How Much Money Do Writers Make?
When pursuing any kind of creative career, money is always a concern. If not for you, then probably at least for friends or relatives. There’s nothing more exhausting than answering the question, “So, how are you going to make money doing that?” over and over again. While the starving artist persona may seem romantic at Continue reading
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Local Library
When I was in my teens, I spent hours in my school library. All through middle school and into high school, I made regular trips to the stacks to source new reading material. Somewhere along the line, I swapped the library for the bookstore, and started buying books instead of borrowing them. While there are Continue reading
What Is Literary Fiction (And Why Does It Matter)?
If you have any interest in books or writing, you may have noticed a divide between what’s known as “literary fiction” and books that are considered “commercial fiction.” You likely have a vague idea of the distinction between these two categories. (Hint: To Kill a Mockingbird is literary, Harry Potter is commercial.) However, especially when Continue reading
Is Blogging Creative Writing?
If you’ve spent any time in academia or the literary world, you know there are some people who are dead set on drawing lines around what’s considered “real” writing. There are plenty of professors and professionals who dismiss commercial novels, celebrity memoirs, and fanfiction. This leads some to wonder, if those subgenres “don’t count,” is Continue reading
How Does Book Publishing Work?
Writing and revising a manuscript is a huge accomplishment. However, it’s just the beginning when it comes to the process of publishing your book. There are many ways for books to come into the world. Which is best for you will depend on your goals, budget, and several other factors. Understanding the steps it takes Continue reading
Should You Get an MFA? What You Need to Know
If you have a desire to become an author, you’ve probably wondered whether you should get an MFA in creative writing. After all, a lot of the professional writing advice you can find online encourages you to learn as much as you can about the craft and the business behind it. However, especially in the Continue reading
Why You Should Declutter Your Books
Writers and other avid readers have a tendency to accumulate large quantities of books in their personal collections. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok feature “shelfies” and “shelf tours” from bibliophiles who’ve packed their bookcases with hundreds of volumes, some of which have gone unread for years. Choosing to declutter your books may feel like it goes Continue reading
Writing With a Full-Time Job: How to Make It Work
While most writers would probably love to be able to focus solely on their creative pursuits, the reality is that no one’s paying you to spend three years writing your novel. Very few can keep the lights on by their pens alone, especially when first starting out. For most, a full-time job is a must. Continue reading
Overcoming Writer’s Block: How to Write When You’re Not Inspired
Anyone seeking to craft stories, essays, or full-length manuscripts dreads writer’s block. This infamous hurdle can leave you staring at a blank page instead of seeing your work in print. Not only will this likely result in hours of frustration, but it could also lower your confidence. If this sounds familiar, it’s probably time for Continue reading
My Favorite Writing Newsletters You Should Subscribe to
Sure, emails can be annoying. Filling up your inbox every day with dozens of promotions and marketing content isn’t ideal. However, you may want to reconsider when it comes to writing newsletters. Newsletters often contain valuable resources that can help you improve your craft, find publication opportunities, and even pin down your next read. Being Continue reading