Four Tips for Self-Editing
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Learning to edit your own writing is a crucial component of the creative process.
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6 Ways to Engage Writer’s Block
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There are few sensations more frustrating than the onset of writer’s block. It’s like the common cold: it seems to strike at the most inconvenient times, it’s utterly discouraging, and it can drag on for what feels like ages. But do not fear! Like the cold, writer’s block is common. It can even be an opportunity to hone your writing skills!
Read More8 Steps to Creating the Perfect Writing Environment
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Regardless of your style, all writers need to establish a writing environment that is conducive to inspiration and productivity. The common denominators are: a) getting comfortable, b) getting organized, c) getting started and d) staying focused.
Read MoreHow a Social Media Presence Can Help Sell Your Book(s)
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Most authors who are not already active on social media feel overwhelmed and have no idea where to start. Instagram has a billion users, and Facebook has almost 3 billion! It’s hard not to feel like a very small fish in a very, very large pond. However, as an independent author, these outlets are your gateway to the rest of the world (and future readers), and you can control the mood and the context in which they get to know you.
Read MoreRemembering Your WHY
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One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, “What is my WHY?” In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy for this question to get lost in the shuffle, and for what’s important to get lost amidst the pressure and noise of what feels urgent (or easy).
There’s nothing like a bout of serious illness to bring this question to the surface, for causing a person to slow down and take time to focus on what’s really important in life. This happened to me recently, so I am speaking from experience. Recovering from an illness is great time to recover not only your health, but your WHY.
Read MoreShould I Self-Publish or Look for a Publisher?
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Traditional, and self-publishing both have their pros and cons. Really, the choice between traditional and self-publishing is now up to the author, and depends on goals of the project!
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Punctuating Dialogue Tags and Beats
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When writing dialogue, there are some specific punctuation rules that govern how we write about people talking.
Read MoreHow to Write an Acknowledgments Page
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The acknowledgments page of a book gives the author a chance to thank all the people who made it possible. While it is not required, most authors choose to include one (it’s a nice thing to do!).
Read MoreLet Us Evaluate Your Manuscript
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Your manuscript is done. Months, if not years, of writing has come to an end. It is an incredibly exciting feeling (and you should celebrate!), but with finishing writing comes the looming question: what happens next. Inspira provides a manuscript evaluation where we let you know where your manuscript is as far as quality of writing and “publishability"—along with an assessment of what it needs to bring it up to high-quality publishing standards.
Read MoreWatch Your Tone
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The tone of your writing, the attitude or feeling the language evokes regarding the subject matter, can greatly shape the readers perception of the work as a whole.
Read MoreDevelop Your Dreams, Develop Your Concept
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Dr. King is a legend in history because he dared to dream not simply of a slow march towards justice, but of justice and equality today. We may not be able to equate or compare any of our dreams to the famous speech by Dr. King; however, we can be inspired by his bravery. In the face of hundreds of years of history and opposition, he spoke up and spoke out—and he acted.
Read MoreHope for the Best, Rejoice in the Blessings
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Here we are at the end of 2020, and I have to say that I’m glad to see it disappear in the rearview mirror. That being said, despite its many trials and tribulations, for Inspira, 2020 held some notable high points worth celebrating!
Read MoreFinding and Feeding Your Tribe
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All of us have a “tribe,” a group of people who look to us for direction, insight, wisdom, authority, or “how to” on a particular topic. Whatever the size and scope of your sphere, these are people for whom you are uniquely positioned with something to offer. This is why your book, no matter what the topic, will have something unique to offer your particular tribe.
Read MoreNational Novel Writing Month
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It’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short). This annual month-long writing challenge is one of the most popular and productive writing events in the world. It is a fantastic opportunity for writers of all skill and experience levels to put their determination to the test, and see if they can write a small novel, or 50,000 words, in 30 days.
Read MoreCreating Convincing Fiction Characters
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When writing fiction, as authors, we want to make our characters as convincing as possible. We need to be able to portray the appearance, voice, and personality in such a way that our readers absolutely feel like they are real. Here are our top tips for writing compelling and believable characters in your fiction writing.
Read MoreThere’s Always Something to Work On!
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If you are looking for a productive outlet there is always something you can be working on! Here is a list of things to work on when you need a break from writing, but still want to work on your manuscript.
Read MoreMapping Your Manuscript
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Mapping out a manuscript simply means going through the book and writing the titles of every chapter, section, heading, and subheading, and noting how many words are in each section. Putting away the actual words of the story and looking at the novel in this condensed structure allows you to step back and gain a new perspective.
Read MoreThe Benefits of Writing Groups
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The Benefits of Writing Groups: Writing can be a lonely endeavor. One way to help counter this feeling of loneliness is to join a writing group.
Read MoreRead Like a Writer!
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Reading is one of the best uses of time for a writer at any level, or in any genre. It is the foundation of the entire craft.
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