Articles written by Katherine Swarts
All 14 articles written by Katherine Swarts
Could You Be a Full-time Writer?: A Half Dozen Hints for Taking the Plunge
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Writing a book or two is one thing--making writing your sole source of income is another. Ask yourself these six questions before you quit your salaried job. more...
From Short Stories to Novels: A Half Dozen Hints for Advancing to Full-Length Books
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
A list of short-story publishing credits doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to write a book. Before you make the big decision, consider these points. more...
Naming Your Story: A Half Dozen Hints for Creating Titles
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
A good story title grabs the reader--or editor--at first glance. Here are six attributes of an ideal title. more...
Even Fiction Needs Fact: A Half Dozen Hints for Researching Your Story
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
All good fiction makes readers feel as if the story is really happening. Here's how to research the facts that make for realistic fiction. more...
Never Lecture a Reader: A Half Dozen Hints for Teaching without Preaching
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Everyone loves a good story--but no one likes a moral lecture disguised as a story. Here's how to make sure you create the former instead of the latter. more...
Beginning, Middle, and End: A Half Dozen Hints for Creating a Satisfying Story Plot
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Want to write a story readers can't put down? These plotting hints will help them enjoy a smooth ride from beginning to end. more...
Someday I'll Write That Bestseller: A Half Dozen Hints for Making Time to Write
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
For all who are serious about becoming authors, but despair of ever being able to fit writing time into their schedules. more...
When Readers Want More: A Half Dozen Hints for Creating a Series
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Many readers--and authors--can't get enough of their favorite characters. Here's how to write a successful series. more...
Ready for Print: A Half Dozen Hints for Marketing Your Short Story
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Your story may be finished, but your work isn't; you still have to convince an editor that your masterpiece is worth publishing. Here's how. more...
Do I Have to Write It Over?: A Half Dozen Hints for Editing Your Story
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Nothing's ever perfect--especially not the first draft of a story or novel. Ensure that your final draft is as perfect as possible. more...
Where Should Your Story Be?: A Half Dozen Hints for Creating Settings
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
Readers will enjoy your story more if they're clear on where and when it takes place. Here's how to establish setting in a way that adds to the reading experience. more...
The Good, the Bad, and the Unusual: A Half Dozen Hints for Creating Realistic Characters
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
A story isn't a story without characters--and the more real your characters seem, the more readers will love your story. more...
I've Got Nothing to Write About!: A Half Dozen Hints for Finding Story Ideas
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
If you want to be a writer, but have no story ideas to start with, these exercises will help you. more...
Could You Be a Writer?: A Half Dozen Hints for Deciding If You've Got What it Takes
Category: Writing Fiction (general)
If you want to write a book, these questions will help you evaluate your potential success in advance. more...
