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A practical guide to choosing between rich description and straightforward feeling. You've probably received a lot of writing advice on how to create emotional depth in your book. The most common one that fills my feeds is to "show, don't tell." Meaning the reader interprets what the character is feeling based on the actions and tension of the scene, rather than explicitly stating what they're feeling. While it’s valuable to learn how to use descriptive language to express fe

Sitting at my desk, I craft words that don’t sound like me. The sentence structure is different, the word choice is intentional, and the tone is uniquely yours. The clacking of the keyboard signifies that I’m hard at work, but in the end, it will not be my words that are published. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it’s your voice that should and will be captured. It’s your story; you should hear yourself in it. My priority is that when the final work is delivered,

Most stories find their footing in one of two territories: character-driven or plot-driven. Understanding how each operates and intersects will reshape the way you write and how readers experience your narrative. This piece explores both approaches and offers structures you can use in your own narrative. Character-Driven Plotting A character-driven plot is a narrative in which a character's internal desires, flaws, and choices determine the course of the story rather than ext

The worst part about writing subject lines is that your message depends on them. You can write a fantastic email that's clear, engaging, and informative, but it would go unopened unless your subject line grabs attention. You're trying to stand out in a crowded inbox without sounding spammy or clickbaity, one single line can make or break the entire message. So how do you write the perfect subject line? Striking The Balance Email subject lines should contain a balance of being

Some days, my fingertips hover over the keyboard, fixated on the same scene. I type out words that make no sense, giving the story zero direction and purpose. My characters and I can't connect, the plot points are jumbled, and the timeline is out of order. After several hours of this, I feel burned out. The draft is a mess, and the story I'm desperately chasing feels further away than when I started. I feel the urge to press delete and pretend it never happened. As writers, w

Most of my knowledge in copy didn’t come from my college years or a certification course, but rather through work experience and my love of literature. Being a book girlie has taught me to pay attention to the little things that turn a good book into a great one: the one-liners that linger in your head, the characters that never leave your heart, and the moments that make you feel like time stopped. As it turns out, these are the qualities that also make copy unforgettable.

I've had a voracious appetite for literature since I was 10 years old. I used to wander the halls holding my book in front of my face, slowly making it to my next class, all with the hope of finishing my chapter before I'm forced to sit and pay attention. From this vantage point, I've watched the reading community shift dramatically over the past decade. The ever-tightening grip of social media has forced entire industries to adapt or be left behind, and books are no exceptio

If you've every searched "how to hire a copywriter," you've likely seen conflicting advice and countless freelancers advertising their services. It's challenging to figure out what kind of writer you need: a brand strategist, a website specialist, a sales page expert, and even more difficult to trust someone else with your voice. Here are some key red flags to watch for when choosing a copywriter for your next project: Lacks A Website And Portfolio A copywriter who does not h

I sit in a soft, cushioned red chair in the corner of a quaint bookshop, enveloped by an assortment of genres, from local history, world literature, and cultural studies, to romance, dystopian, and mystery. Some come from well-known authors; others from my own neighbors. I can't help but contemplate the cultural significance the shelves around me hold. Each title, meticulously chosen and placed around the store, represents one aspect of the community. Every book is here for a

Why is my book taking so many drafts to write? Patience is a learned skill as you move deeper in your writing career. You'll learn that finishing a novel takes time and grace with yourself; it's not something that can be hammered out in only a few weeks. A standard book typically goes through three to ten drafts, sometimes more. There is no right number or award for finishing it in fewer rounds. The First Draft The first draft, also called the discovery draft, is the most cha

Learn how to hire a copywriter who fits your voice, budget, and goals with this simple step-by-step guide for small business owners. Struggling to find the right words for your brand? You’re not alone. For many small business owners, writing copy feels overwhelming and time-consuming. The right copywriter, however, can help you increase sales, boost conversions, and take marketing off your plate so you can focus on what you do best. There are several different types of copywr

How often do you read a book where the first chapter hits the ground running, draws you in as something strange or compelling is happening, then slams on the brakes to explain everything about the character, from their childhood nickname to their last doctor's appointment? Most of us have written that chapter. We're so determined to make sure readers fully grasp the character before moving on to the next scene that we end up stalling the story and wrecking the pacing. The iss

A non-profit marketer’s guide to using ethos, pathos, and logos to move your audience (not just impress them). My time in non-profit marketing has basically been a crash course in how to talk to everyone- from college students to grandparents- in a way that actually gets their attention. I've learned how to raise awareness and bring in the donations that keep the organization's lights on and the doors open. One of the most useful things I've picked up along the way is how to