Want to get on your readers’ good side? Then take note of two rules to avoid in your writing. It’s what I like to refer to as the naughty list and if a word appears on it, then it has no place in your quality fiction. Avoid “ly” words - adverbs Try to avoid adverbs. Just because they exist doesn’t mean you should use them. These are lazy words that steer Read More
Best Books on Writing
As a literary manager I have to make sure a project is as good as it can be before I send it off to agents and producers. This means that I work one-on-one with the screenwriter or novelist to get it in top-notch condition. The expectation is that they would have done their job first by learning everything they need to know about their craft. But what if Read More
Writing Season
Long, lazy days spent going to the beach or sitting poolside don’t have to be in direct opposition to productive writing days. In fact, some people get their best writing done when they get out of their office and into the great outdoors. Here’s why you should consider summer to be the ideal writing season. Inspiration Surrounds You It’s a matter of Read More
What Do You Want to Be?
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a common question asked to children. I think it’s something we should ask ourselves from time to time. Creative people often have second careers. Why? Because we just can’t help ourselves from letting the creative juices flow. And, if you can make a living from it, all the better. But what if you’re not Read More
Editor vs Beta Reader
Editor vs Beta Reader...which one is better? For indie authors on a budget, it’s an important question. No doubt, a beta reader can save you money that you would spend on an editor, but a savvy writer knows that there’s a big difference between the two and your role in monitoring each one. If you are relying on beta readers to review your books prior to Read More
Need a Little Drama?
Need a little drama in your life? Whether you write romance or chick-lit, thrillers or horrors, you need drama. And what is drama without a healthy dose of suspense? If you're writing a romance, that suspense may come in the form of 'will they or won't they' ever get together? For a horror, it probably means will the killer attack his next victim and then Read More
Amp Up the Fun on Your Writing
If you aren't having fun writing it, they won't have fun reading it. Easier said than done? Check out these three quick writing prompts and amp up the fun on your writing. Find Your Happy It’s Evatopia’s catch phrase and I hope you Live it. Breathe it. And most importantly, Believe that you deserve it. When it comes to writing, it needs to be enjoyable Read More
What Do You Want More of in 2015?
I wear many hats...wife, mother, editor, writer, publicist, but in my professional life it all boils down to helping creative women pursue their dreams and get the word out about their projects. In doing so, I try to put out content that is useful and informative, but I’d love your input. What do you want more of in 2015? Let me know which of these topics Read More
Evatopia Power Tweeters
Evatopia power tweeters is an emerging group of authors and readers who share a desire to spread the word about good books. Imagine the power tweeters as a group of like-minded individuals who are excited to discuss books, share inspiration, and most importantly, help others. Those who are already adept at using Twitter know that you can attract more Read More
What is Content Marketing?
What is content marketing? More importantly, why has this term become the latest and greatest buzz? In short, content marketing is providing your target audience with really amazing information -- not just selling them stuff, but providing them with interesting, newsworthy and get this...needed information. So how do you determine what people want and Read More