Category Archives: Writing Tips

Words To Cut From Your Manuscript

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Kelly Abell

Here is some great information I found on Diana Urban’s blog. When you’re revising any piece of writing — a novel, a news article, a blog post, marketing copy, etc. — there are certain words you should delete to make the … Continue reading →

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How Not to Use Not

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Kelly Abell

I spend a great deal of time reading books on writing and I’ve found a gem.  I know a lot of famous authors have referred people to this book, and I couldn’t agree more.  The book is The Elements of … Continue reading →

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Writing Tip – Hooks and Cliff Hangers

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Kelly Abell

Want to keep a reader interested in your book?  The first thing you need is a good hook.  You want to draw that reader in with something edgy within the first few paragraphs, but at the very least the first page.  … Continue reading →

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Quality Vs. Quantity In The Self-Publishing World

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Kelly Abell

I read an article in The Huffington Post yesterday that, at first, had me standing up and shouting, “Here! Here!”, then when I’d finished, I was filled with mixed emotions. I’m posting the link so you can read it before … Continue reading →

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Writing Tip – Cleaning Up Word Vomit #amwriting

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Kelly Abell

I believe it was the movie Mean Girls that first introduced this term to me, and I  thought it was an apt description of what I see a lot in the submissions I’ve read.  Word Vomit is a phrase I … Continue reading →

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Dear Author – A Letter From Your Editor – Written by Frank Allan Rogers

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Kelly Abell

Good Morning Writers! I am so lucky to have Frank Allan Rogers back on my blog today. I’m excited to share this letter. The names have been changed to protect the innocent, but there is a great deal of wisdom … Continue reading →

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Discouraging Pirating – A Tip From Attorney Kathryn Goldman

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Kelly Abell

A while back my friend Attorney Kathryn Goldman shared a series of posts on my blog about how to interpret publishing contracts. She shares many useful things that are helpful to writers. I wanted to share this video blog post … Continue reading →

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A Compelling Story Is Not Enough

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Kelly Abell

I started a new book by a new author last night, and while it had a great hook, and the story began with a bang, it is already disappointing. Why? Poor editing. I am so disappointed for this writer. The … Continue reading →

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Writing Tip – Patience, Grasshopper – Let it Marinate #awriting

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Kelly Abell

I want to share with you a lesson I learned from a very wise young man.  My 20 year old son.  He is quite the visionary attending the University of Florida, hoping to eventually enter the film industry.  Very often he reviews … Continue reading →

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Writing Tip – Why is Reading For Pleasure Important to the Craft of Writing #amwriting

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Kelly Abell

I was working on a story the other day and spending some time reflecting when an email came in from a fan.  The question asked of me was, “How do you find time to read for pleasure?”  I’ll share with … Continue reading →

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