The young adult (YA) genre has captivated readers of all ages with its compelling characters, relatable themes, and vibrant storytelling. You're in the right place if you've ever dreamed of writing a YA novel that resonates with readers. What makes this genre so relatable is the central storylines that take place during adolescence, which most of us experience from themes of self-discovery, coming of age, identity, and the transition into adulthood. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a captivating and authentic young adult novel.

Characters are the heart of any story. As readers, we either love them or love to hate them. As writers, investing in our character’s development or arc is critical to keeping readers engaged. After all, readers find the character’s journey and internal and external changes mostly relatable—even if it’s unconscious. A character’s journey is what drives an emotional investment in a story. That’s why a well-developed character arc can make the difference between a forgettable book and one that stays with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

The number piece of feedback I provide to my editing clients is, “show more, tell less.” The good news? This is a writing skill that can be developed and send you on your way toward becoming a published author.

Since this topic has been helpful, this is the second blog post on the topic. You can find the first blog post here.

Do you know that feeling when you're reading a book and the characters start talking, and it just feels so real, like you're eavesdropping on a conversation? That's the magic of great dialogue.

Great dialogue feels natural and conveys or reveals information that keeps the story moving forward. This makes dialogue multifaceted and layered.

If you dream of crafting a literary masterpiece like Lessons in Chemistry or The Hunger Games, you know that a captivating and original story idea is the key. But what if you’re having a hard time coming up with an idea for your book? Here are five creative techniques to unearth those elusive story concepts.

Have you ever read a book and struggled to visualize the setting? More times than not, you’re experiencing what it feels like to read something that is TELLING you what is happening and not SHOWING you. 

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell,” but wonder what the AF that actually means…

You’re in the right place.  

Are you a first-time novelist looking to craft a compelling plot for your story? When ideas are swirling around, it can feel challenging to capture all of them and understand which ones will be most impactful for writing a compelling novel. Here are 5 essential plot structure tips.

Women's fiction is a diverse and vibrant genre that explores the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of a central character on a journey toward a deeper relationship with themselves and with the world around them. It delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and self-discovery. As an author, writing women's fiction requires a nuanced approach to create authentic and relatable stories that resonate with readers.

Women’s fiction can be defined as a novel with a female main character who is navigating her role in society as she is faced with significant life change requiring her to transform through emotional reflection and personal growth, which outwardly changes her relationships and surroundings, leading to a hopeful ending.