C.S. Lakin's first-page checklist for novels

Posted on 01/13/2020 at 04:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

C.S. Lakin is previewing her new book, First Pages of Best Sellers: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why, on her...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, First lines and first chapters

The psychology of arranging your writing space

Posted on 01/08/2020 at 10:26 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Whether it’s out of a need for a fresh start or for something to do while the weather isn’t your...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Motivational

Here's how you can tell the reader what your character is feeling

Posted on 12/28/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

C.S. Lakin isn’t going to demand that you show and not tell the emotions your character is feeling. In fact,...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Characters, Writing advice

Surprise your reader with emotional impact, not just plot twists

Posted on 12/23/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Readers don’t want to be able to predict every single page of your story. But many still reread books, while...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Writing advice

Make the most out of marketing tools that you can control

Posted on 11/21/2019 at 01:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

The marketing world is constantly evolving, but author and publisher Troy Lambert doesn’t want you to panic. Sure, there are...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Email newsletter, Marketing, Social media and websites

Take the time to engage your reader emotionally

Posted on 11/20/2019 at 10:52 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Keeping your reader engaged and interested in your story doesn’t mean rattling off events at an auctioneer’s speed. C.S. Lakin...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Joanna Penn, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

Keep your reader guessing to keep them reading

Posted on 11/16/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

In fiction, tension isn’t about clenching your fists or gritting your teeth — or stating that your protagonist is doing...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

C.S. Lakin: Listen to your instincts about story-telling

Posted on 11/11/2019 at 04:30 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

We’re often told to trust our instincts in personal decision-making. C.S. Lakin believes you authors should do the same thing...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Writing advice

C.S. Lakin: Your settings shouldn't be just any old place

Posted on 10/15/2019 at 10:58 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

The settings of your novel shouldn’t simply be afterthoughts or side notes — they should carry some significance to the...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

Use your own feelings to add emotion to your story

Posted on 09/27/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Looking for an easy way to enhance the emotions in your writing? Think about yourself! Seriously — C.S. Lakin suggests...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Writing advice