On 3 December 2008, I posted my first article on this site! It’s my 10 year…
The Creative Penn
25 Gift Ideas For The Writer In Your Life (Even If That’s You)
If you need some help buying gifts for the writer in your life, here are some…
Writing Tips: 7 Mistakes First-Time Nonfiction Authors Make
Writing a non-fiction book can be life-changing for you – and also for your readers. So…
Writing Tips: 10 Ways To Fake A Professional Edit
I love the editing part of the writing process. It’s incredibly satisfying to take a somewhat…
7 Tips For Writing Horror Stories
The word horror encompasses a broad range of reader expectations and experiences – it is far…
Writing Tips: Mastering The 3 Stages Of Manuscript Editing
Editing can take your manuscript from being a pile of words into a story that can…
The Dead Will Rise. Valley Of Dry Bones Out Now
Love thrillers? My latest novel is out now! An ancient prophecy. An occult secret. The power to raise…
Writing Tips: Learn to Love Outlining by Finding Your Unique Planning Style
There is no ‘right’ way to write. There is no ‘right’ way to outline. You will…
Writing Tips: 4 Suggestions For Navigating The Multi-Genre Waters
Sometimes I think my life would be simpler if I could just stick to writing one…
Book Marketing: How To Find and Fix Your Book Sales Problem With Dave Chesson
We all want to sell more books, and in this episode, Dave Chesson from Kindlepreneur gives…
Accuracy Vs Authenticity: 5 Tips For Writing Immersive Historical Fiction
I do a lot of research for my J.F.Penn thrillers and strive for historical accuracy in…
The Importance Of Creative Process: 5 Key Conditions To Help You Thrive
With every year that passes on my author journey, I realize more and more the importance…
Lessons Learned From 7 Years As An Author Entrepreneur
Seven years ago, in Sept 2011, I left my day job to become a full-time author-entrepreneur.…
Writing Tips: 6 Things To Consider Before Writing A Novel
When you read a lot of novels, it feels like it should be an easy leap…
Book Marketing: 10 Ways To Get Reviews For Your Book
Book reviews are important for social proof as well as getting marketing opportunities like BookBub placement,…
Too Much To Do? How To Re-Focus Your Writing Priorities
Today I’m talking about something close to my heart – how to re-focus your priorities when…
4 Ways Travel Can Enrich Your Writing
I’m a travel junkie and if you’ve read any of my thrillers, you’ll know how much…
How Much Time Do You Spend Writing And How Much Time Marketing?
Today I’m talking about a common question I get asked all the time: how much time…
Punctuation Without Tears: 4 Tips For Professional Punctuation
Punctuation is one of the most basic tools in the writer’s toolbox. But let’s face it,…
Author Earnings: My 2018 Breakdown Of Book Sales By Format, Genre, Vendor And Country
It’s the time of year when I report on my book sales and reflect on what…
Producing An Audiobook With Findaway Voices
Audiobooks are the fastest growing segment of publishing and although many authors choose Amazon’s own ACX.com…
Writing Fiction: How To Write Evocative Characters Through Action And Strong Language
Characters are not real people – but readers have to experience the slice of life you…
Writing Tips: Find Inspiration In Your Environment
If you are struggling to get words onto the blank page, don’t just sit there. Fill…
Writing Tips: How To Deal With Writer’s Block
Most writers have struggled with getting the words on the page at some point. But writer’s…
Why Write A Non-Fiction Book?
“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the…