Adding Front and Back Matter to Give Our Readers More

When we create a novel for our readers to enjoy, we might start with the first sentence of chapter one, but we shouldn’t consider it finished when we type “The End” after the last sentence of the story. It’s time to write the front and back matter to give our readers more. We can add …

How to Design Covers Both Men and Women Love

For a man to check out a book online or in a store, the cover must hold the promise of a story men would enjoy. Historical novels where romance isn’t the most important plot focus are often enjoyed by both men and women. So, how can our choice of cover let men know our story …

Writing Historical Fiction That Readers Will Love

Historical fiction lovers are also lovers of history. Every time we write a novel, we’re creating a special place for our readers to visit. We build a world for our characters to live in. The details of that world are up to us, but whatever we create, it must be believable. Even fantasy and sci-fi …

Writing a Spiritual Arc That Feels Real

One thing that distinguishes Christian fiction from general market is the role of faith in our characters’ lives and the realistic spiritual arcs in their story. Some know what they believe and why, and they try to live accordingly. Others were raised in Christian homes so they’ve heard the Gospel. They might call themselves Christians, …

Writers Life | Using Cinematic Techniques as You Write

Most writers have a collection of books on the writing craft. A few are treasures, filled with gems of writerly wisdom that had a profound impact on how we write or market our books. Some are valuable tools with lists and instructions that make our writing task easier. Others are somewhat helpful, containing the occasional …

Regardless of Genre, We’re All World-Builders

When you see a post about world-building by an author, what comes to mind? Fantasy? Science fiction? Dystopian? We’d all agree creators of these kinds of stories build fictional worlds very different from “real life.” It’s the quality of their world-building that makes what might seem unlikely feel believable as we read. Every author is …

Author Interview: Carol Ashby

Today we’re interviewing Carol Ashby, who will be joining our group of frequent contributors to the ACW blog. Fast Five Kiwis or koalas? Kiwis since I love watching birds, but koalas are cute enough it’s a hard choice. Can I choose cockatoos instead? I used to breed budgies and cockatiels, and I had a blue-fronted …

New Releases | December 2021 New Releases With Gift Card Winner

Welcome to December’s new releases. Congratulations to with a new release. Check the end of the post to see if you are the November gift card winner. Reclaiming Hope by Carolyn Miller Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing (Released 7 December 2021) Can complete opposites have enough in common to make a relationship last? Opposites attract—and repel. …

Fiction Friday | Readers Questions With Carol Ashby

Welcome to Fiction Friday and our readers questions with Carol Ashby If you were not an author, what would you like to be? Since I write full time, I’ve had two very fun careers. My old day job was in scientific research, and it’s a lot of fun trying to figure out how things work …

New Releases | June 2021 New Releases with Gift Card Winner

Welcome to June’s new releases. Congratulations to all with a new release. Check the end of the post to see if you are the May gift card winner. All Arranged by Meredith Resce Publisher: Golden Grain Publishing (Release date: June 14, 2021) Luella Linley returns with a matchmaking plan for her son. Regency romance author, …