Category: Wizard of Words
Advice to writers passed down the ages (video).
Science fiction author Dr. Jerry Pournelle – now sadly departed from this mortal coil – speaks about the subject of writing. This is a talk he was given by classic SF writer Robert Heinlein, on the basis that he would then give it himself, to ‘pay it forward’.
Author Elizabeth Ann West interviewed (audio).
Each week the SPF crew ask an author the same five questions about their writing process. Under the Spotlight this week is Elizabeth Ann West – creator of 27 historical romance books.
Book Pre-Orders: How, When, and Why to use them? (video: writing business)
Here’s an interesting video discussion by a group of professional indie authors covering the reasons you may want to use pre-orders on Amazon and the other stores, examining benefits as well as potential pitfalls to writers.
Brandon Sanderson on writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (videos: craft).
Here’s fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and his cracking series of videos classes on creative writing, focused on writing science fiction and fantasy.
Get book reviews on Amazon without getting banned.
Getting good book reviews can be important to your book, but not as important as many new authors think. Here is writer David Gaughran in a quick insightful 18-minute-long video on this topic – with some top tips on avoiding getting your account cancelled by Amazon for cheating.
How character flaws shape story.
How can you create characters with unique and interesting flaws that lead into plots that will enliven your stories? In this piece, author Will Storr explains the science of storytelling, covering such topics as, How we can use cause and effect in storytelling. Giving characters depth and flaws without being cliched. Creating original characters. The hard work that storytelling is for most writers. Why gossip is fundamental to storytelling. The importance of linking character and plot together. Dealing with character flaws in a series. How TV has changed readers’ expectations of books. Writing without fear of judgment.
Apples Book get an upgrade and paperback distribution under threat (news update).
A book news roundup for authors. This week: The trouble over at the super-large book distributor, Bertrams, and what this means for authors – and books getting into book shops. The results of BookBub’s study into how reader behaviour has changed during the coronavirus crisis. And there’s a brand new Apple Books platform for authors, meaning Windows users can now distribute directly to Apple — without a Mac or any new software.
Free Fonts for your book’s typesetting? Font of all knowledge.
You need your book to look amazing, and typography is a key factor in design that can’t be overlooked. So where can you find free fonts online in 2020 that uphold a high standard of quality? Well, this article over at https://www.sitepoint.com/free-fonts/ gives you the best sources to nab a few good typefaces, for starters. https://www.sitepoint.com/free-fonts/
Grammar Greatness: Tell me about Exclamation Marks, I SHOUTED!
The Exclamation Mark ! is added to the end of a sentence to add emphasis, a little like SHOUTING! In the USA this is also called an Exclamation Point! You can use the Exclamation Mark to give commands, issue exclamatory statements, or add extra emotional weight. Examples “Give me the money, now!” yelled the crook as she waved her pistol in the air. Sit down right this second! I didn’t have to think twice about obeying. “I can’t take it anymore!” I sobbed. A shiny new jeep sitting in my drive. Oh yes! Good morning! Problems You don’t need to add a full stop after an Exclamation Mark as ! […]
Grammar Greatness: Hyphen versus Dash smackdown.
The Hyphen – is a short horizontal line, and often confused with its longer cousin, the Dash. Hyphens have three main uses … The Hyphen can be used to join words that need to be glued together (called “compound words” by grammar pros). Examples Brazil is a Portuguese–speaking nation. The MiG–25 Foxbat is the world’s fastest–moving fighter jet. My father–in–law did not approve of me, at first. 2). The Hyphen can be used to stick a prefix to the start of a word. Examples It was a post–natal ward. Trump will be the ex–president one day. They created a new sub–category just for me. 3). The Hyphen can be used […]
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