VIDEO – Great Technique to Help You Think Like a Kid
Trying to figure out what today's kids want to read? Check out this simple way to uncover some inside info!
View ArticleVideo: Write for Success! 7 Tips For Children’s Book Writers
In this video, we share 7 things you can start doing right now to improve your chances of children's writing success!
View ArticleVIDEO – How to Judge Your Children’s Book Idea
You've got a book idea. But is it good enough to invest your time & effort? Here's how to tell!
View ArticleFour Steps to Becoming a Better Writer
Great writers aren't born - they're made. Here are some of their secrets.
View ArticleVideo — An Easy Resolution to Keep: Become a Better Writer By Watching More...
The big screen is filled with great storytelling techniques that you can employ to improve your own writing. Here's just some of what you can lift from your favorite films….
View ArticleWorking with Point of View
Here's a no-nonsense guide to mastering a vital aspect of the writing process: point of view.
View ArticleFind Your Strengths as a Writer
Make the most of your talent, by focusing on your strong -- and your weak -- points.
View ArticleShow Don’t Tell — A New Take on an Old Chestnut
Writers have heard the axiom “show, don’t tell” repeatedly. But what does it really mean? Jane Choate gives a practical breakdown on how to handle this vital aspect of the craft.
View ArticleHere’s What’s (Probably) Wrong With Your Story…
I've critiqued nearly 2500 manuscripts in the last 20 years. Here are the most common problems.
View ArticleCrafting the Female Protagonist
By Jane McBride Choate, General Writing Technique Expert Guide Top authors, editors and agents speak out on what makes a great female teen character.
View ArticlePODCAST – Follow This Fightin’ Bookworm to Grammar Perfection!
Can mastering grammar really be fun? One Fightin' Bookworms thinks so, and she's proving it in her new book. Listen in as Catherine DePino unlocks the secrets of great grammar.
View ArticleVideo Quickie: How to See the World Through the Eyes of a Writer
Jon's here with some tips on how to view the world in a way that will make you a better and more successful writer.
View ArticleBackstory: Giving Readers More Than Meets the Eye
Add depth and power to your story with this too-often overlooked technique.
View ArticleVIDEO – Is it OK to Switch Point of View?
In this video, Laura answers one of the trickier questions a writer can face: Is it acceptable to change points of view mid-story?
View ArticleUnderstanding Point of View
Mastering point of view is one of the trickiest — and one of the most important — aspects of writing.
View ArticleVIDEO – Should I Follow Trends?
It’s tempting for writers to jump on board the latest publishing trends. But is it a good idea? Watch this video and find out!
View ArticleMeet Your Audience: How to Learn What Kids Want in a Book
As a volunteer tutor, Fightin' Bookworm Debby Johnson has learned what young readers like. Here's what she's discovered....
View ArticlePull a Character and Plot from Your Idea
Brainstorming is an important step when developing your story idea. Once you have an general idea that feels right, use brainstorming again to start building your characters and plot.
View ArticleUnderstanding the Hero’s Journey
It’s a vital archetype of fiction, yet rarely is it fully understood. Here’s how it works…
View ArticleVideo: Laura on Creating Your Protaganist’s Backstory
Here’s Laura with some quick and powerful tips to provide your main character with a compelling history.
View ArticleTo Build Your Protagonist, Peel Back One Layer at a Time
Here's some great advice on how to create a memorable main character.
View ArticleCrafting a Worthy Foe
You've built your protagonist. Now it's time to throw in the big roadblock -- your antagonist! Booo! Hissss!
View ArticleTo Create Excitement, Mess With Your Characters!
Want to get your story buzzing with excitement? Give your characters a hard time!
View ArticleStrengthen Your Story’s Middle
Having a story sag in the middle is one of writers’ most common problems. Here’s how to avoid that trap….
View ArticleEndings That Deliver
Have you ever gotten to the end of a book and thought “So what?” Did it make you want to read more by that author, or recommend the book to a friend? Satisfying endings go hand in hand with strong...
View ArticleHow to “Show, Don’t Tell”
It's the basis of good writing. Here's what you need to know to master this vital concept.
View ArticleHow to Write a Plot Synopsis
By Laura Backes, CBI Publisher There is no way around it— if you plan to submit your manuscript to publishers, you're going to have to write a plot synopsis. Here's how to do it!
View ArticleDeveloping Your Book Idea
Is your story idea ready to be turned into a book? It's time to find out!
View ArticleTitillating Titles
By Natasha Wing, Picture Book Expert Guide Natasha has the lowdown on creating titles that are memorable, catchy and will help your book sell!
View ArticleExercise: Weaving a Story from a Few Simple Prompts
By Bryan Cohen, Writing Exercises Expert Guide Can you really build an entire story from answering one simple question? Our Expert Guide Bryan says you can -- and he's ready to prove it!
View ArticleFive Tips for Getting Feedback on Your First Draft
by Helen Landalf, Young Adult Expert Guide Feedback is vital to any writer. Here's how to get it -- and use it wisely!
View ArticleFAQ: Creating a Memorable Title for Your Book
By Jane McBride Choate, General Writing Technique Expert Guide How do you create a great title? Can a title be copyrighted? Jane has the answers to these and other key questions...
View ArticleShow a Character’s Emotion Using Body Language
Emotion is integral to character. We reveal emotion through dialogue, through action, through narrative, though we try to avoid telling the reader what the character is feeling. (Remember: show;...
View Article5 Ways to “Teach, Don’t Preach”
In my writeforkids video “Teach, Don't Preach”, I examined five books that teach the readers life lessons without being didactic. Here, now, in this bonus article exclusively for Fightin' Bookworms,...
View ArticleLaura on How to Surprise Your Readers
From our April members-only webinar, here’s Laura’s presentation “How to Surprise Your Readers”. Below the video, we have a PDF of Laura’s entire text for you to download. How to Surprise Your...
View ArticlePrologues, Epilogues, and Other Useful Bookends
What if the reader needs more information than what you can squeeze into the body of your book? You have several elements at your disposal that can lead the reader into your work and ease them through...
View Article6 Ways to Simplify Your Writing
A former workshop student of mine recently thanked me for reminding her that query letters are best when they’re short and to the point. A published writer, she said she’d gotten away from the KISS...
View ArticleHow (and Why) to Eliminate Passive Writing
According to Strunk and White’s classic The Elements of Style, “The habitual use of the active voice…makes for forcible writing.” In its most basic sense, the active voice involves the subject of the...
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