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Query letter samples for horror novels

Not knowing where to start with a query letter can make it even harder to start querying; already a big and daunting process! Here, I’ve written an example query letter and two query letter samples for horror writers to inspire you. Every query letter is unique, and agents are always looking for something different. I hope these query letters help you draft your own and start reaching out to literary agents. Query letter template for horror novels Replace all words in square brackets [] with your own information. Dear [NAME], I am seeking representation for my novel, [TITLE]. I saw… Read More »Query letter samples for horror novels

Should you use ProWritingAid for short stories and novels?

Most authors have heard of ProWritingAid, but many haven’t explored it and may not know how best to use it. In this blog post, I’ll go over whether ProWritingAid is helpful for short stories and novels, as well as whether your writing is safe when you use it. ProWritingAid describes itself as “the essential toolkit for every storyteller” and prides itself on empowering writers. There are over 3 million users of ProWritingAid across the world. I want to focus on how ProWritingAid can be used to make your writing better and why I’m comfortable using the software on my own… Read More »Should you use ProWritingAid for short stories and novels?

Sasha Lace’s sports romance publishing journey

Sports romance is a growing sub-genre of romance involving different sports, especially popular games like football and ice hockey. My first experience with the genre was reading a book by Sasha Lace, an author living in the north of England who writes football romance. Today, she’s here to talk about her publishing journey, the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and to share advice for anyone interested in writing sports romance novels. Over to Sasha! Hello! I’m Sasha Lace. I write contemporary spicy sports romance. I write for myself and my imaginary friends who become so loud that I have… Read More »Sasha Lace’s sports romance publishing journey

Climate change story ideas

Climate change is real, and more writers than ever are taking to their pens and keyboards to write about them. I’ve put together 5 climate change story ideas to inspire even more tales. By writing about climate change, we can educate ourselves and others on the struggles and warning signs our planet is experiencing. Whether it’s creative non-fiction or speculative fiction – including horror – we can explore worst-case scenarios and solutions. For more writing prompts, check out my writing prompts for short stories and other fiction. How climate change can feature in your stories Taking inspiration from the 2024… Read More »Climate change story ideas

Common questions about gender-neutral language

As a non-binary person, I’m often asked about gender-neutral language, especially as it’s something I’m generally vocal about. I’ve written answers to some common questions about gender-neutral language, including gender-neutral terms people can use to be more inclusive or to specifically use for non-binary people.

This blog post includes advice about using gender-neutral words, terms you can use instead of gendered versions, how to refer to non-binary people, and more.

Autumn romance writing prompts

Autumn, a season for wind, rain, and… love? These autumn romance writing prompts take inspiration from the season to create romantic situations for you to do with what you like! Use these as writing inspiration for your current story, something new, or even an exercise in romantic fiction. I’ve used weather and cosy autumn vibes to conjure up these prompts, so it’s perfect if it’s currently autumn where you are, and if not then maybe it will evoke some of that familiar feeling for you. Looking for something cosier? Try my winter romance writing prompts. 22 autumn romance writing prompts… Read More »Autumn romance writing prompts

What imposter syndrome can feel like for writers

If you’re a writer who feels like they’re not good enough to be an author, others will always be better than them, or you’ll never get published, you probably have imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome for writers can feel like you don’t deserve to write or be published, but it can also feel like your writing isn’t good enough compared to others. When you have imposter syndrome, it can be overwhelming to cope with. Many of us write alone, but if we talk to others then we learn that almost everyone feels this way sometimes. It can vary in strength and… Read More »What imposter syndrome can feel like for writers

Writing short stories: for beginners

You’ve just discovered what a short story is, or maybe you’ve been writing them for a while but you want to take them more seriously. I’ve compiled a list of questions around writing short stories for beginners like you – and me! A short story is generally seen as a self-contained, short piece of fiction, no longer than a maximum of 10,000 words. We’ll go into how long a short story usually is further down. We’ll also look at some great tips for writing short stories, where to publish them, and where to find inspiration. How to write a short… Read More »Writing short stories: for beginners

Spring romance writing prompts

The cold is gone, the flowers are coming, and with it comes romance. These spring romance writing prompts will warm up your romantic creativity, giving you the chance to write something new or practise your writing craft. To me, spring romance is about observing and basking in the joy brought by fresh warmth, blooming flowers, and new beginnings. Understandably, you’ll find many prompts involving bouquets and floristry here! Looking for something hotter? Try my summer romance writing prompts. 22 spring romance writing prompts You can take just one prompt or combine any of the following for one story! Every prompt… Read More »Spring romance writing prompts

194 androgynous names for characters

Names are incredibly important to writers and readers alike. When you’re looking for a gender-neutral name for characters whose gender identity is ambiguous, gender-expansive, or non-binary, androgynous names for characters are ideal. You’ll want an androgynous name that is memorable, because it’s the one stable part of a character that readers will remember. It’s what they’ll search up for quotes, as well as for fan content if your book gets a following. Androgynous names, also known as gender-neutral names, are names traditionally used for babies of any gender. They’re also often chosen by trans, non-binary, gender-fluid, and other gender non-conforming… Read More »194 androgynous names for characters