q9LJO4SP/unsplash-image-POMpXtcVYHo.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Writing Skills - THREE | Grammar Resources What books do authors turn to for improving grammar skills? One of the most popular resources is The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. This classic book has been helping writers perfect their skills since it was first published in 1918. It is a concise guide to English usage and style that covers basic rules such as using active voice, using good sentence structure, and how to create clarity in writing. Other excellent grammar guides include A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker, Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty, and Woe Is I by Patricia T. O’Conner. All three provide insight into more specific rules, such as comma usage, common mistakes, and capitalization rules. Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1672522808015-FFZS9WHGZ0J49LSJ3F2O/unsplash-image-0apZjDdRS5o.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Writing Skills - FOUR | Thesaurus What is the best thesaurus for writers? For most people, Roget's Thesaurus is one of the most comprehensive and accurate sources for finding synonyms and related words. Roget's Thesaurus was first published in 1852, making it one of the oldest and most respected sources of synonyms and related words. Roget's Thesaurus has remained popular throughout its lifetime because of its detailed categorization of words, allowing writers to find the most appropriate synonym or related word. While Roget's Thesaurus is a great resource, there are other options out there that offer different approaches to searching for words. For example, online databases like Merriam-Webster and Visuwords allow users to search for synonyms by definition, making it easier for writers who don't have a specific word in mind. Roget’s Thesaurus Merriam-Webster Thesaurus (Online) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1672522863640-RFMLKIAD0W9MQ2UIFD8S/unsplash-image-FQvadXmA524.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Writing Skills - FIVE | Dictionaries Recommend some popular dictionaries authors turn to when writing, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, or Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. All three dictionaries are great tools for writers of any genre or skill level. They can help writers improve their craft by looking up the definitions and connotations of words, discovering unfamiliar words and phrases, or researching etymology. The Oxford English Dictionary is a great resource for writers seeking a historical perspective on words, as it is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. Many people consider Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary the most trusted dictionary in North America. It provides quick and simple definitions of words with related words and synonyms, making it useful for writing concise yet effective prose. Oxford English Dictionary (Online) Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary (Online) Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/a24ac01a-f9ef-4fbe-92b3-899d79cae23a/MyBooksHeader.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Writing Skills - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-writers-block monthly 0.5 2022-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671911590545-IBE7J6DF3YTIQL2EFWXN/unsplash-image-axK93Sfmflc.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - How to Deal With Writer’s Block - ONE | Why do writers write? There are many reasons people write. Some people write to express their thoughts, some write to be understood, and some write to be heard. Their own lives and the lives of those around them compel writers. The writer’s life is a life of action, of doing, which is what writing is all about. Writers write to live and to explore the world through words. No matter what your reason is, writing can be a very cathartic experience. For most writers, it is their passion, their joy, and their way of making daily life more enjoyable. There are also many reasons people don't write. Some people may think that they're not good enough, or they're afraid that they won't be able to write a good story. Others may have a fear of not being able to complete their work. If you are one of these people, it's important to know why you're not writing. If you know why you're not writing, it will help you get motivated to write. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671911842199-6C5BWVASCPM1JF13I5OZ/unsplash-image-4kSpLS00TCE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - How to Deal With Writer’s Block - TWO | How to get motivated. Giving your characters flaws makes them more believable and relatable. It’s also a great way to increase suspense and/or conflict in the story. For example, let’s say you have a character who is an attorney who has never lost a case. That would be an unrealistic situation that wouldn’t interest readers. What if instead this character struggles with addiction and lose cases because they can’t focus on their work? Now the reader will feel sympathetic for the character and root for him or her to get back on track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671911898969-C6R5NCITTEU37XQ2W54E/unsplash-image-ZG4Tz-ivLb8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - How to Deal With Writer’s Block - THREE | How to deal with writer's block. One of the most common problems that writers face is writer's block. Writer's block is when you have no ideas for what to write. It can be very frustrating and it can make you want to give up on writing. If you are feeling stuck or like you need a change of scenery, try going for a walk or getting some fresh air. Taking a break will not only help you feel refreshed but also take your mind off of the project at hand. How to deal with writer's block? There are a few things you can do to help get through it. First, try to find a place that you love to write in. This will help you concentrate and get motivated to write. Second, get organized and make sure that you have everything you need in order to write effectively. Third, try to get your day off to a good start. This will help you remain focused and motivated to write. Writer’s block is a real thing that happens to everyone. When I recognize I have hit that wall, I sometimes jump on another project. I usually have several writing projects in play and it helps to go back and forth between them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671912075845-C8WBVWB8PNJBLOKCOOSY/unsplash-image-CbHPBMU67WY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - How to Deal With Writer’s Block - FOUR | Let your characters guide you If you’re writing a novel, let your characters guide you through your slump. For instance, if I have no ideas on how to finish a scene in chapter two, it’s a fairly sure bet that a scene in a later chapter will result from the one you’re stuck on. By skipping ahead and reading a related chapter, I can usually get ideas on how to move forward. Dialog, in particular, can be a powerful approach to jog your memory or guide you through your block. Skip forward and see how your protagonist in a future scene responds to threats from the antagonist. From those conversations, I can usually get ideas for breaking through my block. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/a24ac01a-f9ef-4fbe-92b3-899d79cae23a/MyBooksHeader.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - How to Deal With Writer’s Block - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/my-ten-commandments-of-fiction-writing monthly 0.5 2022-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671314978647-DQKGKFDGJA5F7QHIMEZB/unsplash-image-9pw4TKvT3po.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 01 | Thou shalt create powerful characters Creating powerful characters keeps your story interesting and gives readers someone to root for. Create a protagonist and an antagonist with opposing goals and motivations. Make them real people with flaws and strengths, just like any other person you know. Your antagonist should be just as compelling as your protagonist, not some farce of a villain who's evil for the sake of being evil. Give them complex motivations, wants, needs, fears, desires—any human qualities that make them feel real to the reader. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671315390847-I7LGHOEX8FV38MC8SWGL/unsplash-image-akT1bnnuMMk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 02 | Thou shalt give thy characters flaws Giving your characters flaws makes them more believable and relatable. It’s also a great way to increase suspense and/or conflict in the story. For example, let’s say you have a character who is an attorney who has never lost a case. That would be an unrealistic situation that wouldn’t interest readers. What if instead this character struggles with addiction and lose cases because they can’t focus on their work? Now the reader will feel sympathetic for the character and root for him or her to get back on track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671315523690-44LXCSB8HDNQGBMSMRW8/unsplash-image-MwWR5nvvs_o.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 03 | Thou shalt engage the reader with conflict Creating conflict is one of the best ways to keep the reader engaged. Conflict can take many forms. It could be internal and emotional, as in a protagonist struggling with personal demons, or it could be external, such as a protagonist trying to outwit his or her opponents. Fiction writing boils down to telling compelling stories about people forcing others into difficult situations. The more engaging those situations are, the more they will draw more readers into your narrative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671315681383-TSJ3TFFAGXIC03XO02YE/unsplash-image-3cCe37VGDiQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 04 | Thou shalt be active in thy writing Using passive voices turns readers off. If you want to write your novel in first person, make sure the character is doing things, not just thinking or being. It’s a common misconception that active voice is less formal than passive voice. Passive voice is always more formal, so use it when writing something like a paper for school or a technical document. If you’re writing fiction, though, use active voice and let your characters do things! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671315818285-V7C2GHNFAOMJM2KA8Z90/unsplash-image-aE4LRTRnQOU.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 05 | Thou shalt focus on a single point of view Decide which point of view you want to tell your story and stick to it. If you begin by telling the story from a first-person perspective, then switch to omniscient, your readers will get confused. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671315956390-CC92Z2FIPRICLXTRDSPX/unsplash-image-5QgIuuBxKwM.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 06 | Thou shalt write descriptively Descriptive writing gives a story depth and life, without it the reader has no context to understand the emotions and reactions of the characters. It’s hard to do descriptive writing well though. Too much description slows down the pace and becomes boring, too little can leave readers feeling disconnected from the characters. In order to write descriptively, one must first ask what about this scene is important for me as an author? What does this moment feel like? What does this character want? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671316091864-NIN5WM3JBWAHKH0R2071/unsplash-image-3zml4wkcZis.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 07 | Thou shalt describe only what is important to the story Stay on topic. Include only what is relative to your story and keep in mind the theme and tone you are trying to convey with every word. The more detailed and descriptive you can be about the world you create, the easier it will be for readers to lose themselves in your work and get lost in a new world full of possibilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671316218775-RX67BH79FF9MEECKR8GE/unsplash-image-LUYD2b7MNrg.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 08 | Thou shalt use subtext to convey the unspoken thoughts and feelings of the characters Have your characters use sub-textual dialog queues and body language to convey their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Remember that the reader does not know how your character feels, so use what the character does and says to give the reader insight into their mind. When you do this, readers will feel like they are reading an actor’s monologue rather than just being told what is happening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671316341162-MCT3T3QKN31ESS0H1QB4/unsplash-image-eIkbSc3SDtI.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 09 | Thou shalt know when to stop editing It is better to stop editing sooner rather than later. Set your work aside a day, a week, a month. You'll have a better perspective when you go back to it and you'll be more likely to pick up things that are glaringly obvious now that you're not on the same wavelength as when you first wrote it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671316479520-QHGQ3L3MH7S4OKZOKR2T/unsplash-image-q4-N9h6vx8w.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - 10 | Thou shalt not plagiarize Thou shalt know thyself and keep thyself in check. Never take another person's words or ideas without crediting them for them or use someone else's character without their permission. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/a24ac01a-f9ef-4fbe-92b3-899d79cae23a/MyBooksHeader.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/improve-your-fiction-writing monthly 0.5 2023-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671201770-PU693VVDFR5RQ1Y3FHIS/unsplash-image-XqXJJhK-c08.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - ONE | Reading Reading is an excellent way to get into the mind of a talented writer, as well as get inspired to write yourself. Reading widely will help you understand what makes a piece of writing successful and give you a good idea of what you need to do to emulate that success. By reading fiction, particularly that which is outside your preferred genre, it can help you improve your writing in several ways. It’s a great way to develop your language and vocabulary, and can also help you explore other types of narrative and writing structures. Reading can also help you develop your critical thinking skills, helping you to understand how and why certain pieces of writing are successful, or why they fall flat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671236194-IO7GI6Q4IM341LIK3C4D/unsplash-image-5YU0uZh43Bk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - TWO | Find your voice and stick to it When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to emulate the writing styles of your favourite authors. While it’s fine to start out by emulating your favourite authors and their styles, it’s important that you find your own voice as a writer. You will have much more success if you find your voice and stick to it, rather than trying to be like someone else. Every writer has a distinct voice, a different way of telling their story. It’s important that you find your own voice and use it to the best of your abilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671283904-GEQURFYH58WMJQNZMTQA/unsplash-image-Ty3C3cIRhug.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - THREE | Write, write, write There’s no better way to improve your writing than by writing. You’ll need to put in the practice to really hone your skills, and you can’t improve without putting in the time and effort necessary to master your craft. You’ll need to write regularly, and with the right mindset, you can turn your writing into a rewarding hobby. There’s no set number of words per day that you have to write in order to improve. Everyone is different, and everyone improves at their own rate. The important thing is that you’re writing regularly and frequently. If you do that, the rest will come with time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671354058-UBJ22R5QZVYK2HERK63M/unsplash-image-r_8uWsy3QT8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - FOUR | Don’t be afraid to delete As you write and edit your work, you’ll notice that there are certain parts of your writing you’re not entirely happy with. You’ll likely have entire paragraphs or even chapters that aren’t working. There’s no shame in deleting those portions of your work. You can always go back and edit them back in later. Don’t be afraid to delete them right away, though, if you know they don’t work. Even the best writers make mistakes. You will too, but know that cutting and revamping is just part of the process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671499776-GH8SIFI3T5P2JQTCUV8L/unsplash-image-ZCz6riUSSIE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - Five | Learn the art of editing As you edit your work, make sure you’re not just editing for spelling and grammar issues, but for sentence structure and clarity, flow and coherence of ideas, cohesiveness of paragraphs, and more. Editing is an art form, and it’s important that you get good at it in order to improve your writing. It’s a misconception that editing is something you do at the end of the writing process. Rather, editing should be a part of every step of the writing process. Always be looking for mistakes and ways to improve your work. Check the flow of your writing. Make sure that it makes sense and isn’t confusing. Look for sections that you can edit down or cut entirely; and look for repetitive words or ideas that you can remove or change. NOTE: hire a professional editor whenever possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671540510-5Q04G4FPXOL2AD220QG0/unsplash-image-KF96lDEvqwY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - SIX | Develop a routine Writing and editing a novel is a time-consuming process. You may have a full-time job and a family at home that you need to attend to as well. In order to fit your writing into your schedule, it’s important that you develop a routine and stick to it as closely as possible. If you have a set time each day that you write, you’ll be much more likely to get those words down on paper. Similarly, if you have a set time, each week that you edit your work, you’ll be more likely to get it done. If you have a set time, every month when you schedule a meeting with your writing group, you’ll be much more likely to follow through on those commitments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671716001-BM3M7BMNC8MPFTPR3ER9/unsplash-image-mhmNmzxHBWs.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - SEVEN | Use writing apps and software Writing apps and software, such as Scrivener, can be a very helpful tool during the writing process. They can help you keep track of your plot and characters, your research, and even give you a way to track your progress and see your word count at a glance. Using tools such as this can help you keep track of your progress and make sure you’re staying on track, as well as provide you with some helpful reminders to keep writing. Writing apps can also be helpful for editing your work. They can help you keep track of your edits and provide you with some helpful tools for ensuring you’re editing thoroughly. If you’re digitally editing your work, you can also use these apps to track your progress and see your edits at a glance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670671795544-2V9FI8BBP0U5RCRU08XO/unsplash-image-RQhV1Kj9uXY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - EIGHT | Collaborate with others As you’re writing, it’s important to stay in touch with other writers. If you belong to a writing group that meets regularly, try to attend the next meeting. If you don’t belong to a local writing group, Internet forums are another excellent way to stay in touch with other writers. Being part of a writing community can help keep you motivated, support you when you’re feeling down or get writer’s block, and help you learn from the experiences and knowledge of others. Collaborating with others on writing projects is another excellent way to improve your skills. If you’re working on a novel with a friend, you can share ideas, bounce ideas off of each other, and learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/a24ac01a-f9ef-4fbe-92b3-899d79cae23a/MyBooksHeader.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - Improve Your Fiction Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/overcoming-roadblocks monthly 0.5 2022-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670066253082-69KRI79NKSBGC989G0AF/unsplash-image-mfB1B1s4sMc.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Roadblocks to Writing - ONE | Write Something Every Day Writing something, anything every day will improve your writing. You don't need to write for long. It could be just a sentence or two about what you had for lunch. The more you do it, the better you'll get at it. If you struggle, try this: Start with an idea that pops into your head. Write the first word that comes to mind after that idea. Write a word or phrase that sounds interesting after that word. Keep going until there are no other words coming to mind, then read what you wrote out loud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670066453860-IW8W2JUKCAME6OLT0Y96/unsplash-image-UFrd8csYr1w.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Roadblocks to Writing - TWO | Know your tools List the tools you use and make sure you understand the best way to use them. Some writers find different tools to work better for different tasks. You might have a favorite word processor, but do your outlines in a text editor, or vice versa. Be aware of which programs support which features, like exporting in various formats. Make it as easy as possible to write by choosing the right software. Take advantage of any formatting shortcuts they provide; they can save you time while writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670066715010-YIQK073WNJ7FZ8KEMN04/unsplash-image-jD4MtXnsJ6w.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Roadblocks to Writing - THREE | Distract Yourself When You Can’t Write Distract yourself when you can’t write. If you can't write, don't force it. You'll feel more productive in the long run if you do other things and then come back to your project when the mood strikes again. What are some of your favorite things to do when you're feeling unproductive? The list is as varied as writers themselves, but a few ideas include: Going for a walk or jog Spending time with friends Taking care of household chores or errands Doing something demanding (like working out) Meditating Reading something outside your field that fascinates you https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670067012139-B6T2EO82KH8AHAJ9PCMC/unsplash-image-1m2LQEonm2A.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Roadblocks to Writing - FOUR | Don't Focus on the Future—Allow Yourself Time Now to Regroup Network with other writers Consult with other writers you know or admire and ask them how they overcome their roadblocks. You may find that you're not alone in feeling how you do. You may also learn some new tricks for conquering your own limitations. If you can't find anyone who knows what it feels like, why not create a blog and start writing about your struggles? Chances are that someone else has experienced what you're going through and would love to read about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670067073512-JZWAR5NUI9WYIZDOWJ8M/unsplash-image-XLm6-fPwK5Q.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Roadblocks to Writing - Five | Embrace Technology Technology is your friend. Embrace it. Use it. But don't let it take over and tell you what to do. Use technology as a tool, not as an excuse for why you can't get started on your writing projects. Your tool of choice can help you organize your thoughts in a more efficient way than if you were trying to type out ideas on paper or in a word processor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1670067175771-LSCMBU6IRBS2NJZ4GHBT/unsplash-image-gMsnXqILjp4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Roadblocks to Writing - SIX | Take Advantage of Opportunities Opportunities come in many forms. Learn to recognize and take advantage of them as often as possible. The more time you spend working on your craft, the better and faster you will get at it. No matter how big or small an opportunity may be, if it helps you produce more work and develop skills, then take advantage of it. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/character-settings monthly 0.5 2022-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1669480397097-1TW8WIMATDGBYTB59UXG/unsplash-image-zXQdgHr2KIw.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - ONE | Location is Important The location you place your character in can have a dramatic effect on the reader's engagement. For example, if the protagonist of your novel lives in Los Angeles, California and is driving to Las Vegas, Nevada to meet someone who could incriminate them, readers will be highly engaged because they know the character is literally heading into danger. If the same protagonist lives in Seattle, Washington and is driving to Los Angeles with no thought of what lies ahead, readers might not be as engaged because there's no sense of impending danger, or anything else. As far as the reader is concerned, it’s just someone making a boring drive from one city to another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671390769987-CQDEOIJ2UCYY39OOG9ZF/unsplash-image-8O9o9wLCmSk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - TWO | The Scene Backstory Give your scene some historic significance. When you do this, readers will feel a stronger connection to the story. They’ll be able to envision the characters living in a world where they have long-standing customs and traditions. Don't be afraid to introduce a level of fear. What does it look like when fear has taken over your character? What would happen if their worst fears come true? Haunting scenes engage the reader. In order to create an emotional response from the audience, writers need to write about what scares them as well as what's comfortable for them. You want to engage both sides of their senses - comfort and discomfort - because then they crave more of what you're writing about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1669468184598-78X2GXPD841LJWWXA2I2/unsplash-image-v89zhr0iBFY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - THREE | Plotting Your Story Develop your plot in ways to keep the reader interested. Introduce settings that gradually build suspense. For example, open with a crime scene and then shift to the daily routine of a police officer; or start with an exotic vacation destination and then show the traveler’s day-to-day struggles while away from home. Introducing settings helps readers understand character relationships. It’s a way to establish where they live, work, vacation, etc. Another way is developing back stories: what did these characters do before the story began? How do their backstories shape who they are now? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1669468545475-DSBKZPUYD971WXQAJU41/unsplash-image-ksMmG5vk9pE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - FOUR | Who Else is there? Here's where you can create mystery. Is your character in the setting to meet someone she knows, or could she unknowingly be in danger? Did she have a preconceived plan of what she would do once she got there? What is she doing while she’s waiting? The answers to these questions will vary depending on the genre and story type you're working on, but knowing them ahead of time will allow you to add depth and intrigue. For example, if this is an urban fantasy novel set in a coffee shop at night, it might make sense for the protagonist to be on alert for supernatural beings who might come out at this time of day/night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671390819054-AOXK9ZDYOL0GAGA086RI/unsplash-image-JsTmUnHdVYQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - Five | What Time of Day Time of day can be important. For instance, a meeting on an abandoned shipping dock at midnight would most likely give cause for alarm. An early morning jog in the same area may not have the same effect. If there is no time given to establish what time it is, then readers may not know how they should feel about the setting or specific moments in the story. They become less engaged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1671390893015-48CLBZKX3IIYA1UIBPA9/unsplash-image-wteWeH2nuDE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - SIX | The Setting Where does the story begin? What city, country? Is the area rural? Urban? Wealthy? Poor? How about its time period or era—is it contemporary, historical, futuristic? What year is it? These are just some questions you should answer while developing your plot. You'll want to make sure they're logical and lead to an interesting and believable setting. Exercise caution, though. Too many details will bog down a story, so understand what details readers need in order to connect with the characters on a deeper level. If the setting doesn't directly affect one of your character's lives, then don't include it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1669468668238-X9ETG9CUPC8NK8RR6Q0B/unsplash-image-sQO2AhtJbg4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Developing Character Settings - SEVEN | Building on Suspense OK! I got it. No! I really don’t, but please make it stop. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/outlining monthly 0.5 2022-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668889227880-58T894PRZ221WDWKD5W0/unsplash-image-3lHdw4X7J3E.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Power of Outlining - Why do we need to outline? Outlines are a great way to keep your novel under control. You can use them to plan the whole thing out before you write, so you know exactly where your story is going. You can also use them as a reference while you're writing, which can save you time in the long run. Finally, if something doesn't work in your outline and it becomes a major problem later, at least you'll know what went wrong and be able to fix it without having wasted a bunch of time.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668889574208-DFD0OYQUD7X69XIPUVTE/unsplash-image-f2C59x5uvn8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Power of Outlining - Understand what the purpose of an outline is. An outline is a key element in the writing process. It helps you figure out what your story is and how it's going to play out. It can help keep your novel on track, because if you know where you're going, it becomes easier to write each chapter. An outline can also help with writer's block. If you have an idea for a chapter, but don't know how it should go, looking at your outline can give you ideas for what might happen next. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668889530981-A07QHHGAQXK5DJB23GZR/unsplash-image-p7pEokZap1o.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Power of Outlining - Why is it important to know where you are going? There are many benefits to outlining your novel. You will know what direction you want the story to go and how it will end, so that when you're writing, you can concentrate on the details. If you don't have a plan, it's easy for your story to take a turn and lose focus. The best thing about outlining is that it takes away the guesswork and allows you to keep your novel focused. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668889618556-D7OH0QKGP865LUKKS1AW/unsplash-image--Cmz06-0btw.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Power of Outlining - What is at stake when writing without an outline? When you write without an outline, it's easy for your story to take a wrong turn and head in a direction that you weren't intending. You can end up spending time and energy writing scenes that don't advance the plot or develop the characters—scenes that may never see the light of day if you don't have a good grasp on where you want your story to go. Writing with a plan will help everyone in the process (the writer, editor and reader) have a better experience. Outlining before you write can help you stay focused and increase your productivity. Writing with a plan will help everyone in the process have a better experience. It's also much less daunting to write when you know where the story is going, what needs to happen next, and how the chapters fit together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668889759456-3HC8AVD4GN3VJH8XM75V/unsplash-image-sCKtNbIKOuQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - The Power of Outlining - Ending thoughts about outlining. OK! I got it. No! I really don’t, but please make it stop. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/lets-talk-about-passive-verbs monthly 0.5 2022-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668289140613-OHF47HTN736YZORC3GF6/unsplash-image-cYRMl1HeuVo.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Lets Talk About Passive Verbs - What are passive verbs? Passive verbs are used to describe actions: The ball was thrown by the catcher. The subject of a passive verb (the ball) is being acted upon by another object (the catcher), so it's being done to it rather than doing something on its own. Sometimes, this is fine and necessary; you don't want every sentence in your novel to be "I did this" and "I did that," so you use passive verbs when talking about subjects that aren't doing anything in particular themselves. The problem comes when writers use too many passive verbs—or worse yet, incorrect passive verbs—which can confuse your reader. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668289402215-736M2E8GKVTV3CGYS61V/unsplash-image-KsaSqVcdKF0.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Lets Talk About Passive Verbs - So why do people write incorrectly with passive voice? Sometimes, they might just not know how they should use them properly; but often they're used because they sound more official or formal than active voice. It's important for writers to remember that using formal language does not always mean better. Using informal language gives your writing, especially fiction, more personality. Passive verbs are not always bad. Passive verbs aren't all bad. In fact, they can be useful in certain circumstances. Here are some examples of situations where using passive verbs makes sense: To create a sense of mystery or suspense: "The reason for the increase in sales is unclear." (The author wants to avoid assigning blame for this increase.) When you're not sure who was responsible for something: "It was discovered that someone had stolen my phone." (Again, assigning blame isn't necessary here.) When you're writing about a broad topic rather than individuals or specific events: "Sales have been increasing steadily over time." (In this case, we don't care about who made the sales or how they were made; we just want to know what happened overall.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668290111360-LACRK36T4POGKF8QJCF2/unsplash-image-bmJAXAz6ads.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Lets Talk About Passive Verbs - Oy Vey! More Examples Please. Passive verbs are verbs that do not show action. They use a form of the word "to be," such as "is," or "was" (for past tense). Passive voice is often used to describe situations in which the subject does not appear to be doing anything, but something happens to them instead—for example: "He was promoted." This sentence shows us he did nothing himself; he was promoted by someone else. Passive verbs are also common after certain verbs or phrases that act on an object (like "get" or "become") OR when a noun receives something ("to get promoted"). For example: She got promoted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668291755384-AYW072UY7UZOQE99XFZM/unsplash-image-TsRnxEVecbs.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Lets Talk About Passive Verbs - Why should Writers Limit the use of Passive Verbs? Writers should use passive verbs sparingly. They can be difficult to read and make it harder to identify the subject of the sentence. When using a passive verb, your readers may struggle to understand the meaning of your sentence. Passive verbs lack action, which makes them feel less engaging when compared to an active sentence with a similar meaning. Using passive verbs make your writing sound less professional and sometimes turn readers off. This is especially true if you're writing fiction. Fiction writers should avoid passive sentences altogether. They detract from your story's ability to create compelling characters and world-building details that draw readers in. How to identify passive verbs? You can identify passive verbs by looking for: Verbs that describe the action, not the subject. These are often called "linking verbs" because they link a subject to a direct object. If a verb links two nouns together, then it's almost certainly a linking verb. Examples include "look," "feel," and "seem." Verbs that end in 'ed' or 'ing.' Usually these are past participles (verbs ending in "-ed" or "-ing"), but sometimes they're present participles (verbs ending in "-ing"), which is used in forming continuous tenses, e.g. in I'm thinking, alone in nonfinite clauses, e.g. in sitting here, I haven't a care in the world, as a noun, e.g. in good thinking, and as an adjective, e.g. in running water. Verbs that include 'by' or another preposition within them. Prepositions show relationships between things; when you see one followed by an infinitive (a form of any verb ending in "-ing"), then it's likely acting as part of your passive construction. For example: The paper was written by John Smith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1668292786252-VX2TSLBAYNIVQME1O35R/unsplash-image-uFjORuZQczQ.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Lets Talk About Passive Verbs - OK! I got it. OK! I got it. No! I really don’t, but please make it stop. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/thinking-of-abandoning-your-writing monthly 0.5 2022-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1667764307189-CYZZGY1HBQWUF9FO3T6Y/unsplash-image-3V8xo5Gbusk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Thinking of Abandoning Your Writing? - Consider these points Take a walk outside and embrace the beauty of nature. Read a book. Take up drawing or painting. Go for a drive or bike ride. Try your hand at cooking. Watch one of those nature documentaries on Netflix. My point is there are many ways to get your mind off of writing. Find something you like doing and enjoy it as much as you like. You won’t be wasting time while you’re away. You’ll be glad you did when you get back to writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1667764805118-LZXLQ8GHG5N09URI51GY/unsplash-image-ukzHlkoz1IE.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Thinking of Abandoning Your Writing? - There are many reasons people stop writing or give up entirely Lack of motivation: If you're not motivated to write, your productivity will suffer. Lack of confidence: Don't let fear hold you back. You can do this, even if you're starting from scratch. Trust me, I realize it’s easier said than done. But it works for me and countless others and I’m sure It will work for you. Lack of time: Writing is a labor-intensive process. If you find you don't have enough time to dedicate yourself fully to the craft, then maybe you should temporarily step away and reflect on ways to reduce or eliminate the time-sucking processes in your life. Notice I said temporarily. Lack of inspiration: It's important that we always keep ourselves open to new ideas and perspectives. That being said, sometimes finding inspiration can be difficult, but not impossible. Try some of these. Read quotes from other authors. Read social media posts from people who are also looking for inspiration. Re-read some of your old works. Look over notes you’ve jotted down for future works. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1667765375233-7JDHIZR56TH16I81DYDK/unsplash-image-sa-8PMPRMr8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Thinking of Abandoning Your Writing? - Write For Yourself You should always write for yourself. Some people have trouble writing because they are trying too hard or focusing on pleasing others instead of themselves. The important thing is that whatever work comes out of your process, it is meaningful to you (even if no one else reads it). Remember, it’s your story. What you write has to come from within you, from within your heart. The public will receive it the way it makes sense for them. You can’t try to get in front of that and let it influence your work. As a writer, you’re pouring your heart out for public consumption. You’re going to fail, fall somewhere in the middle, or enjoy riches beyond your wildest dreams. Either way, you’ll feel better for knowing you did it your way. Writing is a skill that improves with practice and time. It takes time to learn. It improves with practice and it's something you can only get better at by writing. You don't become a great writer overnight; it doesn't happen in one day or in one week. The more you write (and receive feedback) the better your writing will be. Don't give up because you're not good at it yet and don't compare yourself to other writers either - especially successful ones. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/dealing-with-rejection-letters monthly 0.5 2022-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1667072263049-L8WF88PR62TW8PUEYXZ3/unsplash-image--wjk_SSqCE4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Dealing With Rejection Letters - Think about what you can learn from the process. Rejection is a normal part of the creative process. The key is to learn from each rejection and put that learning into practice in your next pitch. If you get a response, consider what the agent said and use it to improve your next pitch. If you don’t get a response, that doesn’t mean your work isn’t good enough—it could simply mean the agent was extremely busy and/or the publisher he pitched to didn’t think it was appropriate for their audience. Maybe they've recently published something similar. Keep sending out pitches until someone says “yes!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1667072728768-45O91FPCB88RPGZOM0LG/unsplash-image-fiyZ_EnyF8k.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Dealing With Rejection Letters - Get back out there, again and again. The more you get rejected, the more you learn. The more you get rejected, the more you improve. And as long as these rejections are coming from different places, then they will all contain valuable information that will help improve and strengthen your writing. If an agent rejects your manuscript because of poor writing or storytelling skills, then keep working on it until it’s good enough for them to approve. But if they don’t want to publish your book because they’re not interested in the subject, then take it as an important lesson and find another agent who is interested in the same thing. Recognize the three don’ts. Don’t, Take rejection personally Get discouraged Dwell on it It’s true that rejection can be hard to deal with, but it’s important not to let it grind you down or slow you down. Instead of letting the process get you down, look at rejection as an opportunity for growth and learning. Rejection isn’t personal. It could just be that your work wasn’t right for the publication/employer/etc., and that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with what you’ve written. Rejection doesn’t have to be permanent. If an agent has turned down your manuscript or proposal once, keep trying until someone says yes. There may be other opportunities out there waiting for you. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-tools-nm54m monthly 0.5 2022-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1666611471370-ZN7RQCLDCZXVV3Q5KHJJ/unsplash-image-FbDXi-cwWFM.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Creating Characters for your Novel - ONE |The Defining Traits An important thing to remember when creating a character is that they should have a personality. This defines a character and makes them memorable. It is also important that the character has a flaw. The flaw, however, should not be the only thing that the character has going for them, but should be an integral part of their personality. A character that only has flaws will not be as interesting as reading about characters with a range of defining traits. In order to make your characters feel real, it’s important to know who they are and what they want. It is important both positive and negative aspects define a character’s personality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1666623142412-TVXTUTXS4S5TWZEY5XSA/unsplash-image-L0n70k7CXcY.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Creating Characters for your Novel - TWO | The Character’s Persona Creating characters is an important part of the writing process. The more complex and interesting your characters are, the better your story will be. One of the best ways to create a complex character is by giving them a persona. Make them relatable - your reader should find it easy to relate the character to specifics of the story. Make them likable - a likable character is one that a reader cares about. A good way to ensure that happens is to make the character care about something. Make them sympathetic - make your characters vulnerable by saying or doing things that make the reader care what happens to them. Make them flawed - introduce something to cause an otherwise likable character to be despised, or bring about their own downfall. Make them unique - distinguish a character from others. Anyone can be beautiful and fascinating. But not everyone can be beautiful and fascinating and stinky. Stinky gives your character uniqueness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1666626197595-QGVZGJ0MK9F8OQYEQCZ8/unsplash-image-eBcKjIvXY78.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Creating Characters for your Novel - THREE | The Pitfalls to Avoid Every writer has different preferences for creating characters. Some writers like to create characters with a lot of depth while others like characters that are more flat. But no matter what preference you have, there are certain pitfalls that you should avoid when creating characters. The following is a short list of pitfalls that you should avoid when creating characters. Creating a character that is too similar to yourself Creating a character that is too similar to someone else Creating a character that is too similar to an animal Creating a character that has no depth Creating a character that is too complex. Actually, I take exception to number five. I love complex characters. Read my novel, Tantrum, for an example of a mother who is extremely complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1666631608204-1L4UOJSP8RYPGKFGUDCT/unsplash-image-_KRzc5cKud4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Creating Characters for your Novel - FOUR | Character Roles Many writers often struggle with creating characters. There are many types of characters and it is important to figure out which one you are writing about. If you are unsure, it is best to start with the basics. There are three distinct characters: Protagonist, Antagonist, and Point of View. The protagonist is the main character in the story and the main character is the one that the reader feels closest to. The antagonist is the person who is against the protagonist in the story. A point of view character is the one telling the story. If you are struggling with creating your protagonist, it would be best to start with the antagonist. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/writing-tools monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665872315352-03BZH5X1D7FAE0L5NBZH/unsplash-image-zoCDWPuiRuA.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Tools for Writers - ONE | Google Keep Google Keep is a free note-taking app. It is a tool used to capture text, images, video, etc. Google Keep is a useful tool for those who need their works available anywhere they have an Internet connection. The app is pretty basic with few bells and whistles, but some (myself included) find that a plus. With Google Keep you can quickly capture thoughts on the go while they are still fresh in your mind. A good way to think of Keep is to compare it to a digital sticky notes with some organization thrown in. You can color code your notes as well as attach labels. As a bonus, there is an option to collaborate with other users. If your device does not have the built-in capability to jot down notes on-the-fly, Google Keep is an option worth considering. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665867025200-I81XJ4Y0932C1IHNJ4U0/unsplash-image-3GZNPBLImWc.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Tools for Writers - TWO | Scrivener I live in Scrivener by Literature and Latte. I have used this app for over 12 years. It is an excellent writing app with versions for Microsoft Windows, macOS and iOS. Unlike a word processor, Scrivener is a writing environment. Literature and Latte designed it from the ground up for large documents. If you’re writing novels, this is the app for you. It is hands down the most advanced writing environment you’ll ever use. There is a bit of a learning curve, but there are plenty of resources available to help you through it. With Scrivener you can create outlines, use a cork board, character sketches, keep research documents, make annotations, and track changes. The list goes on and on and on. I’ve found that having all the information you need to complete your work readily available without having to leave the writing environment is an invaluable feature. The user interface is easy to understand and well designed. Just about every aspect is customizable. When it’s time to publish, it has built-in templates for properly formatting paperback, hardcover, and ebooks. Of course, there are options for you to override default settings and tweak to your needs. There are also options for exporting your document to .pdf, rich text, MS Word, OpenOffice, and Multi-markdown to name a few. It keeps your work safe by making automated backups to a folder and intervals of your choosing. The pricing model is a onetime purchase as opposed to the subscription model that so many companies have gone to. The cost, 49.00 for the Windows and Mac versions, and 19.00 for the iOS version. You simply can’t go wrong with this app. I didn’t point to a video because there are so many available. This is the most documented writing app on the market. Browse the Literature and Latte website or YouTube for a plethora of training videos highlighting the many, many incredible things about Scrivener. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665867187931-K0EDRQQLUQE32GE8AVAP/unsplash-image-zbLW0FG8XU8.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Tools for Writers - THREE | Hypotenuse AI Hypotenuse AI uses machine learning to generate textual content. It is fairly simple to use and creates impressive results. You can use it to create content, articles, and blog posts without fear of plagiarism. You start by entering a topic and some keywords. Hypotenuse AI takes it from there and uses its AI engine to generate the content you’ve asked for. Hypotenuse AI is so good It is hard to tell the difference between the AI-generated text and that created by a human. There have been side-by-side tests performed to prove it. The quality of its SEO ready output is hard to beat. People who use Hypotenuse AI include: Marketing Copywriters Authors Entrepreneurs Content Creators SEO Professionals What about blog articles? Hypotenuse AI takes the middleman out of the equation. It can create SEO-optimized lengthy blog content effortlessly and eliminate the need to pay someone. OK, tell me about pricing. Sure! There are three plans: starter, growth, and enterprise. Let’s look at them all. Starter The Starter Plan is 29.00/month with 75 credits Growth The Growth Plan is 59.00/month with 250 credits Enterprise Contact Hypotenuse About Credits View credits as copywriting currency, where the number of credits needed depends on the content. 1 credit will generate two descriptions for a single product. A complete blog post requires 4-6 credits. while marketing copy such as Google ads, Instagram captions, Facebook ads, and website headlines and taglines. require none. You can view Credit balances within the app. What are the downsides? I honestly don’t see any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665867638501-SLMXWL4FR2IGBOWQDTTT/unsplash-image-8fbqPK_MUtk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Tools for Writers - FOUR | Name Generator Though it’s called Name Generator, it does much more than that. With Name Generator you generate the following: Character Names Dating Profiles Plots Song Lyrics Letters Poems and more coming soon. If you just need a quick random name, there are many categories to choose from, pen names, nicknames, cat names, pirate names, and fantasy names just to name a few. While there are many name generators on available online, this one stands out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665848242272-Y65TM8AT1CPB7KIKXUWB/unsplash-image-AZvGpBp925o.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Tools for Writers - FIVE |Pacemaker Planner Pacemaker Planner is an online tool that you can use to set word count goals. It generates charts that allow for superb dynamically adjusted visual analysis. Designed for writers and students, Pacemaker Planner allows you to set your goals and strategy. Once you have created your plan, you can import it into iCal or store it online. Once you begin work towards your target, every day counts. Record your progress and Pacemaker Planner will adjust your workload based on your input. You can use Pacemaker Planner for novels, dissertations, blog posts, and more. There are Free and Paid versions. The paid version is 8/month or 72/year. After evaluating the options for my needs, I feel the paid option is the better choice. If you want to track your progress against goals you set for yourself, the details that Pacemaker Planner offer make it a good choice. It is very flexible and adjusts to your needs to keep you on track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665848416799-CGZ1EWN7U3GDVM0X52EC/unsplash-image-_M-DrbiNFa4.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Tools for Writers - SIX | Publisher Rocket If you’ve ever done an Amazon ad campaign, you know that dealing with keywords can be a major PITA. Thankfully, Publisher Rocket comes to the rescue. I kicked off an ad campaign for one of my Kindle books about two weeks ago and found that I had no idea what I was doing. I knew I needed significantly more keywords than I used but found that I was just grabbing at straws. Publisher Rocket changed all of that and I now feel I have a fighting chance at competing with the masses to get some eyeballs on my book. Publisher Rocket, formerly known as KDP Rocket, comprises four tools in a package that helps you fine tune your ad campaigns. This is from their website. “Publisher Rocket will help you get your book in front of more Amazon shoppers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing.” There is a onetime cost of $97.00 with a 30 day money-back guarantee. I’ve read somewhere they may go to a subscription model so if you’re interested, be sure to check on that. Publisher Rocket uses four methods to help you increase your sales. Keyword Search Which keywords shoppers use How many times they use it How much money books using those keywords make How many books are in competition for those keywords Competition Analyser Lists your potential competitors Shows their book covers and list price Shows their daily and monthly earnings Category Search Discover niche categories Categories that may help you sell more books How many sales you’d need to become a #1 bestseller How many sales you’d need to make it to the Top 10 list AMS Keyword Search Generates a list of all Amazon suggested keywords Titles and author names from the produced results ASINs and ISBNs to help create targeted campaigns The video below does a good job of explaining some of the functions within Publisher Rocket. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/wav7kq88cbrc7m5gw4708fq1wyh7k9 monthly 0.5 2022-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1665329578564-FV8H5DVT6DIZK7VHW627/unsplash-image-gp8BLyaTaA0.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Writing Your First Novel - It begins with a few basic questions I believe everyone has a story they want to tell. The problem is figuring out how to get it from brain to paper. Thinking about it can be overwhelming, especially if your intent is to pump out a full novel. It takes time, energy, and dedication. If you have a passion for writing and a desire to share your stories with the world, there’s no better feeling than getting your work published. This article is not intended to be a complete roadmap, but an insight into what to expect as you begin your journey. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/pantsers-and-plotters-which-are-you-ysgp2 monthly 0.5 2022-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1664632969989-IKGR7RSF3BIBKY1FQ4KP/unsplash-image-bmJAXAz6ads.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Barriers to Writing - What are some barriers writers face? Anxiety, procrastination, motivation come to mind. But it doesn’t stop there. There are barriers to specific writing styles. For instance, a lack of subject, references, or reluctance to use technical language could impede someone who is involved with academic writing. As a fiction writer, I’m prone to barriers that are a little more personal. Probably the easiest thing I can do to reduce several barriers is to simply turn off the “Internets.” The constant dings, “Ta Da’s”, and visual notifications rob me of focus. I know I need to turn that crap off during my writing sessions, but whenever I do, I feel like I’m going to miss that call from the POTUS asking for my advice on a decision that will affect the world order. Let’s look at four traps I’ve fallen into over the years. Distractions: I don’t need total silence when I write. I can deal with natural surroundings. There are certain distractions, however, that are self-induced, and I really need to take a more proactive role in eliminating them. In the video, Lisa Simpson is in a constant state of distraction and dealing with the dreaded block. Watch A Short Video Lisa Simpson, The Simpsons Lacking Confidence: I put my writing on hold for years, about ten to be exact, because I simply lacked confidence in my ability. It seemed like everyone who ever put a single word on paper was a best-selling author, people with enough degrees to cover a wall, or the occasional axe murderer. I figured how the heck can I compete with that? Bottom line, I allowed intimidation to hinder my productivity. Watch A Short Video Brenda Smit-James, #confidentwriter Writer’s Block: I used to struggle with writer’s block. Staring at a blank screen, trying feverishly to will my words upon it, was at times a bit maddening. I don’t have that issue much any longer. How did I overcome it? I changed my writing style. I became a pantser. Once I ditched the outline and stopped pre-planning chapters, my anxiety level went way down and blank pages were no longer an issue. It was very liberating. Watch A Short Video Shannon, Reedsy.com Perfectionism: So I’m writing a first draft and going for a home run. I’m going to nail this thing and won’t even have to edit it. This will be phenomenal, the greatest feat of writing prowess known to man. And then reality set in as I realized I had wasted hours, if not days, trying to pump out a perfect first draft. If you have fallen into this trap, take a step back right now and refocus that energy towards something more realistic. Watch A Short Video Michael La Ronn, Authorlevelup.com Have you dealt with any of these issues? If so, how did you overcome it? https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/pantsers-and-plotters-which-are-you monthly 0.5 2022-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1664062855846-XNLR2J9VWAYMEMXWWGL6/unsplash-image-2oUiUu5QAys.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - Pantsers and Plotters - A brief definition “Pantser is a term associated with a writer who doesn’t outline a story in advance. A pantser takes an idea and runs with it free style, basically allowing the story to dictate its direction.” “Plotters are the exact opposite of pantsers. Plotters use outlines. They prefer to think ahead and outline their stories before they write the first word.” I am a pantser. When I’m writing a first draft, I don’t plan and I don’t outline. I simply don’t have the vision to do that. I usually stumble onto an idea for the personality of my protagonist and go from there. Sometimes, I can envision a scenario that I could fit a pre-defined character into, but even that is rare for me. I develop my stories on-the-fly. This approach sometimes means I may get into a few chapters and have to backtrack to make something earlier make sense. I have not experienced it nearly as much as plotters would like to think. My preference is having the freedom to make the story flow on its own. I feel the rewards of that method far outweigh the rigidity of the plotter’s approach. I use mind maps to show relationships between characters and scenes they share, but I do even that on-the-fly. It’s more about helping me keep track of prior scenes than plotting for future ones. I like to get lost in the story, let it guide me rather than me guide it. I have always found that the main character will dictate the way the story develops. He or she will define their antagonist and supporting characters as the story unfolds. Mind maps help me keep that whole thing in check while I continue on a path as dictated by the characters. For me, being a pantser has always helped with writer’s block. I’m not locked into a pre-conceived storyline. As a result, I spend very little time staring at a blank page. I have the freedom to go in any direction I want. If one of my characters pisses me off, or I don’t see a way forward with his role, I simply write him out of the story and move on. Some people see this as a drawback to being a pantser. I don’t. I believe your style of approach, be it pantser or plotter, is determined by the way your brain processes data. Mine has limited foresight. The only thing I see before I write is an opening scene and the story’s conclusion. I can’t envision all the stuff in the middle, so outlining is simply not an option for me. I’ve tried the plotter method a few times. I couldn’t make it work. It was too confining, too structured. My characters lost the privilege of input, and my writing slowed to a crawl. Plotters may say that pantsers spend an inordinate amount of time rewriting. I’ve never found that to be the case. I think I’d spend just as much, if not more, time staring at a blank page as I try to outline an entire story. No sir! I’ll take the unrestrictive pantser approach any day. Could I be better as a plotter? I think not as I’ve never not finished a novel I pantsed my way through. Hey, if the pantser approach is good enough for Stephen King, it’s certainly good enough for me. So which are you? Pantser or Plotter? https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/how-i-choose-characters-for-my-novels monthly 0.5 2022-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1663931131781-8DYHXNDNISA0IV16JMWU/unsplash-image-dlBXwGlzfcs.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - How I choose Characters - Before I write the first word, I create characters with names, backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses, relationships. Most of the time this process only involves the protagonist Protagonist: The primary person in the story. The protagonist has a hand in every scene, whether direct or indirect. He is always present. I really dig in and continuously build a vision for the reader that speaks to personality, strengths, weaknesses, ups, downs, attitude, everything. My goal is to make the reader feel as if they know the protagonist personally. Antagonist: My antagonist's purpose is to counteract the protagonist. He is part two of the overall story character structure. It doesn’t have to be a good vs evil thing, but more like a serious difference of opinion. For example, my friend Jerome likes the Kansas City Chiefs. I like the Arizona Cardinals. When they play each other, he’s he’s hoping like hell my Cards lose and I’m doing the same for his team. At the end of the game, we go our separate ways and repeat the following weekend. Now put the scenario in a suspense thriller setting and watch Jerome morph into an ax murderer. Others: Supporting characters is just as important, but I try to keep it to a minimum, or things can get murky, especially if names get similar. I once wrote in a female character named Sean, and a male character named Shawn. Imagine my surprise that after only a few chapters, I had already screwed up the spelling and totally forgot who was Sean and who was Shawn. Do characters need to have flaws? In my most humble opinion, yes, they do. Everyone has a skeleton or two lurking. Find it. Exploit it. Leave it for the reader to make their own judgment about it and then move on. I sometimes create characters with conflicting character traits. For instance, in one of my earlier works, I introduced my protagonist as a hard-hitting, no holds barred, absolute brute of a manger. Everyone who worked for him feared him like the dickens. In actuality, he was the opposite. Away from the office he was a wimpy, wimp fraud, afraid of his own shadow. It was fun wiring him from both angles. I don’t stress over names. I take into consideration the cultural environment, country of origin, and sex. And that’s about it. I use Scrivener (more on that in another post) for all of my first drafts. It has an excellent name generator built in and I will occasionally use it, but mostly I choose whatever name comes to mind as I’m thinking of the character. Probably the two most important things I consider when choosing character names are, one, make the name something I can easily type. And two, refrain from falling into the name/gender trap. I know I could easily type a character’s name a hundred times in a book of novel length. It makes no sense to hinder myself from the beginning with a name I struggle to type. It’s also easy to fall into the name/gender trap I described earlier with Shawn, or was it Sean? See what I mean? Mostly, though, I just have fun with it. https://kreatonbooks.com/blog/my-writing-necessities monthly 0.5 2022-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/09885087-855e-4ec3-b229-fb16fb431f1c/Desk.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Writing Necessities - ONE | The Desk I’ve worked in offices my entire career. I thought I knew what a good desk was. Turns out, like so many other things in life, I only thought I knew. And then the wife comes along and explains things. She was as tired of watching me struggle with the couch-coffee table-laptop setup as I was of watching me struggle. She suggested a corner desk, and none of that wasteful file cabinet nonsense either. Full range of motion with absolutely no knee bumping. She chose this one. I spent days trying to find a rival, but in the end had to admit she was right again. It is a damn nice heavy, sturdy desk. I love it. See it on Living Spaces https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/76fe10c0-150e-41c8-a913-33f159b390cc/chair.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Writing Necessities - TWO | An Ergonomic Chair Yep, an ergo chair with back and lumbar support allowed me to sit comfortably upright while typing. It allowed me to pull the little lever thingy and recline a bit while I was thinking (no jokes, please). And it allowed for just enough cushion on the old buttocks that I didn’t get comfortable enough to fall asleep. This is the one I went with and I’m happy with it. See it on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/054e5ded-690f-4e1d-b223-d7b596d12459/kbd-mouse.jpg KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Writing Necessities - THREE | Keyboard and Mouse So I have just as much love for nostalgia as the next guy or gal. I’ll admit, I sometimes think it would be cool to break out the old Underwood. But I’m also a realist. I can’t type for crap. Yes, I’d spend all day with correction tape if I tried writing on an old school typewriter. I know my limitations. I’m a bluetooth and mouse guy and I’ve been using said combo for as long as I can remember. With that said, I recently came across what I consider to be the best combo package on the planet, at least for me—the Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard and MX Master 3 Mac mouse. The keyboard and mouse are the most comfortable, responsive, flawlessly integrated devices I’ve ever used on my Mac. Hands down. Full stop. The combo was pricey, but in the end, well worth it. Here are the links. See them on Amazon | Keyboard | Mouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/462c1831-4078-464b-b177-2d6a260c393a/Dictionary.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Writing Necessities - FOUR | Thesaurus, Dictionary, Wiki I am always in the market for unfamiliar words and their variations. My mental retention is not what it used to be, so I reach for the dictionary as needed. I use a Mac with dual monitors and the built-in dictionary app works just fine. I throw it in a corner of the secondary screen, and I have instant access to the dictionary, thesaurus, and Wikipedia articles. Do I trust it always? No, but it is useful and convenient for quick lookups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/d4c869bc-71d8-4193-b246-b1a87888da42/Notes+app.png KREATON BOOKS Blog - My Writing Necessities - FIVE | A Handy Way to Jot Down Notes So right out of the gate, I’ll admit that for years I was that guy. You know, the Post-it® notes guy. I had scraps of paper freaking everywhere. But the new me, Mr. convenience finally gave all that up. Now I use the Mac Notes app. I can tuck it in right under the dictionary app on my secondary monitor and it’s there all the time, automatically saving entries to the cloud. https://kreatonbooks.com/stories daily 0.75 2025-07-01 https://kreatonbooks.com/stories/finding-ashton-quick monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/45127ce3-7256-46a1-81fa-96199a18f75d/the-husband-syndrome.png Stories - Finding Ashton Quick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/stories/the-officemate monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/92c0c28c-a159-47af-a6dc-2921021908a8/the-officemate.png Stories - The Officemate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/stories/lucky-7even monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1722116110171-P67ORZPWMYSP793FPQ2U/lucky-7evon.png Stories - Lucky 7even - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/stories/charissa monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1721575418809-GFIFAOOSMH0KQFLSLMGH/charissa.png Stories - Charissa - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/stories/the-pre-coverup monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/1720883817057-YU6FDZUHFENA5QX19F29/the-pre-coverup.png Stories - The Pre-Coverup - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://kreatonbooks.com/stories/the-wife-study monthly 0.5 2025-09-24 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/b01fab5b-1ee1-4bc7-b779-9a3afa3c462e/Main+Pit.jpg Cooking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/67989f35-711f-4821-9f7b-a53d949843fd/Humphreys.jpg Cooking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/ca60bfdd-e049-48e6-be22-ca4b31c15a52/Blackstone1.jpg Cooking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/3d4b0f11-2657-4e9b-8735-a11730f7c570/cajun+fryer+6.JPG Cooking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/6129e2b8-ac42-46cd-a307-855246784e03/Mushroom+Swiss+w%3AJalapenos.jpg Cooking Mushroom Swiss Burger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/737c5860-4195-493d-9bbb-129e5739e04d/DTC-background.png Cooking St. Louis Style Ribs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/6ac3d74e-6bce-48bc-8715-552dfe5ee5b7/Chicken+Cooked+over+Hickory.JPG Cooking Hickory-Smoked Chicken https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/a2e0bb18-2b37-4881-9d4c-ad86a34c2397/beef+ribs+1.jpeg Cooking Smoked Beef Ribs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/fc999ad1-b082-449b-b431-c67a20994604/Mayo+Rubbed+Chicken.JPG Cooking Mayo-Rubbed Chicken https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/55b6b89a-b155-47d5-a2d2-d5a5539f23e0/Pan+Seared+Cod.jpg Cooking Pan Seared Cod https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/229d86ba-97b3-403c-b3ce-c1f5ce175dfa/IMG_5327.JPG Cooking Fajitas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/72f349c2-6474-4b2d-b11c-9a0e01241f52/Ham+Steak.jpg Cooking Seared Ham Steak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6325dbec3e598818b67190e3/66c0745d-2248-41a3-b799-776325ddc478/Pinto+beans.JPG Cooking Pinto Beans 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