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Choose one of the following categories or browse through their respective posts below for practical tips, actionable advice, and inspiration for your writing process!
Writing Craft
For posts on plot, characterization, dialogue, pacing, structure, POV, planning, outlining, style, technique, and tools.
Style Guides vs. Style Sheets (two important tools in a writer’s toolbox)
An explanation of style guides and style sheets, their relationship, and how each tool can better your writing (whether you traditional or self-publish!).
Style Guides vs. Style Sheets (two important tools in a writer’s toolbox)Read More
3 Essential Concepts for Character Development
Learn the fundamentals of character development: the influence of a character’s background, their driving motivations, and recognizing The Research Paradox.
Style Guides 101: What they are, why they’re important, and how to pick yours!
Style guides aren’t just for editors! Learn what they are; why they’re important for both traditional and self-publishing authors; and how to select yours.
Style Guides 101: What they are, why they’re important, and how to pick yours!Read More
The ABCs of Style Sheets (feat. a Free Style Sheet Template!)
A practical style sheet how-to guide and free template to help you build your own. Just remember to keep it simple, straightforward, and easy to fill out!
The ABCs of Style Sheets (feat. a Free Style Sheet Template!)Read More
Writing Performance
For posts on motivation, productivity, inspiration, writer’s block, and more.
5 Key Ways Writers Can Avoid Burnout (for NaNoWriMo and beyond!)
Reduce the risk of burnout and avoid a motivational crash by using the following practical and actionable tips to create a sustainable writing process.
5 Key Ways Writers Can Avoid Burnout (for NaNoWriMo and beyond!)Read More
9 Focus Tips & Tricks for Writers
Trouble focusing is one of the top struggles for writers. These focus tips and tricks can be used individually or in tandem to reach that peak work “flow”!
7 Writing Inspiration Hacks
No matter your writer’s block, you can use the following inspiration hacks to brainstorm, get your thoughts together, or simply reboot your creative side.
Bookish Appreciation
For sources of inspiration for your manuscript, book lists on various topics, and general bookish appreciation.
5 Reasons to Love Your Local Library
As an enthusiastic and lifelong fan, I’ve made a list of five outstanding reasons (from programs to books to supporting authors) to love your local library!
5 Original Fierce Fantasy Book Heroines (my favorite MCs as inspiration for your next Fierce Female Lead™)
As you’re working on your manuscript’s character development, consider these five heroines as inspiration for your strong and independent female characters.
Book Reviews
For fun on your writing breaks (and because I’ve managed to amass a rather large stockpile!), a collection of my book reviews across a variety of genres, including fantasy, romance / chick lit, nonfiction, and more. For alphabetical lists, check out my Author Index and Title Index.
![Book Review: Rework [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TTB_Rework.jpg)
Book Review: Rework – Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson
If you’re currently drowning in business “need-to-do’s” or interested in how to get more done quickly and efficiently, Rework is a fantastic audiobook.
Book Review: Rework – Jason Fried, David Heinemeier HanssonRead More
![Book Review: Summer Skin [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TTB_Summer_Skin.jpg)
Book Review: Summer Skin – Kirsty Eagar
Authentic characters, relationships, and a spot-on depiction of college life, but I couldn’t root for the relationship that drives the plot of this book.
![Book Review: Sky in the Deep [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TTB_Sky_in_the_Deep.jpg)
Book Review: Sky in the Deep – Adrienne Young
Every action scene was vicious, violent, and everything you could want in a Viking story. And I do love a good romance! But there was just so. much. crying.
![Book Review: The Power to Get Things Done [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TTB_The_Power_To_Get_Things_Done.jpg)
Book Review: The Power to Get Things Done – Steve Levinson, Chris Cooper
A fascinating lesson on why we don’t achieve well-intended goals and how to go about fixing that, this is useful on both a personal and professional level.
Book Review: The Power to Get Things Done – Steve Levinson, Chris CooperRead More
![Book Review: Talking As Fast As I Can [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TTB_Talking_As_Fast_As_I_Can.jpg)
Book Review: Talking As Fast As I Can – Lauren Graham
All sarcasm, wittiness, and word play, this book covers everything from Gilmore Girls (obviously) to thoughtful and practical tips on how to navigate life.
Book Review: Talking As Fast As I Can – Lauren GrahamRead More
![Book Review: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TTB_Simon_vs_The_Homo_Sapiens_Agenda.jpg)
Book Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli
Utterly delightful. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda is a strong character-driven novel of one boy’s struggles as he deals with all life can throw at him.
Book Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky AlbertalliRead More
![Book Review: Can You Keep A Secret? [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/TTB_Can_You_Keep_A_Secret.jpg)
Book Review: Can You Keep A Secret? – Sophie Kinsella
Perfect dialogue and delivery, a roller coaster of emotion, and fantastic characters with distinct personalities and behaviors. What more can you ask for?
Book Review: Can You Keep A Secret? – Sophie KinsellaRead More
![Book Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/TTB_The_Prince_and_the_Dressmaker.jpg)
Book Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker – Jen Wang
Quick, adorable, emotional, charming — this was such an easy-to-rate 5 stars. Beautiful artwork for an innocent story of finding oneself in the world.
Book Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker – Jen WangRead More
![Book Review: Love & Gelato [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/TTB_Love_and_Gelato.jpg)
Book Review: Love & Gelato – Jenna Evans Welch
For an authentic depiction of the emotional turmoil following a family death and how life inevitably goes on, Love & Gelato is a bit of sunshine and hope.
![Book Review: The Hard Thing About Hard Things [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_The_Hard_Thing_About_Hard_Things.jpg)
Book Review: The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
Coupled with my issues with the overall structure, this book’s content was neither my style nor provided information I found useful. I cannot recommend it.
Book Review: The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben HorowitzRead More
![Book Review: Windwitch [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/TTB_Windwitch.jpg)
Book Review: Windwitch – Susan Dennard
A mash-up of addictively well-paced storylines, Windwitch entertains through the last page. This series is turning out to be one of my all-time-favorites.
![Book Review: A Simple Favor [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/TTB_A_Simple_Favor.jpg)
Book Review: A Simple Favor – Darcey Bell
Filled with ludicrous twists and despicable characters, I can’t say A Simple Favor was good, but it was addictively ridiculous and I couldn’t stop reading.
![Book Review: 99 Percent Mine [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/TTB_99_Percent_Mine.jpg)
Book Review: 99 Percent Mine – Sally Thorne
All-in-all, an addictive read where you rooted for every single character’s happiness (but mostly for Darcy and Tom to finally make out already, my god).
![TTB Instagram: 168 Hours [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IG_BR_168_Hours.jpg)
Book Review: 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think – Laura Vanderkam
If you’ve ever needed a kick in the butt or want to figure out how people seem to get so much done in a day, this is a great time…
Book Review: 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think – Laura VanderkamRead More
![Book Review: Yes Please [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Yes_Please.jpg)
Book Review: Yes Please – Amy Poehler
For anyone who finds Poehler funny, wants to know more about her life, or wants honest, good advice about life’s challenges, this is an excellent audiobook.
![Book Review: Saga, Vol. 1 [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Saga_Vol_1.jpg)
Book Review: Saga, Vol. 1 – Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples
I can’t think of any other way to describe Saga except as “strange yet fascinating”. I read this in a single session and I’m itching to pick up the next.
Book Review: Saga, Vol. 1 – Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona StaplesRead More
![Book Review: The Queen's Rising [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_The_Queens_Rising.jpg)
Book Review: The Queen’s Rising – Rebecca Ross
Please force your way through Part One, because Part Two+ was so much better. The latter is filled with action-packed scenes and I could not put this down.
![Book Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Stalking_Jack_the_Ripper.jpg)
Book Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper – Kerri Maniscalco
I see why others have given it 5 Stars and I definitely recommend it (and I might even read the sequel because I’m a sucker for plot-driven books).
Book Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper – Kerri ManiscalcoRead More
![Book Review: Scorpio Races [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Scorpio_Races.jpg)
Book Review: Scorpio Races – Maggie Stiefvater
With a visually stunning setting (full of craggy cliffs and vicious, magical island horses) and a sweet love story, this was a really enjoyable book.
![Book Review: My Lady Jane [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_My_Lady_Jane.jpg)
Book Review: My Lady Jane – Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton
This was a silly, fantastic, linguistically clever book in a completely unique writing style. One of my go-to rereads and I cannot wait for the sequel.
Book Review: My Lady Jane – Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, Brodi AshtonRead More
![Book Review: Renegades [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Renegades.jpg)
Book Review: Renegades – Marissa Meyer
I liked this book. The storyline was engaging and the plot interesting and unique. I’ll even likely reread it. But I am just…very confused after the ending.
![Book Review: Nimona [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Nimona.jpg)
Book Review: Nimona – Noelle Stevenson
If your thing is/might be/could ever be villains believing in love, loyalty, and the goodness of people (*happy sigh*), then you must read this right now.
![Book Review: It's Not Okay [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Its_Not_Okay.jpg)
Book Review: It’s Not Okay – Andi Dorfman
For a very entertaining read of honest breakup advice and juicy details on Andi’s experience with the Bachelor franchise, It’s Not Okay was a great book.
![Book Review: An Enchantment of Ravens [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_An_Enchantment_of_Ravens.jpg)
Book Review: An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret Rogerson
I adored this book. The writing was gorgeous and descriptive and woven in with humorous lines in such a beautiful style that I could not read fast enough.
Book Review: An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret RogersonRead More
![Book Review: Crooked Kingdom [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Crooked_Kingdom.jpg)
Book Review: Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo
If you want to become completely engrossed in a world of dynamic characters, plot twists, and nonstop action, Crooked Kingdom has to be your next read.
![Book Review: Truthwitch [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Truthwitch.jpg)
Book Review: Truthwitch – Susan Dennard
Dennard has created a clever new magic system, a rock-solid female friendship storyline, and thrilling scenes for an addictive plot pace in this must read.
![TTB Instagram: Hygge [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IG_BR_Hygge.jpg)
Book Review: The Little Book of Hygge – Meik Wiking
The Little Book of Hygge mixes humor and the quirkiness of Denmark with sound advice on achieving everyday happiness. I am utterly obsessed with this book.
Book Review: The Little Book of Hygge – Meik WikingRead More
![Book Review: Six of Crows [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_Six_of_Crows.jpg)
Book Review: Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
For a thrilling read with fully developed, love-ably “evil” characters, Six of Crows is a book I recommend to anyone and everyone who loves fantasy novels.
![Book Review: One Click [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TTB_One_Click.jpg)
Book Review: One Click – Richard L. Brandt
One Click provided a decent summary of Bezos’s background and Amazon’s creation, but there were too many significant issues with the book’s tone and format.
![Book Review: Ready Player One [The Trusty Bookmark]](https://thetrustybookmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TTB_Ready_Player_One.jpg)
Book Review: Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
Ready Player One will be one of my go-to “sci-fi books to reread”. A genuinely good story with fantastic worlds narrated by an extremely entertaining MC.
Writing Resource Freebies
Enter your details in either (or both!) forms to grab a free copy of my printable and easy-to-use Style Sheet Template or Proofreading Workbook for Writers.
Find out more about Style Sheets (and how to use them) in my ABCs of Style Sheets post!