Tag: books
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3 Years to Publish My Poetry Book – What I Learned
The Journey to Self-Publishing For years, I dreamed of getting my work published. I decided to start with poetry, thinking it would be faster. I was wrong. Poetry books take just as much time—if not more. Finding the right poems for a cohesive collection is challenging. I wanted my poetry book to build my readership…
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Prompt Friday – Bloody
Write this scene:You are having a peaceful dinner at a restaurant when bullets start flying, and one shatters the glass you pick up to drink. My Response Crab Envy Marvelle, New JerseyApril 10, 2026 — 6:00 PM Sharon’s food had just arrived. She was pleased because she was starving after skipping lunch. Her stomach rumbled.…
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Prompt Friday – The Alien Arena
Prompt Write this scene. You wake up nude, chained to what appears to be a stripper pole, in a room filled with strange-looking people and creatures. My Response Voices faded in and out as I surfaced from unconsciousness. A headache bloomed behind my eyes. I blinked against a blur of lights until my vision steadied.…
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What Genre Are You Writing In? When Your Story Becomes Multiple Genres
Have you ever started writing a short story or novel in one genre, only to realize later that it turned into something completely different? This has happened to me more than once. I enjoy writing mysteries and police procedurals, but when I’m working on a story, I often find myself adding romantic elements along the…
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Prompt Friday – Unknown Caller
Prompt Write this scene. Your cellphone is found at a crime scene, and it’s ringing. The caller ID reads “Unknown.” My Response I pulled up behind a black-and-white cruiser. The heat kissed me in an instant caress, the moment I stepped out. I adjusted the collar of my light blue shirt as I headed over…
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Writing Prompts: Do They Help Writers or Hinder Them?
Photo by: Roman Bulatov Have you ever created and finished a story from a writing prompt? I can’t say that I have—but I have started many ideas from them. I’m not always sure if their purpose is to spark an idea, to guide you into finishing a story or novel, or to leave you with…
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How Do You Tackle Your Writing Projects?
Photo by: Juan Ignacio Rodriguez Moronta The Spark of Inspiration How do you tackle your writing projects? The way you approach a project can determine how it progresses. What sparks your idea? What do you do with that idea once it forms? Do you start writing right away, or let it marinate? It all begins…
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Unlocking the Art of Thoughtful Book Reviews
Photo by: Sheikh Sahin Do you struggle with writing book reviews? Do you ever find it hard to go beyond simply saying, “I liked this book”? Most of the time, I enjoy a poem, story, or novel without immediately knowing why. I just know it was great—I couldn’t put it down. But as readers, we…
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Continuous Learning for Writers: A Path to Success
Photo by: Oleg Gapeenko Honing Your Craft? As a writer, do you continue to learn and sharpen your skills? I do. I haven’t been published yet, but I’m committed to improving. I research writing constantly—watching videos, reading books, and learning from authors who write and edit for a living. It’s encouraging (and humbling) to see…
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Authentic Representation of Black Characters in Writing
Photo by: Oleg Gapeenko Do You Write About Black Characters? Have you ever noticed how vaguely Black characters are described in some novels—especially in books by non-Black authors? I find this frustrating. Often, it feels like writers either don’t know how to describe Black characters without leaning into clichés or simply choose to skip over…
C. N. Garraway 