Guest Post: Author Diana Bletter Talks About Making Up Words, Writing What You Know, And Living Your Life

One of the best parts of being an author is reading other authors’ books before they’re published — and sometimes being asked for an endorsement (a compliment, indeed). Such was the case with Diana Bletter’s A Remarkable Kindness. This story — and Diana’s story — are indeed, remarkable.

Here’s my quote: 

“A REMARKABLE KINDNESS, is a story about the bonds of friendship and family; how they are made, broken, and come full circle. Diana Bletter writes with such lush and insightful prose that a foreign landscape and culture becomes warm and familiar. A REMARKABLE KINDNESS explores the power of friendship, love, and ancient traditions, and Bletter’s characters makes you wonder just how far you would go (literally and figuratively) for the people you love.”

Please welcome Diana to WFW! 

Amy xo

Advertisement

Guest Post: Author and Scientist Catherine Haustein Combines Women and Science In Her Debut Novel

As you know, I love bringing you interesting authors who write extraordinary books with many different things motivating them. Today we have Catherine Haustein, scientist and author, sharing her decision to pursue writing in combination with her career as a scientist, and how she came to write her debut novel, Natural Attraction.

Please welcome Catherine Haustein to Women’s Fiction Writers!

Amy xo

Guest Post: Author Claire Dyer On Managing Multiple Points Of View In Your Novel

I’m a one POV writer. At least so far. I love multi-POV novels but it’s not something I’ve tackled in my own book-writing journey. Today, author Claire Dyer shares with us some thoughts on writing a novel with multiple points of view. What are your thoughts? How do you do it? Do you stay far away from it? In the past, I’ve used short stories to experiment with POV and different literary devices and techniques. When I was reading Claire’s post I remembered I’d had a short story published that used two points of view…and I went back and read it. It was published a year before The Glass Wives (May 2013) — and I’ll be honest, it took me about a year and a half to find it a home! (So yes, I’ve always been persistent) 😉 Here’s a link if you want to read Minding Joe. 

But first — share your many thoughts on managing multiple points of view in the comments. 

And please welcome Claire Dyer to WFW!

Amy xo

Guest Post: Author Laura McNeill’s 11 Tips For Writing Domestic Suspense

It’s summer and domestic suspense is HOT! What makes me want a guest post about domestic suspense on WFW? Because many of these novels today feature women as their protagonists, and when you read Laura McNeill’s post, you’ll see how the advice transcends any strict genre lines you (we!) may have conjured up in our heads. I mean, who doesn’t want some suspense in any novel? If all the answers are right there, why bother turning the page?  My favorite bit of advice below is #7—Make Things Worse, because that’s the hardest part for me and I know how important it is.  Which piece of writing advice speaks to you? Please tell us in the comments! And most importantly, today is pub day for Laura’s CENTER OF GRAVITY!!! Congratulations, Laura!!

Amy xo

Guest Post: Author Katie Rose Guest Pryal On Finding Courage, From NICU To Novelist

Just when I think I’m the busy and overwhelmed author—I read a post like this one by author Katie Rose Guest Pryal. Nothing like a little perspective with my morning coffee. (Goes so well with humble pie, which is delicious for breakfast.) 

Did any major life events or obstacles happened in tandem with your writing or publication? Share your own stories in the comments, and please welcome Katie to Women’s Fiction Writers.

Amy xo

Guest Post: Novelist Laura Nicole Diamond And The Beauty Of The Writing Community

She had me at community. And those of you who know me know that’s what this blog, and every writing group (in real life and online), each string of emails between myself and another writer, every long writer lunch, phone call, or nod, hearkens back to. No one understand the writer community—especially of women (roll your eyes if you must, but it’s true)—like we do. No one understands until she’s in it. And then you wonder where these people, who understand and make you feel sane, have been all your life. 

I feel so lucky to be part of a myriad of writer communities, and WFW is at the top. After all, I created this blog, this place, because I couldn’t find what I was looking for, the information and inspiration and authors, anywhere else.

Today, the lovely Laura Nicole Diamond joins us to share her own story of experiencing community in writing and publishing. Please welcome Laura to WFW, and add your thoughts in the comments!

Amy xo

Guest Post: Author and Publisher Adria Cimino Talks Book Cover Design—Or Lack Thereof

In the United States authors and readers clamor to see book covers, we ooh and aah, we hang large versions on our walls (yes we do). We pick up books with covers that catch our eye. But, what if books had plan covers, distinguished only by color and font? Well, I know they wouldn’t look as pretty on my book shelves, but would that eliminate some prejudice? Would it lower the cost of publication? Would people read books because of the inside and not the outside?  Today, Adria Cimino shares her experience as a writer, publisher, and ex-pat in France!  Share your thoughts about what draws YOU to a WF book cover (Adria is a publisher, after all) in the comments and please welcome Adria to WFW!  Amy xo

Guest Post: How One Single Mom Claimed Her Own Writing Space

If you know me at all, you know why this author’s guest post spoke to me. Both THE GLASS WIVES and THE GOOD NEIGHBOR feature single mom main characters who, amidst unique and universal struggles, have heart and moxie. Just like the very real author, Tracey Scott-Townsend. 

If you think you can’t find the time or space to write, read Tracey’s guest post again. Then stop kvetching and get back to work.

I did.

Amy xo

Guest Post: Author Andrea Lochen Has A New Baby AND A New Novel

I started writing fiction when my kids were junior high and high school, therefore I marvel at the moms who write books with small kids under foot—sometimes literally. And then there’s author Andrea Lochen — who was getting ready to launch her second novel, IMAGINARY THINGS, while waiting for her first baby (I know! I know! How productive can one woman be?). 

Below, Andrea shares with us three important points to remember when you’re expecting a book baby–or honestly, this is good advice at any stage of the writing life.

I have to pay much closer attention to #2, celebrating the small moments. I don’t do it often enough. 

What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments, and please welcome Andrea Lochen to WFW!

Amy xo

Guest Post: Advice For Debut and Aspiring Authors From Author Nicole Baart

Today we have Nicole Baart with us on WFW sharing her thoughts and wishes for debut authors, and after EIGHT novels, she’s an expert! I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of The Beautiful Daughters, Nicole’s latest, and found myself swept away into a world that included Africa, Iowa, love, friendships, and secrets. Big secrets. Nicole has a way of touching serious topics without making me want to look away, but stay the course with her enchanting characters.  I think my favorite bit of advice below from Nicole is “Be your own bad book self.” I think that’s key in writing, for authors, and in life, don’t you? Please welcome Nicole Baart to WFW! 

Amy xo