Mastering the Cliffhanger
By: Ginger | Posted on April 25, 2025
More than just a plot device, cliffhangers are a strategic storytelling tool that can turn casual readers into devoted fans. Whether used at the end of a chapter or in the final lines of a book, a well-placed cliffhanger fuels momentum, builds anticipation, and drives series read-through. When used effectively, they become one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal. In this week’s blog, Ginger explores a variety of ways authors can harness the power of cliffhangers in their writing. Drawing on examples from bestselling books across genres, he outlines practical techniques for crafting compelling hooks at both the chapter and series level. On top of that, he offers guidance on when cliffhangers work best, when they risk frustrating readers, and how to strike the perfect balance. If you’re aiming to deepen engagement and make your work truly unputdownable, mastering the art of the cliffhanger is essential. A… Read More >
Are Cost Cap Ads Key to Direct Sales Success?
By: Ginger | Posted on April 18, 2025
While direct sales can be a game-changer for authors with a solid series or bundle to offer, the cost of running standard Facebook ads can make turning a profit a real challenge. Even for marketing-savvy writers, the learning phase, where Facebook figures out who’s most likely to buy, can set your ad budget on fire before you see a single sale. But there’s a rarely used strategy that might just change the game for authors selling direct. In today’s blog, Ginger breaks down Facebook’s Cost Cap setting, a powerful but underused tool that lets you control how much you’re willing to spend per sale. When used correctly, it can help you start running profitable ads from day one, and find your ideal readers before your budget runs dry. So, if you’ve read any of my previous articles on the topic, you should know by now that I’m an evangelical when… Read More >
What Wicked Can Teach Authors About Adaptation
By: Ginger | Posted on April 11, 2025
Many authors dream of seeing their books transformed into Broadway sensations or blockbuster films—but the journey from novel to script isn’t always smooth, or even successful. Even with industry interest, the adaptation process can be full of creative compromises, unexpected detours, and reinventions that risk losing the heart of the original story. That’s what makes Wicked such a fascinating case. Originally a novel, then a record-breaking musical, and now a critically acclaimed film, Wicked has thrived across a variety of adaptations. In today’s blog, Ginger digs into Wicked’s wildly successful evolution to uncover what it got so right, and what authors can learn from its journey. From story structure and thematic depth to the art of staying flexible while preserving your story’s core, Wicked offers authors a blueprint for crafting work that can leap off the page and come alive on stage or screen. I recently watched the Wicked movie… Read More >
Should Your Redeemed Villain Live or Die?
By: Ginger | Posted on April 4, 2025
There’s something irresistible about watching a character we once hated fight their way back to redemption. But not all former villains get to ride off into the sunset. Often, they’re still sacrificed for the good of the story. But whether they live or die is not determined by flipping a coin. As an author, it’s your job to weigh several key factors when deciding the ultimate ending for your reformed antagonist. In today’s blog, Ginger walks us through how to evaluate your villain’s past sins and redemption arc to strike the right balance between satisfying storytelling and reader expectations. From the severity of their actions to the motivations behind their transformation, he breaks down the essential elements that should guide the fate of your redeemed villain. Whether it’s Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Negan from The Walking Dead, I’m a sucker for a bad guy who eventually sides… Read More >
