KN Magazine: Articles
Upper Cross Syndrome: What is it? Why should you care?
Writers spend countless hours at their desks, but how is that affecting your body? This post introduces Upper Cross Syndrome—a common muscular imbalance among writers—and offers practical advice for preventing pain, boosting focus, and sustaining long-term health.
This Crazy Writing Life: Dipping Our Toes In The Amazon Part One — Beware The Piranhas!
In part one of “This Crazy Writing Life,” we dive into the complexities of advertising on Amazon, focusing on the platform's ad options, bidding strategies, and tips to boost your indie-pubbing success. Buckle up—it's a wild ride.
What is A Thriller?
In this post, we explore the defining characteristics of a thriller, particularly psychological thrillers. From creating suspense and high stakes to delving into mind games and unreliable narrators, this genre keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
What if?: A Most Important Question
Every author is asked where they get their ideas. This post explores how an idea transforms into a full story, starting with the crucial question: What if? It’s the foundation of every gripping narrative.
Between Pen and Paper: Flaneuring Through a Writer’s Mind – Finding Inspiration
Inspiration is a mysterious force that drives writers. In this column, we explore how to find inspiration in everyday life, personal experiences, and nature, and how these moments fuel our creativity and storytelling.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a rapidly growing format and can significantly expand your audience and sales. This post explores why authors should consider audiobooks, how to produce them, and how to effectively distribute them through platforms like ACX.
Writing Fiction, or Non-fiction, Research is Key
Research is essential for both fiction and non-fiction writing. In this post, I share how research shaped my historical fiction, including uncovering surprising facts about Thomas Edison, Josephine Baker, and the antisemitism of Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh. The value of thorough research extends to non-fiction too, as I reflect on the extensive research behind my true crime book American Ripper.
This Crazy Writing Life: Okay, Let’s Talk About The 800-Pound Gorilla: Marketing
A bold statement: I'd rather write five novels than market one. Here's a dive into the necessary evil of book marketing for indie authors and the principles to guide your marketing journey.
Crafting Killer Back Cover Copy
Back cover copy can make or break a book's chance of being bought. Learn how to craft compelling back cover copy that hooks readers and drives sales with these simple steps, using GMC—goal, motivation, and conflict.
Partners in Crime (Writing)
Writing with a partner can be a rewarding experience, but it requires mutual respect, shared work ethic, and a sense of humor. Learn how collaboration in writing can take your projects to new heights, even with differing styles.
Ten Medical and Forensic Mistakes Writers Should Never Make
Writers often make medical and forensic mistakes that can undermine the credibility of their stories. From the "quick death" to the "instant athlete," this guide outlines common errors in crime writing and how to avoid them.
The Importance of Honest Feedback
Writing can be lonely, but getting honest feedback is essential to improving your craft. From critique groups to beta readers to professional editing, learn how each stage of input strengthens your manuscript and helps you grow as a writer.
Motivation and Thrilling Places
Sometimes it takes more than discipline to write—it takes inspiration. From the elegance of NYC’s Rose Reading Room to the historic charm of Georgetown, this post explores how thrilling places can reignite your passion for writing and transport you into your creative zone.
Using a 500-Word Diet to Complete Your First Draft
Struggling to finish your first draft? Try the 500-Word Diet—a daily writing habit that’s realistic, flexible, and surprisingly effective. Learn how to treat your writing like self-care and finally reach the end of that manuscript.
This Crazy Writing Life: On Defining a Book By Its Cover—Part Two
A stunning book cover can make or break a reader’s first impression—but what happens when the packaging far outshines the prose? In this latest installment of This Crazy Writing Life, we dig into types of book covers, production logistics, and the cautionary tale of a beautifully dressed train wreck of a novel.
Men Writing Women
When men write women, things can get… weird. In this post, female authors break down the most common pitfalls, offer honest advice, and share how to create complex, human characters—not clichés in lipstick. Because breasts are not personality traits.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are booming—and if your book isn’t in audio, you’re missing out on sales, discoverability, and long-term income. Learn the why, how, and best practices for getting your book into audio and turning your backlist into an income stream.
If They'd Mentioned This in The Beginning…
A candid look back at two cops-turned-authors sharing coffee, early dreams, and the long road from writing craft to traditional publishing—complete with hard lessons, heartfelt reflections, and a touch of gallows humor.
This Crazy Writing Life: On Defining a Book By Its Cover
Book covers aren’t just decoration—they’re essential marketing tools. In this installment of This Crazy Writing Life, we explore how covers impact book sales, indie publishing strategies, genre expectations, and why you might want to leave the design to a pro.
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