Craft

My biggest tip for writing is: If you get stuck, move forward to a scene that you're looking forward to working, and that just tends to give you your joy back.

Jojo Moyes

THE LAST PAGE SELLS THE NEXT BOOK: How to write endings that satisfy readers

by Paula Munier | Jun 24, 2026 | Craft

There’s a saying in publishing: First page sells the book, last page sells the next book. Which means you need to take as much care with the last page as the first page. Here are some tips from USA TODAY bestselling author and literary agent Paula Munier on how to win loyal readers when you write The End.

Celebrate Your Writing Self

by Paula Munier | Jun 22, 2026 | Craft

Part of succeeding as a writer is nurturing, nourishing, and celebrating your writer self. Literary agent and USA TODAY bestselling author Paula Munier shares some creative and enlightening ways to honor your writer’s path.

Writing Prompt: The Secret

by Hank Phillippi Ryan | Jun 19, 2026 | Craft

What is your main character’s deepest secret? No not that one. A deeper one. No, not that one. An even deeper one. Why is it a secret? Does anyone else know it? Is THAT is your book?

Ow. Pow. Wow. Secrets to Creating External Conflict

by Hank Phillippi Ryan | Jun 17, 2026 | Craft

Early in her career, now-USA Today bestselling author Hank PHillippi Ryan learned a critical writing secret. (It seems obvious now.) On every page of a book, something has to happen. (Imagine.) But how do you do that?

Co-writing: Do’s & Don’ts When Collaborating

by Our Special Guest | Jun 10, 2026 | Craft

Collaboration on a writing project is not for everyone, but if you can pull it off, it can be very rewarding to share the load with another writer. Our guest authors share strategies to navigate the most common hazards when co-writing.

Beyond the Shelf: 4 Subgenres Reshaping What We Read

by Brian Andrews | Jun 8, 2026 | Craft

Readers aren’t just migrating between genres — they’re colonizing the spaces between them, building passionate communities around stories that don’t fit neatly in any single section of the bookstore. Brian Andrews highlights four subgenres leading the charge.

5 Summertime Lessons to Fuel Your Writing All Year

by Jessica Strawser | Jun 3, 2026 | Craft

Maybe it’s the kid in me, but summer is still my favorite season. There’s so much about summer...

How to Structure Your Novel

by Our Special Guest | May 27, 2026 | Craft

Some writers know their novel’s structure from page one. Others struggle to find the shape that finally clicks. Awardwinning author and writing teacher Carol Goodman offers sharp, practical advice for discovering the best way to tell your story.

TOP TEN WRITER’S QUOTES TO LIVE BY

by Paula Munier | May 20, 2026 | Craft

Literary agent and USA TODAY bestselling author Paula Munier shares her top ten writer’s quotes to live by, inspiring sound bites of wisdom by great authors, from Lee Child to Eudora Welty.

The Hero Checklist — How to Create a Truly Epic Hero

by Brian Andrews | May 6, 2026 | Craft

Is your novel’s protagonist is boring, one dimensional, and uninspiring? How do we avoid this pitfall in our storytelling? The solution is surprisingly simple—heroes must be crafted to be heroic! Check out Career Authors’ Hero Checklist to learn how.