Can You Write a Novel or Nonfiction Book in Four Months or Less?

Can You Write a Novel or Nonfiction Book in Four Months or Less?

September is my favorite time to take a look at my goals and whether I'm on track for reaching them this year. In past September posts, I've written about financial goals. This year, I'm discussing writing goals.

Did you set any writing goals for 2022? Have you always wanted to write a book I thought 2022 was the year you'd do it?

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Book Review and Recommendation: The Conflict Thesaurus Volume 2

Book Review and Recommendation: The Conflict Thesaurus Volume 2

If you're looking to add some excitement and tension to your writing, then you need to check out the Conflict Thesaurus Volume 2. This book is filled with a variety of conflict scenarios that will keep your readers engaged and turning the pages. Whether you're writing a novel, screenplay, or just want to add more drama to your blog posts, this book has something for you.

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How to Write a Detective Story When You're Not a Detective

How to Write a Detective Story When You're Not a Detective

It's easy to think that in order to write a detective story, you have to be a detective. But this isn't the case at all! In fact, many famous detective stories were written by people who had no real-world experience in detective work. So how do they do it? How can someone write a detective story when they're not a detective? The answer is simple: They use their imagination, and they do their research!

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What is Crime Fiction? (and how to write it)

What is Crime Fiction? (and how to write it)

What is crime fiction? This is a question that has been asked by many people over the years. The answer, however, is not always simple. Crime fiction can be broadly defined as any story that revolves around a crime or criminal act. This could include murder mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, just to name a few.

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How to Plot a Novel

How to Plot a Novel

The process of writing a novel can be mysterious and daunting. If you're ready to take the plunge, these tips will help you plot your book in record time. Plotting is the process of exploring your characters and setting, seeing where they might go in the story. You'll need to have a solid idea of who your heroine or hero is and what makes them tick before you begin writing. Knowing the overall theme of your book will help you determine the direction that your plot should take while keeping you focused while you write.

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Anxiety . . . What is it Good For? An Excerpt from Pitch Like Hollywood

Anxiety . . . What is it Good For? An Excerpt from Pitch Like Hollywood

I had the privilege of reviewing an advance copy of Pitch Like Hollywood: What You Can Learn from the High-Stakes Film Industry by Peter Desberg and Jeffrey Davis. The following is an excerpt from (pp. 109-115, McGraw Hill, February 2022).

The reason anxiety feels so horrible when you’re pitching is simple: You haven’t read the manual. You’re not using it the way it’s evolved since a saber-toothed tiger first chased Homo erectus.

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