At a recent industry event, I found myself chatting with the prolific New York Times bestselling author CJ Lyons, who has had great success with her thriller books. It's easy to confuse thrillers, mysteries, and suspense novels, so I asked CJ...

When you sit down to write, how much is truth and how much fiction? If you’re writing a personal story, should you call it a memoir or a novel? Or, to put it differently, what constitutes truth in creative writing? I gave this matter...

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of them all?” he crooned, slipping his arm around my waist from behind. A smile, cold as the winter sunbeam, played on his lips. I scrunched my face at his touch and flinched, like a...

I’m fascinated by how people become who they are. Like the time I had the pleasure of being in the same Target checkout line as the disgruntled lady who was oozing of anger for everyone around her to see, feel, and hear. I immediately began to...

Composing Characters Utilizing MBTI® Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is great for writer’s looking for diverse ways to create and distinguish their characters.  This video is packed with examples and even gives you a link in the end to...

Check out a list of suggestions in regards to things fiction readers want is a story.   I’m sure you more than likely have your bases covered already if you write fiction novels, but deeper insight never hurt anyone.  Make your...

It’s finally here!!  The cover reveal for my upcoming debut fiction novel is live!!!  All exclamation points because I’m so excited to share a sneak peek with you.  Artist Sudhakar K Kapoor has done such an amazing job...

Linda Diane Wattley is a proud veteran of the United States Army.  She was born in Akron, Ohio and attended the University of Akron, majoring in Psychology.  While attending the University she learned during a writing course, that she had...

The following is a preview of  the Relica Enchanted series, Volume I: Chapter 1: The Story of Our Love available on Amazon by Maryanne Johnson. Check out the website: http://maryannesbookshelf.com His skin was black magic luster, onyx...

The following is a preview or excerpt from the Relica Enchanted series, Volume II: Chapter 35: Medea’s Story available in e-book format on Amazon by Maryanne Johnson. Website: http://maryannesbookshelf.com The noble wizard Sylvan...

Megan Miranda is the author of the young adult novels FRACTURE, HYSTERIA, VENGEANCE, SOULPRINT, and THE SAFEST LIES. Her first novel for adults, ALL THE MISSING GIRLS, will be released on June 28, 2016 and I will officially be calling in "binge...

For the past year or so I've been working on a new novel, and this one has caused me a lot of angst--and stress. I realize now that the main reason I've had so many problems is that I didn't spend enough time thinking about the...

I tend to be obsessive about research. Before I began writing my first novel I had published, through traditional publishers, two editions of a textbook and a nonfiction case-study book for the general reader on my neuropsychological patients....

I read on two levels. On the one hand, I’m a reader, along for the ride, lost in the story. Meanwhile, another part of me steps back, asks questions, and analyzes. Why does the author introduce this plot point here? Why did he include this...

The Longest Mile By Christine Meyer In the course of their lifetime, one out of two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed with cancer. Many of us watch in desperation as our friends and loved ones fight for their lives. But after...