Writer’s block? This is the ultimate cure

I assure you, I understand the frustration of writer’s block. Sometimes it hits me for long periods of time. Other times it hits quickly, but often.

You know what I’ve found that stops writer’s block in its tracks?

The pressure of a deadline.

Hands down, this is what tells writer’s block, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” and ushers in some of the most productive hours, days, or even weeks I’ve had in a good while.

Well, guess what? You now have a deadline.

You know that book you’ve been meaning to write? That story you can’t wait to bring to life? The one you know people will love, if only you could just get it done?

It’s about to happen—in the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge, starting October 1st, and pre-registering now.

Your challenge: to write 10,000 words in 10 days.

This is your chance!

Suddenly, you’re forced to write. Your goal is 1,000 words a day! That means you’ve got to come up with something—even if it’s not perfect. We’re all in the same boat, because all of our novels are works-in-progress.

You’ll meet other writers, read other people’s chapters. You’ll give feedback and receive feedback. You’ll have a chance to stand out as a top writer in our community.

The best part? The feedback you get will spark more ideas, and soon, the words will be flowing. Sayonara, writer’s block!

Once you finish the Challenge, we’re giving three awards for the most promising novels. It’s an award you can proudly display on the cover of your newly published book!

Make this October count. Make it the month you charged ahead on that book you’ve been meaning to write.

Pre-register for the Challenge now!

10,000 words in 10 days. Go!

Writers and aspiring novelists, it’s time!

The 10K Novel-Writing Challenge is back, and it starts October 1st.

And this time, I challenge you to write 10,000 words in 10 days.

This could be your first 10,000 words or your next 10,000 words. Whether your novel is a blank page or already halfway done, this is the motivation you need to get a slammin’ headstart on your book!

It’s your dream to write a novel, and this is your chance to go after that dream. Add your name to the Priority List and I’ll let you know the minute registration opens.

By the way, the Challenge is about a lot more than just writing 10,000 words. You see, ChapterBuzz is also an active community of readers and writers!

Which is why part of the Challenge is to get 10 new Fans. Why? Because just as important as actually writing your novel is connecting with the people who will read it, give you feedback, and help you write the best novel possible.

Your Fans are the people who are most excited about your project. The people who will know every time you post new chapters, so they can stop by and read. They are the people you can invite to give you feedback, so you can improve your story. And they’re also the first to know when your book is published and hits the shelves.

You’ll grow your Fan base over time, but this month, all you need is 10.

Add yourself to the Priority List here and I’ll let you know when the doors swing open!

For writers and readers alike, this is the best time of year

Whether you’re a writer or a lover of great books, this is just the right time of year to be an active member of our ChapterBuzz community, because there’s so much happening!

Writers, the deadline for the Book of the Year Competition has been extended until the end of the year—which gives you plenty of time to get the three reviews you need in order to qualify. Learn all about how to enter your book right here.

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And readers, be sure to RSVP for our Winter Book Reading Party, where all of the Book of the Year contenders will be showcased. You’ll be able to read books, Buzz chapters, and help us choose the most important award we’ve ever given: Book of the Year.

It’s bound to be an exciting competition!

In the meantime, let’s see what we have inside this month’s issue:

Award-winning author Shirley Holder Platt explains the difference between four different types of editing, some of which are indispensable, and others that fall into the “nice to have” category. “My best advice is to swallow your pride and heed your editor’s advice,” Shirley writes. “It may be hard to hear what he or she has to say, but the editor’s job is to make you shine.” Be sure to read the whole article, because when you hear about one mistake she made—that her editor thankfully caught—you’ll see why editing is so important when it comes to the smallest details.

Next, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering where your story is going, or trying to figure out what your character should do next, Kenneth Lawson, Tier III Newcomer Author at ChapterBuzz, has a good answer. Or rather, a good method—which involves thinking logically. “Sometimes the next scene presents itself easily. But most of the time,” he rightly points out, “not so much.” His advice is especially helpful for those who write by the seat of their pants and don’t bother with outlines.

To round out our issue, award-winning freelance editor and author Cindy Davis gives her four best tips for writing a fiction series. Even though writing a series comes with pros and cons (“It can be heaven, it can be hell,” she says), there are best practices that will help ensure your success. For example, some writers may be tempted to end each book with a cliffhanger, but according to Cindy, this is a big no-no. “Readers need a complete story, with the main plot tied up in one nice package,” she tells us, as she presents her list of four crucial dos and don’ts of writing a series.

Finally, on the cover this month is Barry B. Wright, retired high school math teacher–turned thriller author from Ontario, Canada. “My choice to devote my time now to writing,” Barry says, “has led me down a path of revelation that is nothing short of miraculous.” Learn how this award-winning author kept returning to writing every time it seemed like life had other plans for him, what he’d really like new writers to know, and why stories, for him, so strongly resemble math equations.

As the first leaves start drifting toward the ground, the kids head back to school, and the whole world suddenly turns pumpkin flavored, grab the first moment of peace and quiet you can find, and enjoy this month’s issue of Books & Buzz Magazine.

Happy reading,

Timothy Pike
Editor-in-chief, Books & Buzz Magazine — Subscribe now for free!

The cure for cabin fever? More books, of course

As I type this, many of us are still spending inordinate amounts of time indoors as the world continues to grapple with a pandemic affecting almost every aspect of daily life.

In my area, hair salons and barber shops have been closed since mid-March, so at this point, it’s impossible to tell, just by looking, the back of my head from the front. You’d need to hear my muffled voice—coming from under my thick cloth face mask—to know where to direct your attention.

The cure for the cabin fever so many of us are experiencing? Why, more books, of course.

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This article is from the latest issue of Books & Buzz Magazine. Not a subscriber? Start getting all of our great articles by subscribing for free!

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That’s why I’m inviting you to join us for our virtual book fair, the September Book Reading Party. From the comfort of your home, you’ll be able to read the books we’ve been working so hard to write and publish over the past year. RSVP now, and you might even discover your new favorite author this fall!

It’s all part of the Book of the Year Competition, which rages on over at ChapterBuzz, and if you’re the author of a published book, you’re invited to enter. Up for grabs is a valuable prize package that includes promotion for your book, a premium membership to ChapterBuzz, and credit toward a complete publishing package for your next book. Enter today to compete for the biggest award we’ve ever given!

Now, let’s open up this issue and see what we have, shall we?

In a poem called “Little Wolf,” author and poet Allison Marie Conway describes, in vivid language, a “brutal and beautiful” life. “I tend to think or feel that I should always be a good deal further ahead than I am,” Allison writes, “even though ‘ahead’ is an immeasurable illusion.” It’s a short poem, but one you’ll want to read over and over.

Then, award-winning novelist Jodé Millman, who is also an attorney, has plenty to teach us about publishing contracts. This month, she goes into detail about force majeure, a clause that can release a publisher from the original terms of an agreement—and as you’ll see, it’s especially relevant during a pandemic. With her ability to turn an otherwise dry topic into a fascinating read, the information Jodé shares could help you avoid costly misunderstandings.

Regular columnist Shirley Holder Platt, as the award-winning author of Mama Needs New Shoes, knows a thing or two about how to use language effectively to evoke a reader’s senses. “If what you write doesn’t excite you,” she asks, “why would it excite anyone else?” In her column this month, Shirley shares a simple 3-step method for finding the words to arouse the senses.

And on the cover is, well, the creative mind behind the cover herself: graphic designer, film producer, and Pushcart Prize–nominated author Bri Bruce. I’ve worked with Bri for many years on books and other projects, and these gorgeous magazine covers you’ve been seeing every month are made possible by her talent.

In her interview article, Bri discusses how she discovered her true calling in life, why she desperately needs a “Do Not Disturb” sign on her office door, and how she happened to get involved in documentary filmmaking on the side. “It’s hard for me to say no to any project—and it’s very rare that I do,” she tells me. Bri loves working with authors, and is available to help with the cover of your book.

There are plenty of tidbits in these virtual pages to delight your senses, so kick back in that old rocking chair with a tall glass of iced tea—spiked, if that’s your jam—and enjoy this month’s issue of Books & Buzz Magazine.

Now if I could just get the hair out of my eyes long enough to send this off…

Happy reading,

Timothy Pike
Editor-in-chief, Books & Buzz Magazine — Subscribe now for free!

Weekend reading: “Angel Maker” by Barry B. Wright

This weekend, dive into Angel Maker, Barry B. Wright‘s award-winning mystery novel-in-progress at ChapterBuzz:

The gruesome murder of a young child, Rebecca Grynberg, sets Inspector Alexander Collier on a roller-coaster ride of events that directly endangers his family. Propelled into a world of spies, espionage and what appears to be a series of unconnected murders, he learns that the lives of his son (Richard), fiancée (Elsa) and her Jewish family in Nazi Germany hang in the balance because of his investigations. Reluctantly, he joins forces with an unlikely group: a psychic medium, a one-legged British agent and a NKVD Soviet agent. Read Angel Maker now!

Chapter One: Beelzebub

The heavy grey mist that blanketed Bournemouth provided him a degree of camouflage. Ahead, there was a slight shimmer of the air. It became warped and twisted before it transformed to a soft susurration of wind. The 10:45 trolleybus passed, the last along this route, on its way to dock for the night. An angry wind swooped up from the ocean side, its salty taste igniting unwelcomed memories. The small, limp body in his sack stirred. In the pub across the street the lights went on and movement within made him hesitate. Several minutes passed before the pub once again was plunged into darkness. Hands numbed with coldness, he adjusted the oversized potato sack slung over his shoulder and continued along Fisherman’s Walk.

Ahead, the marquee above the Palladium Cinema had been turned off, closed for more than an hour. He had been among the last to leave. His prey moved again. Damn! The chloroform must be wearing off. He quickened his pace. Newspaper wrappers that once housed fish and chips, swirled about in the wind, companion to other detritus carelessly tossed aside earlier that day. A grease-stained front page from The Guardian pasted against a wall by the wind captured his attention. He smiled at its headline:

Gangs Unhampered by the Police
Synagogues Burned Down in Many Cities

Then, lifting his boot, he sent it on its way, turned into the alley beside the cinema and continued to the rear of the building. The wind howled as it raced across rooftops and between buildings.

Enjoy the rest of Angel Maker now!

Self-published authors, do you have the Book of the Year?

Self-published authors, have you written the ChapterBuzz Book of the Year?

Find out when you enter this year’s competition!

You’ve published an excellent novel, now share it with the world.

At ChapterBuzz, our members are looking for some great summer reading, so whether this is your debut novel or you’re a self-publishing veteran, this is your chance to connect with new readers and become a standout star in our community.

At the end of September, we’ll be giving out the biggest award (and the most valuable prize package) we’ve ever given for the book that gets the best reviews and most Buzz: Book of the Year.

Give your writing career a huge boost! Enter the Competition today

Calling all writers! The race is on for Book of the Year

If you’re the proud author of a published book (or are about to publish a book), you could be the proud winner of our Book of the Year award at ChapterBuzz!

This is the first time we’ve given an award this prestigious, or a prize package this valuable.

It’s a great way to get your book in front of our entire community of thousands of readers—and also get professional book reviews to further build your reputation as a novelist.

As our big winner, you’ll also enjoy free book promotion for that extra boost of publicity.

It all takes place at ChapterBuzz—our reading and writing community—where we’ve been working hard all year to prepare our novels for this moment.

Does your novel have what it takes to be Book of the Year?

Learn more & enter here…and good luck to you!

Calling all book reviewers! It’s time to crown a Reviewer of the Year

As we prepare to select a Book of the Year at the end of the summer, we’re looking for skilled book reviewers to help us determine the winner.

But as much as we’re looking forward to reading Book of the Year contenders, we’re equally excited to read outstanding reviews of those books.

So to recognize excellence in book reviewing and all the hard work that goes into it, we are also handing out an award for Reviewer of the Year!

The Reviewer of the Year will be one of the expert reviewers who offers his or her professional review services in our ChapterBuzz Service Directory.

In other words…you?

This is a great way for you to get your reviews in front of thousands of book lovers…and even win our big prize!

Think you’ve got what it takes? The first step is to learn more & enter the Competition. I can’t wait to welcome you to our community—and see you become Reviewer of the Year!