Blog Post The Role of Dreams and Nightmares in Science Fiction Novels 500
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The Role of Dreams and Nightmares in Science Fiction Novels by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

Science fiction has long been a genre of boundless creativity, exploring themes that challenge the limits of reality and imagination. Within this vast landscape, dreams and nightmares serve as compelling tools for both narrative and thematic exploration. From prophetic visions to dystopian delusions, the interplay of the subconscious with futuristic settings offers fertile ground for examining the human experience. This article delves into the role of dreams and nightmares in science fiction, first from a reader's perspective and then from…
Blog Post The Power of Clues in Mystery Novels 500
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The Power of Clues in Mystery Novels by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

Mystery novels have captivated readers for centuries, offering thrilling journeys through riddles, suspense, and revelations. At the heart of every compelling mystery is the clue--a breadcrumb that leads both the characters and readers toward the resolution. The art of crafting and interpreting clues plays a pivotal role in a mystery's success, creating a delicate balance between engagement, frustration, and ultimate satisfaction.   From a Reader's Perspective The Thrill of Discovery For readers, clues are the lifeblood of a mystery novel.…
Blog Post Teaching Values Through Stories: Morals and Life Lessons for Kids 500
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Teaching Values Through Stories: Morals and Life Lessons for Kids by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

Stories have long been one of the most effective ways to teach values, shape character, and instill morals in children. Through the experiences of fictional characters and the worlds they inhabit, young readers learn about courage, kindness, honesty, and many other virtues. In this article, we will explore how stories serve as a conduit for imparting life lessons, both from the reader's perspective--focusing on what children gain from these narratives--and from the writer's perspective, covering how to craft compelling, values-driven…
Blog Post Comic Relief: How Humorous Books Can Relieve Stress and Boost Mood 500
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Comic Relief: How Humorous Books Can Relieve Stress and Boost Mood by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

From a Reader's Perspective   In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an almost inevitable part of daily life. From demanding work schedules to personal challenges, the need for effective stress relief is more important than ever. One surprisingly powerful remedy lies in the pages of humorous books. Laughter, as they say, is the best medicine, and for readers, diving into a world of wit and whimsy can offer significant mental and emotional benefits.   The Power of Laughter  …
Writing Advice Article by Will Greenway: Beyond Villains -- Addressing Antagonists in Detail
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Beyond Villains — Addressing Antagonists in Detail by Will Greenway

Beyond Villains --Addressing Antagonists in Detail By Will Greenway 'Villain' is a dated term. It brings to mind a particular kind of bad guy that has become kind of a toothless foil in both the minds of writers and their audiences. These affably evil tropes portray some over-the-top black hat who has an inexplicable demagogic ability to attract hordes of henchmen, cronies, and minions. They bumble around carrying out their latest master plans with their enablers, dishing out head thumps…
Blog Post The Art of Writing Comedy: Insights from Bestselling Author 500
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The Art of Writing Comedy: Insights from Bestselling Authors by Writers Exchange E-Publishing

Laughter is a universal language that transcends cultures and generations. The ability to make people laugh is a gift, and for writers, it's a craft that requires both creativity and skill. In this blog article, we delve into "The Art of Writing Comedy", drawing insights from some of the world's bestselling authors who have mastered the delicate balance of humor and storytelling. As readers, we will embark on a journey through the minds of these comedic geniuses to understand what…
How to Start Writing a Book from Scratch By Writers Exchange E-Publishing
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How to Start Writing a Book from Scratch By Writers Exchange E-Publishing

  Starting a book from scratch can be an exciting but daunting process. The thought of creating an entire world and bringing characters to life can be overwhelming, but with the right approach and mindset, it can also be immensely rewarding. Here are some tips on how to start writing a book from scratch:   Choose a genre and narrow down your focus. Before you start writing, it's important to decide what type of book you want to write. Do…
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2014 Publisher News: December, Writers Exchange hits 14 years!

I realised this morning that Writers Exchange E-Publishing has been going 14 years this month! I hadn't even thought about it, but a couple of people congratulated me on LinkedIn, it must be in my profile... I really want to thank Will Greenway and Victoria Heckman for staying with me all these years - you guys were the first two authors I ever signed up! Rounding out the VERY early authors who are still in our ranks we have Lauralee…
Article: Choosing a Setting: Real or Fiction by Deborah Nolan
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How to Choose a Setting: Real or Fiction by Deborah Nolan

  Choosing a Setting: Real or Fiction By Deborah Nolan   It's been said that location is another character in a story.  I think that's true if the setting is described well enough and with enough detail for the reader to actually imagine it.    Some authors are known for certain locations.  Most of Susan Isaacs' novels take place in Nassau County, Long Island.  I grew up there and it's one of many reasons I like her books so much.…
Article Varieties of Vampires 500
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Varieties of Vampires by Margaret L. Carter

Psychoanalyst Ernest Jones, in his 1951 classic nonfiction book On the Nightmare, labels the vampire the most "overdetermined" of monsters in terms of its psychological roots--and, we might add, in terms of its richly varied folkloric sources. As Professor Van Helsing says in Dracula, almost every society throughout the world has legends of some kind of vampire-like creature. You can read about many of them in J. Gordon Melton's encyclopedic reference work The Vampire Book (Third Edition published in 2011).…
Avoid a Sagging Middle by Dee Lloyd
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Avoid a Sagging Middle by Dee Lloyd

AVOID A SAGGING MIDDLE   By DEE LLOYD   No middle should sag. The dragging, sagging pace of the middle of a romance is every bit as unattractive as the lax muscles of a person's physical midsection. No matter how enthralling your opening chapters are, you will lose your grip on the reader's attention if nothing significant happens or if the pace falters midway in your story. The last thing you want is the reader to think, "She already told…
3D Fiction Fundamentals Series, Volume 5: CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction 3d cover
Posted inNonfiction Books Self-Help and How-To Books

3D Fiction Fundamentals Collection, Volume 6: CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction: A Writer’s Guide to Deep and Multifaceted Development and Progression of Characters, Plots, and Relationship by Karen S. Wiesner

(ebooks are available from all sites, and print is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and some from Angus and Robertson)     Bonus Companion Booklet for CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction {A Writer's Guide to Deep and Multifaceted Development and Progression of Characters, Plots, and Relationships} Bonus Companion Booklet contains all the blank worksheets, checklists, charts, exercises, and/or other aids from the main book along with detailed examples. This companion booklet is…
Karen Wiesner Readin Caption 1
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Getting to know our authors: Karen Wiesner

  Meet Writers Exchange Author, Karen Wiesner:⁠ ⁠ "I'm a lifelong reader. I remember nostalgically lazy days as a child, too young to have worldly cares, let alone responsibilities, opening a book and getting lost in the story. Flash-forward to adult life, and those moments of bliss curling up with a book are few and far between. ⁠ ⁠ "Back when I was a new mother trying to juggle a full-time career as a published author, reading was something I…
Article: Police Mystery Thrillers: Getting it Right! By John Schembra
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How to Write Police Mystery Thrillers: Getting it Right! By John Schembra

Are you writing police mysteries thrillers? Want to get it right? I do, too, though I may have an advantage, having been a police officer for 30 years. Although the home setting for my books is the San Francisco PD, sometimes protagonists must seek the help of other police or federal agencies. This presents a problem, as not all law enforcement agencies conduct investigations the same way. Each agency has their own set of procedures and though general investigative protocols…
Cohesive Story Building Worksheets Covers
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Cohesive Story Building WORKSHEETS by Karen S. Wiesner

All the worksheets, checklists, and exercises from Cohesive Story Building are included here in a usable format, namely Rich Text Format (RTF), which allows for cross-platform document exchange and which most word processors are able to read or write to. Type right into the document and use it over and over as needed! PDF format is also available. Additionally, for those who prefer a printed version, a paperback booklet is available. For those unfamiliar with Cohesive Story Building, here is…
Blurb Writing Series, Part 2: Crafting Blurbs Overview by Karen Wiesner
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Blurb Writing Series, Part 2: Crafting Blurbs Overview by Karen Wiesner

Crafting Blurbs Overview by Karen Wiesner   Back Cover Blurbs A back cover blurb can be anywhere from one to four paragraphs. If the whole package is short and punchy, as we've said, it's practically guaranteed to be intriguingly memorable. But, while shorter is generally better these days, that's not always the case. A too-short blurb may be less than dazzling. Instead of being memorable, it can lack details to capture true interest in readers. Another thing to note is…
The Stuff Series are Made of by Karen Wiesner
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The Stuff Series are Made of by Karen Wiesner

  The Stuff Series Are Made Of By Karen S. Wiesner   "The disease of writing is dangerous and contagious," Abelard famously said to Heloise. So, too, can a book series become a relentless obsession: It's why readers follow series devotedly to the last, why writers write them for years on end, and why publishers contract them in spades. In our trend-driven world, series are hotter than ever. But if writing a novel can seem overwhelming, the idea of creating a…
Writing: Scene business, style, and dialogue by Will Greenway
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Scene business, style, and dialogue by Will Greenway

Scene business, style, and dialogue By Will Greenway Viewpoint is one the most important aspects of writing. It is the eye through which readers see your work. Creating a strong viewpoint "presence" within your story relies on several related narrative techniques. One of the most important is the handling of character interactions and specifically dialogue. Related to dialogue, one of the most common problems in beginning writing is the "talking head" syndrome. Essentially, characters in a scene begin talking, and…
Writing: Dynamic Beginnings (2 of 2) by Will Greenway
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Writing: Dynamic Beginnings (2 of 2) by Will Greenway

Dynamic Beginnings (2 of 2) By Will Greenway If you read the material on Dynamic Beginnings and the 8 rules for starting a novel or short story, this article contains additional "starter" tips and some concrete examples for launching stories. One mechanism that is good for teaching writing self-discipline and makes for an evocative story opening is the six-line opener paragraph. The goal of the opener paragraph is to hook the reader and do most of the things talked about…