# Writing Pursuits

> Prepare Your Story for the Journey Ahead


## Posts

- [Why Your Scenes Fall Flat (And How to Fix Them with PATHOS)](https://writingpursuits.com/how-to-fix-flat-scenes-with-pathos/): Use pathos to build emotion in your scenes. Your readers don’t read novels to be bored. They want to FEEL something. Tears at 2 a.m. Belly laughs. Heart-pounding tension. 
- [ETHOS: How Credibility Keeps the Reader Hooked](https://writingpursuits.com/ethos-credibility/): The case for building credibility to keep the reader engaged. Confession: I have never finished Gone With the Wind, neither the classic book by Pulitzer Prize winner Margaret Mitchell nor the Academy Award winning movie of the same name. Well! I never! Yup, sorry. I did try. I started the book several times, but each time, I put it down. DNF. Same for the movie. Why couldn’t you make it through? Because Scarlett O’Hara, the main character, got right up under my skin. I couldn’t admire her, I couldn’t root for her, and I couldn’t get past her conniving manipulation in every situation. Harsh. […]
- [Persuasive Fiction: Make Your Book Impossible to Put Down](https://writingpursuits.com/persuasive-fiction-intro/): As writers, we like to believe we are inventing something new in our stories, but every story you’ve ever loved—every time you believed in a character, got emotionally involved, or tossed a book against the wall—used basic rhetoric to encourage you to suspend disbelief and buy in to the narrative. That’s persuasive fiction. Let’s discuss those rhetorical principles and how to consciously use them in our fiction for best effect. If we use them well, our readers will sink into our stories and only surface at 3 AM when they reach THE END. What Persuasive Fiction Really Means Persuasive fiction […]
- [Obsidian vs. Notion: I'm using BOTH (here's why)](https://writingpursuits.com/obsidian-vs-notion/): You don't have to choose one app over the other like Obsidian vs. Notion; you can choose both for their strengths and use them accordingly.
- [Author Mindset Tips - One Thing Standing Between You and Finishing Your Novel (Hint: It's You)](https://writingpursuits.com/author-mindset-tips/): We hold ourselves back from our full potential. Most often, we don’t know why we act against our own best interests. Read these author mindset tips.
- [Journaling: Your Personal Time Machine & Path to the Future](https://writingpursuits.com/journaling-your-time-machine/): I thought I knew myself pretty well until I started journaling consistently. The simple daily practice of journaling turned into a journey of self-discovery.
- [Boost Your Indie Sales: Harness the Draft2Digital and Fable Partnership](https://writingpursuits.com/draft2digital-and-fable-partnership/): Draft2Digital and Fable partnership: What if you could expose your novels or series to 650,000 rabid readers and 25,000 book clubs through an app you may already use?
- [Manuscript Safety and Why I Fired Microsoft OneDrive](https://writingpursuits.com/why-i-fired-microsoft-onedrive/): After many years, I fired Microsoft OneDrive. Here, I recount my experience and opinions about this popular application.
- [How to Find a Reputable Small Press](https://writingpursuits.com/how-to-find-a-reputable-small-press/): Small presses fill a necessary niche in the publishing world today, but finding a reputable small press is not a straightforward process. The recent kerfuffle at City Owl Press underlines how difficult the choice can be.
- [7 Proven Tips to Develop Unforgettable Side Characters in Your Fiction](https://writingpursuits.com/7-tips-for-unforgettable-side-characters/): How can you develop and flesh out unforgettable side characters in fiction? Side characters are as important as main characters in that they help move your story along and provide sources of conflict.
- [Findaway Voices Terms of Service Update: What Authors Need to Know](https://writingpursuits.com/findaway-voices-terms-of-service/): IF YOU CURRENTLY have audiobooks on Findaway Voices by Spotify, please note the Findaway Voices Terms of Service (TOS) are changing. Recently, they announced changes to their TOS, and all hell broke loose. The part that caused most of the uproar was as follows: “Accordingly, you hereby grant Spotify a non-exclusive, transferable, sublicensable, royalty-free, fully paid, irrevocable, worldwide license to reproduce, make available, perform and display, translate, modify, create derivative works from (such as transcripts of User Content), distribute, and otherwise use any such User Content through any medium, whether alone or in combination with other Content or materials, in any manner and by any […]
- [Add Depth to Your Fictional Characters: Embracing Flaws and Scars](https://writingpursuits.com/add-depth-to-your-fictional-characters/): One of my lead characters has a problem. I mean, he used to have a problem. He was too perfect. He was a Mary Sue, the kind of leading man you instantly fall in love with. Yes, I wanted my readers to fall in love with him, but his superhuman perfection should have been a clue that he needed cracks and broken places to be repaired, scars to make him more beautiful and interesting. Add depth to your fictional characters. I went to work on my protagonist and gifted him with some emotional baggage. He became more relatable, and the […]
- [Beyond Ebooks: Understanding the Appeal of Tangible Media in 2024](https://writingpursuits.com/tangible-media-in-2024/): Today, let’s talk about the crossroads for indie authors as we enter a post-pandemic landscape where tangible media, personal connections, and artisan products are in demand. Before the pandemic, consumers were all in on digital content: ebooks, streaming services, online games, digital movies, and audiobooks. The pandemic caused a shift in consumer attitudes, especially for folks born since 1980 (Millennials, Generation Z, and Gen Alpha.) We wanted to hold onto what we had, be it family and friends, pets, jobs, hobbies, homes, or toilet paper. Tangible goods became more precious as we experienced hiccups in the supply chain. Despite the […]
- [NEW Email Rules for Author Newsletters in 2024](https://writingpursuits.com/new-email-rules-for-author-newsletters/): I have good news and bad news, but first, I want to apologize for covering an email topic AGAIN. Good grief, isn’t there anything else to discuss besides author newsletters? Sorry, but this is an important topic to understand IF you have an author newsletter or IF you plan to have one in the future. Safeguarding Author Newsletters and Avoiding Spam Complaints We all hate spam. Google and Yahoo have cooperated to roll out the same new email authentication rules for all senders on February 1, 2024. Good news: Going forward, you may receive fewer spammy emails from folks who are […]
- [Unveiling Publishing Turmoil: The City Owl Press Controversy and Lessons for Indie Authors](https://writingpursuits.com/unveiling-publishing-turmoil-the-city-owl-press-controversy/): Occasionally, a publisher gets into a bit of trouble, and trouble is brewing at City Owl Press (COP). Today, I want to address the lessons authors can learn from this situation. According to their website: “City Owl Press is a cutting edge indie publishing company, bringing the world of romance and speculative fiction to discerning readers. Co-founded by award-winning authors, Yelena Casale and Tina Moss, the City Owl Press team brings together more than a decade of business, writing, editing, design, marketing, advertising, and publishing experience.” Recently, their authors have been asking pointed questions. Updates on City Owl Press As […]
- [Serial Storytelling: Let's Get Started](https://writingpursuits.com/serial-storytelling/): Serial storytelling is a trending fiction format that brings back a popular reader experience. Learn the how-to and the benefits of serializing your fiction.
- [Challenges for Late Blooming Writers](https://writingpursuits.com/challenges-for-late-blooming-writers/): Tips for late blooming writers to get over impostor syndrome and conquer self doubt.
- [10 Reasons to Consider Substack](https://writingpursuits.com/10-reasons-to-consider-substack/): An overview of the benefits to authors of using Substack for blogging, newsletters, and a stand-in website.  
- [Ethics of ChatGPT for Authors](https://writingpursuits.com/ethics-chatgpt-authors/): Explores plagiarism, academic cheating, intellectual property concerns, and the ethical use of AI by authors.
- [Transcript - Storytelling Revolution](https://writingpursuits.com/storytelling-revolution-chatgpt/): J. Thorn shares his exploration of ChatGPT's capabilities in the realm of storytelling. 
- [Book overview - Cowriting with ChatGPT, J. Thorn](https://writingpursuits.com/cowriting-with-chatgpt/): A short overview of J. Thorn's life hack manual, Cowriting with ChatGPT, about using ChatGPT to help authors with story development.
- [5 Steps to Fight Author Fade](https://writingpursuits.com/5-steps-to-fight-author-fade/): Today, we are going to tackle a delicate subject which I have dubbed “Author Fade.” What is it? How do you recognize it? And how do you avoid it or recover from it? What is author fade? You may have guessed that this topic concerns a personal struggle of mine. Recently, I have been fighting against what is known as “podfade,” which is defined by the Urban Dictionary as: “When a podcast begins putting out episodes more and more sporadically and at greater intervals. Typically begins with only one episode missed, but if a podcast isn’t careful, it can compound, […]
- [How to Write a Strong Novel Synopsis (and Why You Should)](https://writingpursuits.com/how-to-write-a-strong-novel-synopsis/): A synopsis is a useful tool for authors and a necessary one to attract an agent or publisher. Use these tips to make the process easier.
- [12 Great Ways to Find Story Ideas](https://writingpursuits.com/twelve-ways-to-find-story-ideas/): Let's go over twelve great ways to find story ideas for your story idea notebook. Never face the blinking cursor of doom again.
- [Who Is Your Ideal Reader Avatar?](https://writingpursuits.com/ideal-reader-avatar/): The number one factor for writing success—other than writing a great book—is connecting with your ideal reader avatar.
- [Finding Your Mirror Moment](https://writingpursuits.com/finding-mirror-moment/): The mirror moment in a story is when the main character experiences a moment of clarity that pushes them to change direction. It is the turning point.
- [Make a Scene in a Good Way](https://writingpursuits.com/how-to-write-a-scene/): Scenes are the building blocks of novel writing. If you master writing scenes, your stories will be unputdownable. Riveting. Engaging. If you are an experienced author, you know these things, but every fiction author must learn how to write a good scene. How to Write a Scene To start off, I will answer a newbie writer’s actual question. In one of the Facebook groups I am in, an author asked this: “If you have a scene in your book end on one page and a big jump in time on the next page do I need one of those asterisks […]
- [Fear and Desire, Keys to Conflict](https://writingpursuits.com/fear-and-desire/): Figuring out your characters' fears and deepest needs and desires is a key to characterization and generating conflict for your plot.
- [Five Things Authors Should Quit Doing](https://writingpursuits.com/five-things-authors-should-quit-doing/): Time is our most precious commodity, but we spend too much time on stuff that holds us back. Here are five things authors should quit doing.
- [Is Blogging a Waste of Time for Authors?](https://writingpursuits.com/is-blogging-a-waste-of-time-for-authors/): Do authors need to write blog posts too? Many experts say yes. But are they right? What about doing blog tours during your book launch? Who should blog and who shouldn't? What are the best topics to blog about?
- [Eight Ways to Create Margin in Your Author Life](https://writingpursuits.com/eight-ways-to-create-margin/): After a family emergency, I created a list of eight ways to create margin in your author life.
- [What is the best email marketing software for authors?](https://writingpursuits.com/best-email-marketing-software-for-authors/): What is the best email marketing software for authors? I decided to find out.
- [Use Plain Text to Future-Proof Your Writing](https://writingpursuits.com/use-plain-text/): You need to consider plain text as a means to future-proof your written work. Why plain text? How hard is it to do? What are the advantages and disadvantage? My suggestions? Let's find out.
- [Atticus Formatting Software Review](https://writingpursuits.com/atticus-formatting-software-review/): Nobody stopped me. Nobody served as a voice of reason. So, I bought Atticus by Dave Chesson, and now, I am both happy and sad.  Your software guinea pig took Atticus for a spin this week, and Ithis is my Atticus formatting software review.
- [Shields Up: Take the Five-Day Security Challenge](https://writingpursuits.com/five-day-security-challenge/): Cybersecurtiy is always a concern for the online age, but due to the war in Ukraine, world governments have issued warnings about data security to protect against hacking. Take this five-day security challenge to make your information safer.
- [Your First Chapter: Conflict, Choice, and Consequences](https://writingpursuits.com/conflict-choice-consequences/): Conflict, choices, and consequences are the engine that powers your story and engages your readers. How can you build these three Cs into your first chapter? What are the types of conflict, and how can you use them to your advantage?
- [Your First Chapter: Setting, Genre, Normal World, & Stakes](https://writingpursuits.com/setting-genre/): We will consider the need to establish setting, show the main character’s normal world, reveal the stakes, and meet genre expectations. How can you accomplish all of this in the first chapter?
- [Your First Chapter: Point of View](https://writingpursuits.com/your-first-chapter-point-of-view/): Point of view is one of the most important decisions you make before you begin writing your first chapter. Whose perspective will you choose–yours, one of your characters, or multiple points of view?
- [Your First Chapter: The Hook](https://writingpursuits.com/the-hook/): The first thing a first chapter must do is hook the reader with one or more catchy opening sentences. Learning how to write the first chapter of a book is difficult, but mastering how to write a great first sentence is at least as important. 
- [How to Avoid Plot Convenience](https://writingpursuits.com/how-to-avoid-plot-convenience/): What is a plot convenience? Can you identify examples of plot convenience in books and movies? Learn how to avoid plot convenience in your novels.
- [Make a Living as an Author: Debunking Author Myths](https://writingpursuits.com/make-a-living-as-an-author/): Make a Living as an Author: Debunking Author Myths
- [What are your big rocks for 2022?](https://writingpursuits.com/what-are-your-big-rocks-for-2022/): The one part of the time bucket analogy that works is to do your best to put the big rocks first, so the less important things either fill the spaces between the big rocks or slip over the edges of the bucket and go undone. 
- [Use Unreliable Narrators in Your Stories](https://writingpursuits.com/use-unreliable-narrators-in-your-stories/): We have all seen courtroom dramas where the witnesses called to testify get on the stand and are shown to be unreliable. After the witness tells what they saw, their testimony gets called into question. A good defense lawyer will cross examine a witness to show they could not actually see what happened with any degree of reliabity. Perhaps the day was foggy, or they were four miles away at the time of the alleged crime. Or if that’s not the case, the attorney may introduce facts from the witness’s background that would make them seem unreliable to the jury. […]
- [Use Content Pillars to Generate Strong Content](https://writingpursuits.com/content-pillars/): Use content pillars to generate content for your blog, social media posts, and newsletters. Stop struggling with what to write about in your blog and your author newsletter and your social posts!
- [Seven More Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript](https://writingpursuits.com/seven-more-ways-manuscript/): Before you send your manuscript to beta readers or to an editor, here are seven more ways to immediately see an improvement in your manuscript. 
- [Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Manuscript](https://writingpursuits.com/seven-ways-to-improve-your-manuscript/): Before you send your manuscript to an agent, editor, or your beta readers, use these steps to immediately improve your manuscript.
- [Thou Shalt Not Capitalize Too Much](https://writingpursuits.com/thou-shalt-not-capitalize-too-much/): Avoid excessive capitalization of pronouns for God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and divine places. And learn about some other rules.
- [Kill Your Zombies: 7 Characterization Secrets](https://writingpursuits.com/kill-your-zombies-seven-characterization-secrets/): When you revise, watch for zombie characters you might have created by accident. Seven characterization secrets.
- [Start an Email List from Zero](https://writingpursuits.com/start-an-email-list-from-zero/): It’s like magic! The joys of having an author email list and how to start from zero.
- [Seven Basics of Instagram](https://writingpursuits.com/seven-basics-of-instagram/): You’ve tried Instagram, but nobody sees your posts. You don’t get likes. You don’t gain followers. So what’s the point?  Instagram takes work, but your efforts are going to waste because you’ve missed a few, crucial details.
- [Secrets of Attracting Readers with Content Marketing](https://writingpursuits.com/secrets-of-content-marketing/): Authors get so caught up in learning about paid advertising, we often overlook a much less expensive way to capture the attention of potential readers—content marketing.
- [To Blog, or Not to Blog?](https://writingpursuits.com/to-blog-or-not-to-blog/): Authors, maybe you should forget about blogging (and blog tours).
- [Holiday Themes for Book Promotions](https://writingpursuits.com/holiday-themes-for-book-promotions/): Almost every day has kooky holidays associated with it that can serve as inspiration for your book promotions.
- [Don't Call It an Outline](https://writingpursuits.com/dont-call-outline/): Along the way, I read every craft book I could find, and I learned about things like story structure, characterization, and point of view. Finally, I decided to get serious and write a book for publication. I didn’t want to get halfway through my novel and falter, so I took a few days to plot it out. I became a plotter. The premise helps you focus; any time you get lost while you are a writing, return to your story kernel. This one piece of information can get you back on track. Don’t Call It an Outline. I think many […]

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