Subtext in Dialogue When we think of dialogue in stories, we often imagine words doing the heavy lifting. Characters talk, reveal information, express feelings, and drive the plot forward. But here’s the truth: what your characters don’t say often speaks louder than what they do. That unspoken layer, the hidden meaning beneath the words, is what we call subtext.

The Art of Thematic Cohesion: Weaving Ideas Across Your Story Stories are more than a string of events. They are more than just clever...

The Hidden Clauses in Publishing Contracts Every Author Should Know Publishing your book is thrilling—an accomplishment many dream of but few achieve. Yet, before your words reach readers, one critical step can shape your career as much as your manuscript itself: the publishing contract. These contracts are designed to protect both author and publisher, but they’re rarely written in plain, reader-friendly language. Instead, they’re packed with legal terminology and clauses th

United States Book & Literary Events How to use this guide Most festivals run annually; always check the current year’s dates on the linked pages (some events rotate dates or expand to multi-week formats). Libraries and city cultural sites often host Local Author Fairs  and summer reading kickoffs —great add-ons around the big festivals. Alabama

Upcoming Book Events in Canada in 2026 Canada’s literary scene has always been a vibrant reflection of its diverse culture, and 2026 promises to be no exception. From Québec’s world-class book fairs to Calgary and Vancouver’s lively festivals, the year ahead is brimming with opportunities for readers, writers, and publishers to connect. Whether you’re looking for intimate outdoor gatherings or international literary showcases, here’s a guide to the most exciting Canadian book

Upcoming Book Events in the UK in 2026 The United Kingdom has long been a powerhouse for literature, and 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for readers, writers, and industry professionals alike. From world-class publishing fairs to intimate community festivals, the UK’s literary calendar is brimming with opportunities to celebrate books in every form. Here’s a guide to the major upcoming book events across the country in 2026.

Upcoming Book Events in the U.S. for 2026 If you’re an author, reader, or literary enthusiast, 2026 promises to be a rich year for book festivals, conventions, and celebrations across the United States. From coast to coast, there are gatherings that highlight every corner of the literary world—fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, children’s literature, and more. Below, you’ll find a guide to some of the most exciting events already announced for 2026.

Creating a Compelling Book Blurb in Under 200 Words If you’ve ever stood in a bookstore aisle or scrolled through endless book listings...

Creating Emotional Resonance Without Overwriting Every writer dreams of moving their readers—to make them feel something deep enough that...

How to Balance Action and Reflection in Your Scenes Stories thrive on rhythm. Too much relentless action, and readers feel exhausted. Too...

How to Choose the Right Editor for Your Book You’ve written your book. You’ve poured your heart, your imagination, and countless hours...

How to Format Your Manuscript for Submission or Self-Publishing If you’ve poured your heart into writing a book, the last thing you want...

How to Get Your First Book Reviews For most authors, nothing feels more nerve-wracking than asking for reviews. You’ve poured your heart...

How to Use Reader Surveys to Improve Your Writing Writers often think of their craft as a solitary pursuit: long hours at the keyboard,...

An author bio may seem like a small part of your writing career, but in reality, it carries an outsized weight. It’s often the first...

How to Write Opening Lines That Hook Readers Writers carry a lot of responsibility in the first few sentences of a story. Those opening...

Writers hear this piece of advice so often it almost becomes background noise: show, don’t tell.  But what does it actually mean? Why...

The Basics of Building an Author Brand When you hear the word “brand,” you might think of logos, color palettes, or flashy marketing...

When writers talk about story, the focus usually lands on characters and plot. Who are the people driving the story, and what happens to...

Traditional vs Indie Publishing For writers, finishing a manuscript is only the beginning. Once the final chapter is written and...