

Writing a memoir? Elements you need to master
What do you want to write about? Well my life of course (writers say). And I nod because of course that is right. But it has to be about...
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Want to start that book...Here's how
Do you have a burning desire to publish a book? Cape Town-based writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen offers simple and practical...
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Writers need a writing plan
So many of us have this deep heart desire to write, but don’t know how to act on it. So you want to write – but you don’t do it. And all...
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A quiz for your lead characters
Here's a good list of questions to ask your hero Your age? Nationality? Hair colour? Style? Age? How do you dress? Best feature? How...
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Open submissions for romance writers
Got a manuscript that you are sitting on? Here is an updated list of all the publishing houses actively looking for books. Romance!...
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How to get your book to a better first draft
The first draft of your book is not something you are going to want to show anyone. Sorry! As much as you have sweated and toiled over...
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How to grow an idea into a plot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArGa8x2nEg
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Do you have a plan for your book?
Why isn't it selling? Who should be making it sell? Why isn't the publisher doing more? Why are there only three copies at the bookshop...
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Do you need to be an expert to write
This word 'expert' comes up a lot when working with memoir or non-fiction books. It comes from the question - am I actually qualified to...
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Find your non-fiction genre
Where will your book sit? Remember your first step in non-fiction writing is to be clear on your genre. Find your main genre and...
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The sexiest lines from romance novels
"And I mean to hear ye groan like that again. And to moan and sob, even though you dinna wish to, for ye canna help it. I mean to make...
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How do you make readers care? An editors tricks for writing unforgettable characters
Making readers CARE about your character is not actually a mystery. It is most often a product of good dialogue and good plotting. I have...
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5 Places all writers get stuck
There are a few key places where it is just so easy to get stuck as a writer. You may get stuck in all of them. But if you want to move...
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What publishers are looking for. What authors need to know
​I have been doing a bit of a roadshow presenting some new authors to publishers both in locally and globally. I also use the opportunity...
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Editing your book _round two
Now if you have been following my steps you will have completed step 1. That means you have printed and marked up your entire manuscript...
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How to improve your first draft (and second draft and 7th)
OK so this post is assuming that you have competed first draft of your book. It is going to take you through the next few steps that you...
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How to write a smoking hot author blurb
​A smoking author biography is an essential part of a book proposal. Writing a good one - that sums up your personality and book in a...
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How do you find your writing voice?
How do you find your true voice when you write? I am so often asked this. It is hard to find what you genuinely feel is YOU. Our brains...
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How often do you save?
​Losing some work due to a computer glitch is a frustrating moment. Losing your entire book is a crushing event. Okay it wasn't an entire...
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Are you making writing time?
​I work with writers all over the world to help them get their books written and then published. And what is the one thing that published...
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