I just finished my annual viewing of my favorite opera, Boris Godounov. Yes, it’s full of gorgeous, exoticizing music and has a cast of baritones, but it’s also based on a play by Pushkin, and I figure we could all learn something from that master of the pen. You can complain about  the double storyline, which the opera never really weaves together quite successfully (condensation oblige), but there’s no denying: this baby contains some super dramatic scenes. Nothing Like a … Read More »

Writers. We love secrets. We buy books promising them, attend workshops hunting for them, and corner successful authors at conferences and ask them, “What’s your secret?” We hope the answer involves a special pen, a cabin in Key West, or consuming enough caffeine to stay awake for a week. Time is the Most Valuable Writing Tool Bestselling author Peter James reportedly writes two hours a day, six days a week, beginning at 6 p.m. He also creates deadlines to keep … Read More »

I recently visited the island of Guernsey, in the English Channel. It was a great trip—a pilgrimage, in the company of forty-four other book lovers, to the home-in-exile of Victor Hugo, author of such classics as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. It got me thinking that the same things that make a tourist destination attractive are what draw readers to a book series! And keep them coming back, like the numerous members of my traveling party who … Read More »

There’s a place for you at Florida WritersCon. Whether you’ve just finished your first manuscript, are preparing to publish, or already have books on the shelves, every writer eventually reaches the same point: You know your next step is out there … you just need the inspiration, knowledge, or encouragement to get there! At Florida WritersCon 2026, you’ll be surrounded by fellow writers, bestselling authors, editors, publishing professionals, and industry experts who understand both the creative and business sides of … Read More »

Forget sitting in the back of a ballroom taking notes. Florida WritersCon 2026 is about rolling up your sleeves, practicing new skills, and connecting in-person. Throughout the weekend you’ll write, workshop, ask questions, receive feedback, meet other writers, and actively practice the craft alongside experienced authors and industry professionals. At Florida WritersCon 2026, you’ll have an opportunity to get hands-on with: 2-hour, hands-on craft workshops Master class with our keynote speaker, Shawn Welcome Introvert friendly networking (WritersConnect) Connections to industry … Read More »

I’ve shared thoughts about the ending of a novel before, but I just read a book for review that brought the topic back to mind. It had a (groan) epilogue. So if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to reflect about a very important issue in novelizing. Where do you stop the story? Conclusion. Full Stop. This is an important and challenging matter. If you were a general, wouldn’t you want to know what the objective of your campaign was? Only … Read More »