What Can Writers Learn by Studying the Novels of Jilly Cooper?
By: Ginger | Posted on December 13, 2024
For fans of romantic fiction, the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s iconic novel Rivals is a long-awaited celebration of an author who has been shaping the genre for decades. If you haven’t yet discovered the work of this British writer, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. The fact is, Cooper is more than just a successful novelist. She’s a trailblazer whose wit, charm, and unforgettable characters have earned her a devoted following across generations. Ginger counts himself among those fans, which is why he’s taken a closer look at the glitz, glamor, and steaminess of her novels to uncover the invaluable lessons they offer to other writers. From her expert use of character and pacing to her sharp dialogue and picturesque settings, Jilly Cooper’s books are a masterclass in storytelling and thus the perfect study choice for for authors looking to hone their skills. One of… Read More >
Writing Romantic Suspense: Keeping Readers Hooked Until the End
By: Delaney Diamond | Posted on December 6, 2024
If fear of not being able to keep readers on the edge of their seats while rooting for love to triumph has held you back from writing romantic suspense, today’s blog is exactly what you need. Bestselling author Delaney Diamond, with over 50 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels to her name, is here to share her expert insights. Her wealth of experience makes her the perfect guest to reveal the secrets of blending action, romance, and complex characters into a gripping story that readers won’t want to put down. Drawing from her own successful career, Delaney reveals actionable tips for starting strong, crafting relatable yet flawed characters, and raising the stakes with heart-pounding suspense. These techniques are key to balancing emotional depth with high-octane action, ensuring that your readers are hooked and won’t stop turning pages until the very end. I started my author career writing contemporary romance, and… Read More >
Do Shorter Novels Make a Bigger Impact?
By: Ginger | Posted on November 29, 2024
Many authors believe there to be an unspoken pressure to produce hefty novels, as if the length of a book is directly tied to its worth. But is there any validity to that assumption? Do readers always want longer novels, or could shorter ones offer equal—or even greater—value to both readers and writers? As Ginger highlights in today’s blog, modern readers juggle countless demands on their attention and time. Shorter books not only fit seamlessly into their busy lives but also create exciting opportunities for authors, from reaching a broader audience to increasing output while reducing costs. Maybe it’s time to rethink whether bigger truly means better in the world of storytelling. When it comes to credit card debt, suppositories, and the spiders you find in your bathroom, one thing is clear: Bigger isn’t always better. But does the same rule apply for novels? Some of my favorite novels are… Read More >
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Chekhov’s Gun Hanging On The Wall
By: Ginger | Posted on October 18, 2024
Writing is a craft, with authors employing a variety of tools and techniques to weave together their stories. One such tool is Chekhov’s Gun, a principle that essentially emphasizes that every element introduced in a story should serve a purpose, or it shouldn’t be there at all. Today, Ginger is digging into the details of this technique and how it can be used in your own work, along with examples of how it has been used in popular literature and film. Checkhov’s Gun is all about discipline, foreshadowing, and rewarding your readers for their attention to detail. Whether it’s a clue hidden in the first chapter, a character’s flaw that leads to their downfall, or a seemingly innocuous object that becomes critical later on, this tool can add layers of suspense, symbolism, and satisfaction that will transform your stories from good to unforgettable. Writing is a craft, not an art… Read More >
What can writers learn by studying Vaseem Khan?
By: Ginger | Posted on October 4, 2024
Success as an author can often appear to be an overnight transformation, but in reality, very few writers become household names without years of hard work. Behind every so-called “overnight success” lies a story of persistence, rejection, and unwavering dedication to the craft. Vaseem Khan is a perfect example of this. While he recently gained significant attention for being chosen to write a trilogy featuring the iconic James Bond character “Q,” his rise to fame didn’t happen out of the blue. It’s the result of a long and winding journey, built on countless words and books that paved the way for this moment. As Ginger points out in this week’s blog, Khan’s journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring authors about the tenacity and creative vision needed to achieve lasting success in publishing. From his inventive book concepts to his talent for immersing readers in richly detailed worlds, Khan has mastered… Read More >
In Fiction, Nothing is Won Without Sacrifice
By: Ginger | Posted on September 27, 2024
As authors, we all strive to create stories that resonate deeply with readers, pulling them into our characters’ journeys and making them feel truly invested. One of the most powerful tools for achieving this is sacrifice. Whether it’s a physical loss, a shattered belief, or giving up a cherished dream, sacrifice elevates the stakes and compels readers to care about the outcome. The key lies in understanding why sacrifice is so essential in storytelling—because not all sacrifices are created equal. When done poorly, it can feel hollow or forced, leaving readers unsatisfied. But when done well, it becomes the emotional anchor of your story. Today, Ginger walks us through the crucial role of sacrifice, how to determine what your characters should give up, and offers tips for crafting those moments to make a lasting impact. I’m obsessed with the structure of storytelling. Although every story is unique, I love being… Read More >
Hard Lessons Learned from the Failure of The Acolyte
By: Ginger | Posted on September 20, 2024
It’s often said that you can learn more from failure than success, but it’s not only your own failures that can teach valuable lessons. The Acolyte is a prime example—a show that promised so much, yet stumbled in its execution, offering key “lessons learned” for writers. While fans and critics alike were divided over its story, there’s no denying that its flaws provide an opportunity to learn what not to do when crafting narratives. In this week’s blog, Ginger breaks down the show’s major misfires and explores how we can turn them into opportunities for growth in our creative journeys. There are valuable lessons to learn from studying the pitfalls of this Disney+ series—such as poor use of pre-existing characters or an overreliance on a non-linear timeline—and they serve as a reminder that even the most ambitious and well-funded projects can fall apart if the core storytelling isn’t solid. Warning:… Read More >
What can writers learn by studying Sarah J. Maas?
By: Ginger | Posted on September 13, 2024
Ever wonder what makes certain authors skyrocket in popularity while others struggle to break through? Sarah J. Maas is a name on nearly every reader’s lips today, but not everyone knows she began her journey by self-publishing Throne of Glass before going the traditional publishing route and selling 38 million books worldwide. In a relatively short time, Maas has built a literary empire with her intricate worlds, complex characters, and unforgettable romances. But what’s the secret behind her meteoric rise, and what can we, as writers, learn from it? That’s exactly what Ginger sets out to explore in today’s article as he examines the key writing strategies that have propelled Maas to best-seller status. From her richly detailed world-building and compelling characters to her savvy marketing tactics and sheer persistence, there are countless lessons we can take from her path to success—lessons that can help us transform our own writing… Read More >
The Author’s AI Toolkit – Brainstorming
By: Craig | Posted on September 6, 2024
Welcome to part 3 of the Author’s AI Toolkit series. After an introduction to the series, and then a brief primer on prompting, it’s finally time to start digging into some real examples of how AI can assist you. Brainstorming is the natural place to start because that’s where most of the work for an author begins—coming up with ideas. Artificial Intelligence is fabulous at brainstorming, and for many authors, this will be the primary and most valuable use case they have for it. And for those still worried about AI stealing/borrowing/plagiarizing content, brainstorming should feel less risky, as it’s not about generating unique ideas to use verbatim but rather offering a diverse range of ideas to spark your creativity and guide your thinking in new directions. Once you’re nudged off the path you normally follow, you can discover entirely new ideas just by thinking outside the box you usually… Read More >
Elevating Your Thrillers with High-Stakes Conflict
By: Ginger | Posted on August 23, 2024
In every great adventure or thriller, there’s a moment when the heroes seem destined to fail, where the odds are so overwhelmingly against them that victory feels impossible. It’s these high-stakes moments that grip readers, keeping them on the edge of their seats, with hearts and minds racing in anticipation. But crafting such scenes isn’t just about throwing your characters into peril—it’s about creating tension that feels real and stakes that resonate deeply with your readers. In today’s blog, Ginger discusses the art of incorporating high-tension scenes into your adventure stories and thrillers. With a variety of examples pulled from popular fiction, he explores why it’s crucial to make your heroes’ success seem uncertain, yet, when achieved, retrospectively inevitable. To do this, he offers practical tips on crafting climaxes that deliver both surprise and satisfaction. The addition of these unforgettable moments will lead your readers to experience the thrill of… Read More >
