Everyone’s talking about AI these days and it seems like every startup, no matter what they do, is “powered by AI.” It’s hard not to roll my eyes at the next company pitching “world-changing AI technology.” But Dashtoon’s new AI-enabled software for creating comic books and webcomics genuinely seems incredibly useful and could change the webcomic, comic book, and graphic design industry as we know it today. What Is Dashtoon? Dashtoon Studio is a software suite that creates illustrated images for comics and webcomics instantly using some really impressive AI combined with a super easy-to-use in ..read more

Substack, a platform specializing in newsletters, has been gaining plenty of attention in recent years. More specifically, many writers call it the next big thing if you want success and fame. But what’s the reason for this popularity? Are people simply tired of the usual networks, or does Substack offer something they can’t? Yes and no. What is Substack? Substack is an online, subscription-based platform that lets you publish newsletters. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require you to maintain a tech stack (a combination of technologies used to build and maintain a website, application, or news ..read more

Think of how and when comedians deliver their punchlines. It’s always about finding the right moment to maximize laughter.  This concept of timing is called kairos—a fancy Greek term used alongside ethos, pathos, and logos. Let’s talk about this concept’s role in effective writing. What is Kairos? Kairos means the right moment or timeliness. It’s a concept that has evolved beyond rhetoric, gaining importance in different disciplines. It stems from Greek philosophy and is frequently mentioned alongside the rhetorical triangle: Ethos: An appeal to character, focusing on the writer’s trust ..read more

Before your potential readers can commit, you must first convince them your book is worth buying and reading. It’s why a well-written book blurb is crucial to your marketing. A book blurb gives your audience a sneak peek into all the goodness inside. However, it can be one of the most difficult parts to create for your work. What is a Blurb? A blurb is a short, engaging piece of text located on the back cover of your book. Its job is to convince your potential readers to become buyers. Think of it as an elevator pitch aimed at your audience.  It’s not a summary of your book’s contents or ..read more

Thousands of books get published yearly, whether indie or traditional. It’s tough to get noticed out there, and you’ll need every trick to catch your audience’s attention. This is where influencer marketing comes in. Getting someone with an established platform to check out your books is a huge boost to building your own. What is Influencer Marketing? Influencer marketing involves people who have a significant and highly engaged following on social media and other platforms. They hold a lot of power in “influencing” their audience’s perspectives, opinions, and decisions. This is because they ..read more

Façade, jalapeño, doppelgänger—you’ve probably seen these kinds of words with little symbols above, below, or through them. These symbols, called diacritical marks, dictate how a letter and, consequently, a word is used or read. What is a Diacritical Mark? A diacritical or accent mark is any mark, stroke, sign, squiggle, or point added to a letter. They indicate if a letter or syllable is stressed, a vowel is shortened or lengthened, or to distinguish similarly spelled words. Diacritical marks aren’t often used in English. It’s the only modern European language that doesn’t normally use them ..read more

Nonfiction, though factual, can often be read like fiction. This balancing act between fact and storytelling makes most nonfiction writing captivating. After all, most information can be dry. Without some narrative magic, it’s hard to compel people to read. But how do you, as a writer, keep this balance from tilting too much into one side or the other? Nonfiction Storytelling Nonfiction is grounded in actual events, people, and places, emphasizing accuracy and authenticity. Presenting those facts, however, is a challenge many nonfiction writers need help with. People have, time and again, pro ..read more

When people say they want to be a writer, they often talk about fiction writing. Admittedly, writing about fictional worlds has more freedom and appeal than our reality. Despite this, nonfiction writing is a viable career offering a platform to educate, inform, and inspire. It dives into the real world, exploring its multiple facets with a commitment to accuracy and authenticity. Successful Nonfiction Writers Below are just a few nonfiction writers who have made a successful career out of their chosen forms of nonfiction writing.  1. Jon Krauker Jon Krauker is known for his investigativ ..read more

Literature has always had stories of faraway lands, new cultures, and adventures. Thanks to modern technology, these once-distant destinations have become more accessible. This technological convenience has spurred a boom in the travel writing industry. More people than ever are exploring the world, documenting their journeys, and sharing it with a global audience. What is Travel Writing? Travel writing (also called travel literature or travelogue) focuses on the writer’s experiences, observations, and reflections while on a journey. It’s one of the oldest forms of literature, with the earlie ..read more

Your personal experiences could be a goldmine for writing a book that resonates with others. It can be a way to reflect on your life, share your unique perspective, and inform people about a certain subject, However, weaving those experiences into a book has its unique challenges. While authenticity is powerful, it doesn’t guarantee exceptional writing. Turn Your Story Into a Book Below are some tips to keep in mind when drawing from your personal experiences in writing a book.  To be clear, the tips below aren’t limited to autobiographies or memoirs. Self-help guides, health and wellnes ..read more