A Quick Take: Story equals Problem. What is your protaganist's problem? Who or what is the antagonist?

"A lost father made him an orphan on the street. Napolean's war made him a hero on the sea"...and author Peter Greene shares his tips for writing an award-winning novel series.

Inspiration and Going Back to the Drawing Board - Denise Ditto shares her experiences in creating an award-winning children's series that has achieved national fame.

Voice technology offers new and exciting opportunities for storytellers and readers. Passive listening is no longer the only option. Now two-way communication between the storyteller and listener is possible. Here is a chance to experiment with this new technology and maybe win some cashola in the process.

Our gumshoe is hot on the trail of those killer stories that make you turn the page. You know the kind, police procedurals, good-man-gone-wrong tales, the who-dun-its and the why-didn't-I-see-that-coming books that leave you breathless, reaching for the Alka-Seltzer or the next book in the series.

The 2019 M&M Book Awards for cozy and not so cozy mysteries announce the titles with their authors that have moved forward from the Long List to the Shortlist. The excitement begins for the 2019 CIBAs!

The 2019 CYGNUS Book Awards announce the titles with their authors that have moved forward from the Long List to the Shortlist. The excitement begins for the 2019 CIBAs!

We are pleased to announce the 2019 Laramie Book Awards Long Listers. Good luck to all as they compete for the Short List.

We are pleased to announce these pre-1750s historical fiction novels and their authors whose works have moved forward from the slush pile to the Longlist in the 2019 CHAUCER Book Awards. Good luck to all as your works compete for Shortlist positions.

While it may take more than a crystal ball to figure out exactly what lit agents and publishing houses acquisition departments want and let alone reviewers, guidance can be had.