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 >
Fantasy Novels to Pick Up this Holiday Season
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 12, 2024
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the fantasy reader in your life, here is a list of novels loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers that are sure to keep the pages turning. Pick one (or more) up this holiday season, you won’t be disappointed! Battle Mage by Mark Stanley With a 4.4 star average on Amazon, Battle Mage is book two of the three book The Vellhor Saga series. This installment builds upon the ongoing struggle (and romance) of Gunnar and Anwyn to protect their realm from encroaching darkness from the first installment in this series. Marco M. describes in his five star Amazon review, “The pacing is intense, with battles, betrayals, and moments of hope woven throughout. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the rich world-building and the well-crafted magic system. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of power, making it an… Read More >
Self-Improvement books for your Holiday Reading List
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 5, 2024
While it may be too early to be working on your 2025 Resolutions, it’s never too early (or late) to develop new skills to continue on a self-improvement journey. With that in mind, we are certain that there’s a self-help book out there for you within this broad category. Today we’ve rounded up the self-improvement books our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the most recently. Healthy Communication With Your Partner by Amanda Thomas With 140+ ratings and a 4.8 star average on Amazon, Healthy Communication With Your Partner by Amanda Thomas helps you build the necessary communication skills to change any conflict into an opportunity to build your connection with your partner. Chey writes in their five star Amazon review, “We can all use reminders about how to communicate better, especially with partners, and this book is a great tool. It has practical and relatable strategies to improve your relationship…. Read More >
Young Children’s Books to Add to Your Cart
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 17, 2024
Do you have a young reader in your life? We have a handful of books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following young children’s books, and there is something for little bookworms of all ages in this list. The Cat Who Chased Ghosts by Nic Minnella With a 4.6 average star rating, The Cat Who Chased Ghosts is recommended for children 9-14 years old and tells the story of a haunted house, a paranormal cat, and the power of friendship. “What a lovely and fun book! It follows the Thompson family as they move into an old house they’ve inherited. The story takes a turn when their son Timmy forms a bond with Whiskers. It’s charming and entertaining, and the characters are delightful. The book is on the longer side for a children’s book, but the story is engaging enough. A must-read for… 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 >
Breaking Free: Why Direct Sales Might Be For You – Part One
By: Ginger | Posted on July 5, 2024
Welcome to the first part of Ginger’s ongoing series about direct sales. In this series, he’ll explore why self-published authors should consider selling books directly to readers, rather than relying solely on traditional online book platforms. As we’ve discussed before, authors face significant challenges in gaining visibility on sites dominated by advertising. Even when readers click on an ad, making an immediate purchase isn’t always straightforward, and the delay in receiving payment can be frustrating. Direct sales offer a way to bypass these obstacles, presenting an appealing alternative to traditional eBook stores. However, it’s not for everyone. Over the next few weeks, Ginger will guide us through the benefits of the direct sales model, his personal reasons for choosing this path, the steps involved in setting it up, and the actual results he has seen since starting. Back last year, Craig and I were excited to have Steve Pieper as… Read More >
Women’s Fiction books to Pack on Vacation
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on June 25, 2024
Women’s Fiction books can vary widely in terms of theme, but what they all have in common is that they are centered around a women’s life experiences. These books are generally targeted towards female readers and their popularity comes from how relatable many of them are to the women that read them. With summer just around the corner, if you’re looking for a great women’s literature/fiction book to pack on vacation, take a peek at these titles that our Hidden Gems readers recently loved. Unwavering Branches by Kelly Comiskey With 15+ reviews and an impressive 4.8 star average on Amazon, Unwavering Branches tells the story of four different women impacted by World War II. Readers are touched by the stories of hope, courage and of course, sacrifice. Kristy raves in her five star Amazon review, “I have read every [World War II] historical fiction book I can get my hands… Read More >
Balancing Action and Character Development
By: Ginger | Posted on June 7, 2024
Balancing action with character development is an art form that can make or break a novel. Too much focus on action can lead to flat and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for your audience to connect with the story. To truly elevate your storytelling, it’s essential to balance thrilling sequences with effective characterization techniques. In today’s blog, Ginger delves into various strategies for achieving this balance by examining a variety of popular movie and literature examples. From understanding the power of pacing to using action scenes to reveal character traits, his advice can help you harmonize high-octane adventures with introspective emotional journeys, ensuring your stories resonate more powerfully with readers. Recently, I went to see Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. It was a terrific, fast-paced movie that delivered on the action and didn’t take itself too seriously – but as I was watching it, I also appreciated all… Read More >
Can You Use AI To Become a “Plotter”?
By: Ginger | Posted on March 22, 2024
Some authors like to plot out their novels before they start writing, and others like to fly by the seat of their pants, letting the characters direct the story as they go. However, it’s not always so black and white, with some author’s taking a more hybrid approach, and others switching from plotter to pantser depending on the project. Yet for authors who aren’t opposed to using AI for a bit of assistance in their planning process, it’s never been easier to be a plotter. As Ginger lays out in today’s blog (with some great examples), AI can not only help guide you through the plotting process of whatever genre or style of book you are writing, but it can even do so using the story structure you want your book to follow. So whether you’re using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or something else, plotting has never been easier! Traditionally, there… Read More >
Using Story Structures to Write Better Books
By: Ginger | Posted on February 9, 2024
Many non-authors believe that writing a book is as straightforward as jotting down a lengthy email or drafting a report. Yet, as any author who has actually written a novel can attest, there is a big difference between everyday writing and crafting narratives that captivate and entertain readers for hundreds of pages. Perhaps the misconception comes because, unlike the specialized skills required for performing surgery or practicing law, writing seems accessible to everyone and a part of our daily lives. However, this perception ignores the artistry and dedication that goes into weaving compelling stories from the simple thread of imagination. That’s why today, Ginger is shining a spotlight on the scaffolding behind the scenes of great storytelling—the story structures. Structures are the story frameworks that can help guide an author from the germ of an idea to a fully fleshed-out narrative. And just as there are many different ways to… Read More >
