Trade Publishing: Single Book or Series?
Trade publishing recognizes a simple truth: when selling a series to individual readers, the first book gets the most readers. Jan Fields shares tips for increasing your series odds.
Planning a Book Series: The Premise
All series books have a basic premise, something that links the books through time. Today we talk about how a good premise is interesting but also has repeatability.
Planning a Book Series: Characters Who Can Go the Distance
When planning a book series, it’s important to create characters that can sustain a story and still be likable throughout many books. Let’s talk about characters that can go the distance.
Writing Great Middle Grade Dialogue
Because dialogue is an essential element of any book, it’s worthwhile to take a specific look at writing great middle grade dialogue.
Middle Grade Characters: Beyond Likability | IFW
Let’s look at the complex middle grade characters who aren’t really likable, and how they can play a part in grabbing the reader and holding on.
Writing for Middle Grade: An Essential Primer | IFW
Middle grade books are seeing an awakening in the publishing world. What you need to know when writing for middle grade.
Writing for Holidays in Books and Magazines
Most publishers (including books and magazines) produce some holiday pieces each year. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of these opportunities.
Mystery Elements: The Satisfying Ending
Mysteries are rarely open-ended because the very nature of how mysteries work requires closure to be successful. So let’s think about what makes for a good mystery ending.
Mystery Elements: Double Duty Dialogue
Dialogue is important in virtually every story you’ll ever write, but in mysteries that importance (and difficulty) is compounded by the use of dialogue in relation to clues.
Put on Your Mystery Thinking C.A.P.
Jan Fields shares the differences in writing mystery for adults and kids. Time to put on your mystery thinking C.A.P. and get started writing a mystery today!
Winning Mysteries
Jan Fields reveals how to write a winning mystery for readers of all ages.
Freedom of Speech: What Does It Mean for Writers? | IFW
Jan Fields explains Freedom of Speech and what it means for writers
Can I Do That? Writing Difficult True Stories | IFW
Facebook Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > WRITING DIFFICULT TRUE STORIES One of the most compelling types of writing for many is telling true stories from the writer’s own life, in other words, writing a memoir. Memoir writing isn’t just for books targeting adults. Examples…
Tough Topics in Fiction for Kids
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > TOUGH TOPICS IN FICTION FOR KIDS Today, many children’s books do not take place in an idealized world where children are always loved, cared for, and healthy. Instead, some writers set their…
Writing Poetry for Magazines
How can you be successful writing poetry for children’s magazines? Check out these three elements that editors look for in children’s poetry from Jan Fields.
Conflict Is So Romantic
Facebook Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > Like any strong story, romance needs conflict. Without conflict, romantic stories can be dully predictable. After all, the vast majority of romances end with the characters together. Readers are confident that will happen. So, it’s the journey to…
Structure 102: Nonfiction
Facebook Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > Some paranormal enthusiasts believe that a pyramid, simply by virtue of its shape, can preserve food, and enhance meditation and psychic talents. Others believe the Giza pyramids are a giant celestial generator that could power the world if…
Humor For Older Readers
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > Humor For Older Readers Although teens may crack fewer knock-knock jokes or giggle less often over puns, humor is a popular ingredient in young adult books and stories. Humor can be both…
Worldbuilding When You Can’t Go Out in the World | IFW
Research is key to creating believable worlds for the characters. Here’s how to research when you can’t travel to the places you are writing about. Let’s go!
Worldbuilding: Dressing the Set
As writers, the worldbuilding process includes adding elements that make each setting stir the senses of the reader while helping to move the plot forward.
