Free Fiction Writing Tips | Writing Craft | Knowledge is Power

Welcome to Fiction Writing Tips. Dedicated to the classic books on fiction writing. Learn to write short stories, novels, and plays by studying the classic how-to books. I believe fiction writing is a Craft. In the hands of a writer who has mastered the Craft, it can become more than that. It can become Art. Art = Talent + Craft But the bedrock is Craft. There are fundamental techniques to be studied, unfamiliar tools to be mastered, tricks of the trade to be learned. And it all takes time.

Showing posts with label Free eBooks. Show all posts

Saturday, January 4, 2025

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway | Foreword by Olivia Salter

A Farewell to Arms

By Ernest Hemingway

Book Of The Day

Foreword

Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms is much more than a novel of love and war; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, told through the lens of one man’s journey during World War I. First published in 1929, this semi-autobiographical work captures the essence of Hemingway’s literary genius—his unmatched ability to distill emotion and experience into prose that is as sparse as it is deeply evocative.

Set against the backdrop of the Italian front, the novel chronicles the story of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver, and his passionate, tragic romance with Catherine Barkley, a British nurse. Their love blossoms amidst the chaos of war, a stark reminder of the fragility and transience of human connection. Yet, this is not a story of idealized romance or heroism. Instead, Hemingway offers an unflinching portrayal of love as both salvation and suffering, and war as both senseless destruction and a crucible of human resilience.

Hemingway’s prose, characterized by its simplicity and precision, allows readers to inhabit the spaces between words, where the deepest emotions reside. His use of understatement—what he famously called the "iceberg theory"—renders moments of joy and sorrow with haunting clarity, leaving readers to grapple with what lies beneath the surface.

The themes of A Farewell to Arms—love, loss, courage, disillusionment—are timeless, resonating with readers across generations. It is a book that speaks not only to the specific horrors of World War I but to the universal struggles of humanity in the face of war, uncertainty, and mortality.

As you embark on this journey through Frederic Henry’s world, prepare to confront the full spectrum of human experience. Hemingway does not shy away from life’s harsh realities, but within those, he uncovers moments of profound beauty and truth. A Farewell to Arms is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of existence and remind us of the resilience of the human spirit.

Olivia Salter

01/04/2025

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Monday, June 3, 2024

Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration: provides the beginning novelist, or perhaps even the experienced novelist who has lost his way, with a discussion of the underlying structure and methods of novel writing.

Novelsmithing: The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration

Article By Olivia Salter

Get your free copy of "Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration by David Sheppard."

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Novelsmithing and explore how it contributes to the craft of fiction writing.

Remember, it’s not just about creativity—it’s about the meticulous craftsmanship that turns a story into a memorable novel.

Novelsmithing by David Sheppard is a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced novelists. Published in 2009, this book provides essential insights into the underlying structure and methods of novel writing. Here are some key points:

The Divine Trinity of Novel Writing:
- Novelsmithing emphasizes the importance of three core elements: character, conflict, and theme. These elements form the organic unity necessary for creating a compelling work of literature.
- By mastering these components, authors can weave intricate narratives that resonate with readers.
Narration Techniques:
- The book delves into the art of narration. It teaches writers how to effectively convey their story, maintain reader engagement, and build tension.
- From point of view choices to pacing, Novelsmithing covers various aspects of narration.
Craft Over Creativity:
- Unlike creative writing guides that focus solely on inspiration, Novelsmithing emphasizes the craft of storytelling.
- It provides practical techniques for transforming a story idea into a well-structured novel.
Screenwriters’ Benefit:
- Novelsmithing isn’t limited to novelists. Aspiring screenwriters can also find value in its content.
- The principles discussed apply to both written fiction and screenplays.
Rough Draft Blueprint:
- Completing the first nine chapters of Novelsmithing can give an author a rough draft for their novel.
- This structured approach helps writers organize their ideas and lay the groundwork for a cohesive story.
About the Author:
- David Sheppard holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from Stanford University.
- His other works include Oedipus on a Pale Horse and The Mysteries: A Novel of Ancient Eleusis.

Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or seeking to refine your skills, Novelsmithing provides valuable guidance. Remember, it’s not just about creativity—it’s about the meticulous craftsmanship that turns a story into a memorable novel.

Happy writing!

Get your free copy of "Novelsmithing, The Structural Foundation of Plot, Character, and Narration by David Sheppard."

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Novel Writing: 16 Steps to Success By Evan Marshall, Foreword by Olivia Salter

Novel Writing: 16 Steps to Success

By Evan Marshall

FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

Writing a novel is a magnificent journey that takes readers to extraordinary worlds, breathes life into memorable characters, and evokes a multitude of emotions. It is an art form that captivates us, allowing us to escape reality and immerse ourselves in a realm created solely by the writer's imagination. Yet, for aspiring novelists, embarking on this creative endeavor can often feel both exhilarating and overwhelming.

In "Novel Writing: 16 Steps to Success," Marshall Evan offers a comprehensive guide that will equip writers with the tools and techniques necessary to navigate the complex terrain of novel writing. With Marshall's extensive experience as a successful author and his innate ability to craft stories that resonate with readers, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone who dreams of bringing their ideas to life on the page.

The sixteen steps outlined in this book are not simply a formulaic approach to writing a novel. Instead, they serve as a roadmap to assist writers in developing a deep understanding of the craft while encouraging their authentic voice to shine through. Marshall emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning, character development, and plot construction, providing aspiring writers with a solid foundation upon which to build their narratives.

One of the standout qualities of Marshall's approach is his dedication to nurturing the creative process. He understands that writing a novel is not a linear journey and that it requires flexibility and adaptation. He offers practical advice on overcoming common obstacles, such as writer's block and self-doubt, while encouraging writers to embrace experimentation and take risks.

Throughout this book, Marshall's enthusiasm for storytelling is evident. His passion for his craft is infectious, and he reminds writers of the transformative power of words. He prompts readers to dig deep and tap into their own emotions to create stories that will resonate with others long after the pages have been turned.

"Novel Writing: 16 Steps to Success" is not a magical solution that guarantees instant success. Rather, it is a guide that instills discipline, perseverance, and self-belief in those who embark on the writing journey. It is a companion that offers encouragement during moments of uncertainty and celebrates each milestone achieved.

So, whether you are at the beginning of your writing career or have already penned multiple novels, this book will undoubtedly inspire you to refine your skills and continue honing your craft. Success as a novelist is not solely determined by commercial accolades or critical acclaim; it is found in the joy of bringing stories to life and connecting with readers on a profound level.

As you flip through the pages of this book, remember that writing a novel is an adventure with endless possibilities. Let "Novel Writing: 16 Steps to Success" be your guide, your companion, and your source of inspiration as you embark on this incredible journey of creative self-expression.

Happy writing!

Olivia Salter

12/16/2023

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👉Novel Writing: 16 Steps to Success at Amazon

Sunday, August 28, 2022

How to Market a Book: Overperform in a Crowded Market (Reedsy Marketing Guides Book 1) by Ricardo Fayet

Get your free copy of "How to Market a Book: Overperform in a Crowded Market (Reedsy Marketing Guides Book 1) by Ricardo Fayet"

From the Publisher

Everything you need to know to start marketing your books more efficiently.

adopting a marketing mindset

Adopting the right marketing mindset

The first step to successful marketing is to adopt the right mindset. In this book, you'll discover a proper framework to approach book marketing in a systematic way.

building your author platform

Building your author platform

Before you start promoting your book, you need to build an author platform that will be able to sustain it. This book will show you how to optimize your product and packaging, build your mailing list, and start growing your readership before launch.

learning how to advertise your book

Promoting and advertising

When it's time to start bringing traffic and driving eyeballs to your book pages, you'll learn how to master the main advertising platforms such as

Description

Product Description

Writing a book is hard. Marketing it can be even harder.

Marketing a book in 2021 can seem like a full-time job, what with the crazy number of things authors seem to be expected to do: social media, blog tours, advertising, price promotions, mailing lists, giveaways, you name it.

But here’s a little secret: you don’t need to do all those things to successfully set your book on the path to success. What you need is a solid plan to find the one or two tactics that will work, and start to drive sales… in a minimum amount of time. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this book.

Instead of drowning you in information or inundating you with hundreds of different tactics and strategies that eventually prove fruitless, this book will guide you through a step-by-step framework to find the ones that actually work for you and your book, so that you can start marketing more efficiently.

In particular, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to change your mindset and sell more books with less effort.;
✔️ How to write books that guarantee a lasting, profitable career;
✔️ How to get Amazon’s Kindle Store to market your book for you;
✔️ How to get thousands of readers into your mailing list before you even release the book;
✔️ How to propel your book to the top of the charts at launch; and
✔️ How to automate your marketing so that you can spend less time marketing and more time writing,

After helping over 150,000 authors crack the marketing code through a popular weekly newsletter, Reedsy’s Co-founder Ricardo Fayet is sharing everything he’s learned over the past few years in this beginner-friendly, jargon-free guide to book marketing.

Get your copy now and benefit from all the experience of a seasoned marketing professional.

Review

"This is the most comprehensive guide or marketing book I've ever seen." -- Ben Galley, Epic & Dark Fantasy Author

"Scour the author Facebook Groups no more. Ricardo's book has answers to nearly every essential marketing question in self-publishing. I highly recommend it!" -- Bryan Cohen, Founder of the 5-Day Amazon Ad Profit Challenge

A must read for anyone just starting out, and full of plenty of wisdom for those looking to level up. -- Erica Ridley, NYT & USA Today best-selling author

"This is more than a marketing guide, it's a self-help and inspirational book that can make a big difference in a writer's life." -- Reedsy Discovery

"A great primer for anyone looking for an overview of book marketing."
-- Ryan Zee, Founder of BookSweeps

"Ricardo's book is like Ricardo himself: something you're going to want to get to know: incredibly helpful and infinitely useful. This book is sure to be a part of the standard repertoire for authors!" -- Nick Thacker, USA Today best-selling author of the Indie Author Mastery Guides

Get your free copy of "How to Market a Book: Overperform in a Crowded Market (Reedsy Marketing Guides Book 1) by Ricardo Fayet"

From the Author

In the past five years at Reedsy, we've helped tens of thousands of authors get their books out there. Many have grown to become full-time authors and make a living off their writing. I have personally consulted and worked hand in hand with hundreds of them, helping them build marketing plans, run online ads, grow their mailing lists, and develop new income streams from their writing.

This book is the result of all these years of teaching and working on marketing with authors across all genres. It compiles all the information you need to get your book in front of readers--and then get those readers to

buy it. I hope you enjoy it!

About the Author

Ricardo Fayet is one of the four founders of Reedsy, a marketplace connecting authors to the world's top publishing talent--from editors to cover designers, book marketers, or literary translators. He's the author of several Reedsy Learning courses on marketing and a regular presenter at several prestigious writers' conferences: NINC, RWA Australia, and The Self Publishing Show Live, among others.

He oversees the marketing for all Reedsy products--Marketplace, Book Editor, Learning, Discovery--and is a big SEO and Facebook advertising enthusiast.

Ricardo Fayet is one of the four founders of Reedsy, a marketplace connecting authors to the world’s top publishing talent—from editors to cover designers, book marketers, or literary translators. He’s the author of several Reedsy Learning courses on marketing and a regular presenter at several prestigious writers’ conferences: NINC, RWA Australia, and The Self Publishing Show Live, among others.

He oversees the marketing for all Reedsy products—Marketplace, Book Editor, Learning, Discovery—and is a big SEO and Facebook advertising enthusiast.

In his spare time, he enjoys watching football (or “soccer” as y’all call it over there), and carrying tactical analyses to explain why his favorite team won, as well as referee mistake analyses when his team loses.

You can sign up to his weekly book marketing newsletter here: http://rdsy.me/newsletter

Get your free copy of "How to Market a Book: Overperform in a Crowded Market (Reedsy Marketing Guides Book 1) by Ricardo Fayet"

Saturday, August 27, 2022

The 7 Day Authors Guide To Amazon Ads (2022 Edition): Your Step-by-Step Guide To Launching, Optimizing and Scaling Amazon Ads To Reach More Readers and Sell More Books by Matthew J Holmes

Get your free copy of "The 7 Day Authors Guide To Amazon Ads (2022 Edition): Your Step-by-Step Guide To Launching, Optimizing and Scaling Amazon Ads To Reach More Readers and Sell More Books by Matthew J Holmes"

Description

Updated for 2022, The 7 day Authors Guide To Amazon Ads is the ultimate step-by-step guide to launching, optimizing and scaling Amazon Ads to reach more readers and sell more books.

Inside, you’ll discover the latest tactics and strategies I am using on a daily basis, when managing Amazon Ads for Authors, just like you.

If you’re looking for a simple system to grow your readership, earn more royalties and sell more books, without it taking up 2+ hours a day to manage, so you can focus on your writing…

You found it!

Here’s what we’re going to cover together over the next 7 days:

Day 1: Amazon Ads Foundations
Day 2: The Amazon Ads Funnel
Day 3: The Discovery Phase
Day 4: The Research Phase
Day 5: The Performance Phase
Day 6: Optimization For Growth
Day 7: Protecting Your Brand

Now, because I believe whole-heartedly that implementation is one hundred times better than theory alone, at the end of each Day, I have laid out a short Action Step for you to take.

Each Action Step will keep you moving forwards, drive momentum and solidify what you’re learning, all to ensure that you start seeing results fast.

On top of the 7 days of actionable content inside this book, you will also receive free access to my Amazon Ads Toolkit, which is already being used by hundreds of authors from around the world.

Start reading the latest, 2022 edition of The 7 Day Authors Guide To Amazon Ads today and just a week from now, you can be running profitable Amazon Ads that are selling more copies of your books, expanding your readership and ultimately, building your author career.
About the Author

Abouts the Author

Matthew J Holmes Advertising your books with Amazon Ads is simple, but it’s not easy. Who doesn’t love a challenge? I know I do, especially when it comes to advertising!

Whether you’re brand new to Amazon Ads, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, my ultimate goal with all the content I share with authors is to provide you with a wealth of value, insights, and “ah-ah” moments.

You can find out more about my work at www.matthewjholmes.com

On a personal note, I live in England with my wife, Lori, an author of fantasy novels, along with our three children, and two whippets, Freya and Loki.

When I’m not working, you can find me in our home gym, cycling, walking the dogs, spending time with my family, or getting out and about in the English countryside.

Friday, August 26, 2022

Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry, Kevin J. Anderson, Scott Nicholson, M. J. Rose & David J. Montgomery (Free eBook)

Write Good or Die

by Jonathan Maberry, Kevin J. Anderson, Scott Nicholson, M. J. Rose & David J. Montgomery

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

Description

Survival tips for 21st century writers, from best-selling authors Kevin J. Anderson, M.J. Rose, Heather Graham, J.A. Konrath, Gayle Lynds, Alexandra Sokoloff, Jonathan Maberry, and more. How to develop your craft, improve your writing, get an agent, promote your work, embrace the digital age, and prepare yourself for the coming changes in the publishing industry. Edited by Scott Nicholson.

Other contributors include Elizabeth Massie, Harley Jane Kozak, Douglas Clegg, Brandon Massey, Mur Lafferty, Dean Wesley Smith, David J. Montgomery, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Robert Kroese, and Adrienne Jones. Covering art, craft, and business.

All proceeds benefit the non-profit organization Literacy Inc., which promotes reading among teens.

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

About the Authors

JONATHAN MABERRY is a NY Times bestselling suspense novelist, five-time Bram Stoker Award winner, and comic book writer. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, is being produced as a Netflix original series, starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES) and will debut in early 2019. His other works include the Joe Ledger thrillers, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, and many others. His YA space travel novel, Mars One, is in development for film; and his novel Glimpse and the V-Wars shared-world vampire apocalypse series are being developed for TV, as is his bestselling Joe Ledger thriller series. He is the editor of many anthologies including the X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Nights of the Living Dead (co-edited with zombie genre creator George A. Romero). His comics include Captain America, the Bram Stoker Award-winning Bad Blood, Black Panther, Punisher, Marvel Zombies Return, and more. His Rot & Ruin novels were included in the Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults. His first novel, Ghost Road Blues was named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium. A board game version of V-Wars: A Game of Blood and Betrayal was based on his noels and comics. He was a featured expert on the History Channel’s Zombies: A Living History and True Monsters. He is one third of the very popular and mildly weird Three Guys With Beards podcast. . He is a board member of the Horror Writers Association and the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. Jonathan lives in Del Mar, California with his wife, Sara Jo. www.jonathanmaberry.com

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

Kevin J. Anderson - Yes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. My major new fantasy trilogy starts with SPINE OF THE DRAGON, followed by VENGEWAR and GODS AND DRAGONS (editing now). My newest Dune novel with Brian Herbert is THE DUKE OF CALADAN. I also love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.

I have written more than 165 books, including 56 national or international bestsellers. I have over 23 million books in print worldwide in thirty languages. I've been nominated for the Nebula Award, Hugo Award, Bram Stoker Award, Shamus Award, and Silver Falchion Award, and I've won the SFX Readers' Choice Award, Golden Duck Award, Scribe Award, and New York Times Notable Book; in 2012 at San Diego Comic Con I received the Faust Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement.

I have written numerous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels in the Dune universe with Brian Herbert, as well as Star Wars and X-Files novels. In my original work, I am best known for my Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita trilogy, the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series, and Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives with Neil Peart. Along with my wife Rebecca Moesta, I am also the publisher of WordFire Press. Find out more about me at wordfire.com, where you can sign up for my newsletter and get some free fiction.

FOR RIGHTS INQUIRIES (Film/TV/Gaming/Foreign/Literary) please contact me directly at info (at) wordfire (dot) com, and I will put you in touch with my appropriate representative.

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

Scott Nicholson - Sign up for my Tao of Boo newsletter for giveaways, free books, and announcements of new releases: http://www.authorscottnicholson.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/

I believe the writer only creates half the story, and that you complete it by bringing your imagination, experience, and heart to the tale. I am happy to share the journey with you and I'm grateful for your reviews and support because that lets me keep living this crazy dream.

I've written more than 30 novels, about 80 short stories, four children's books, some comic books, screenplays, and a couple of non-fiction books, as well as five collaborations with J.R. Rain. Many of my tales are based on supernatural legends from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and I also write mystery and suspense thrillers that are most often compared to the work of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I've branched into dark science fiction with my After, Next, and MIM*X series.

I've also published Liquid Fear and Chronic Fear with Amazon's Thomas & Mercer imprint and McFall with 47North, as well as a number of audiobooks and foreign translations. I love hearing from you, because you're the reason I do this, so let's connect! Learn more about my work at www.AuthorScottNicholson.com

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

M. J. Rose - New York Times, USAToday, and Wall St. Journal bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and The Adventurine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio.

Rose graduated from Syracuse University, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com. Rose is also the co-founder of 1001DarkNights.com and TheBlueBoxPress.com

The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series.

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

David J. Montgomery mixes his love of history and alcohol into one potent concoction through his work at ProfessorCocktail.com. He is also a nationally renowned book critic and commentator on writing and the publishing industry. Mr. Montgomery is an emeritus columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and The Daily Beast, and has written for USA Today, The Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, and other fine publications. His short fiction has appeared both online and in print. A former Professor of History, he lives in the Washington, D.C. suburbs with his wife and two daughters.

Get your free copy of Write Good or Die by Jonathan Maberry

Sunday, August 21, 2022

The Plot Dot: An eight-step visual guide to plotting unforgettable fiction and writing a book readers love. by Derek Murphy (Free eBook)

The Plot Dot: An eight-step visual guide to plotting unforgettable fiction and writing a book readers love.

by Derek Murphy

Get your free copy of " The Plot Dot: An eight-step visual guide to plotting unforgettable fiction and writing a book readers love."

by Derek Murph