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Book Writing & Publishing Tips from a Creativity Alchemist
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How to sell illustrated books, novels and comics at conventions and events

How to sell illustrated books, novels and comics at conventions and events

Since the show season is wrapping up, I thought I would avail you of my convention strategy, going all the way back to when I started doing shows, as you plan for 2023 and beyond.  If you wanna get to the next level as a creator quickly (aside from making better comics) then here’s the The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a...

18 days ago Russell Nohelty conventions 50
Genius is a lifestyle, not a hobby (Einstein as seen by National Geographic)

Genius is a lifestyle, not a hobby (Einstein as seen by National Geographic)

I’m watching “Genius” on the National Geographic channel; a dramatic representation of the life of Einstein. It’s fun. Einstein is portrayed as the kind of crazy, self-destructive genius we love to watch. He fights with teachers. He’s careless with women; both charming and confident but casually distant about...

January 8, 2022 Derek Murphy 69
Are you building or jumping? (What’s your tower – how to be resilient)

Are you building or jumping? (What’s your tower – how to be resilient)

I started this post years ago as a series of rough notes, and I’m attempting today to make it make sense, because I think the topic is crucial, even if I can’t explain it as clearly as I’d like. It started from a presentation on discontent given by Chris Guillebeau. If only X, I’ll be The 3 secrets to book marketing...

January 8, 2022 Derek Murphy 64
How to hire the best story writer for your NFT/crypto game

How to hire the best story writer for your NFT/crypto game

A few years ago I was in Bali when I got pitched a full-time, $200K/year job in New York managing a creative team to turn a book into a video game. The author had won seed funding and had money to burn, but no idea how to make it work in reality; and he knew The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted castle tour. Totally free. Get it...

December 27, 2021 Derek Murphy crypto, NFT, writing tips 511
When and how to include backstory (without boring readers)

When and how to include backstory (without boring readers)

I feel like I’ve discussed this ad nauseum, but it was probably tucked into some broader concepts and it’s a HUGE issue. So I wanted to share a very relevant, crucial bit of advice that might make everything easier. What’s backstory? Backstory is usually the deeper, poignant scenes that reveal character motivations. A lot of...

December 14, 2021 Derek Murphy self-publishing, writing, writing tips 194
Is an MFA in creative writing worth it? The truth about online writing certificates

Is an MFA in creative writing worth it? The truth about online writing certificates

Someone asked me this question recently on YouTube: Where do authors go to learn more about story craft? How do we know when we’ve found a reputable teacher? Is it a college degree in English and literature? What is the best way to learn how to piece together a readable story? I’ve gotten similar questions The 3 secrets to book...

December 9, 2021 Derek Murphy writing tips 372
Plottr review and novel plotting template (download)

Plottr review and novel plotting template (download)

I’ve been hearing more chatter about Plottr, the book-timeline software that helps you map out your novel’s key scenes. A while back someone created a pretty cool template based on my chapter plotting outline, and I’ve been talking with Plottr’s founder to add my template within their tool so everyone can access it. That...

December 8, 2021 Derek Murphy writing tips 1046
How to write a nonfiction book (free chapter outlining templates!)

How to write a nonfiction book (free chapter outlining templates!)

When I wrote my huge guide to book writing (Book Craft) I cut out all the nonfiction tips and strategies last minute; I’d already explored a bunch of material in my writing courses but wasn’t quite ready to share the nonfiction resources. Mainly, because, while I’m proud of the detailed 24 chapter novel outlining templates...

March 27, 2021 Derek Murphy nonfiction, writing tips 2299
4 Books With Great Plot Twists and Things You Can Learn From Their Authors

4 Books With Great Plot Twists and Things You Can Learn From Their Authors

Twists make readers react. Sometimes, a great plot twist makes your jaw hit the floor, or make you want to turn back to page one and start the book all over again, this time with a whole new perspective. Learning how to write twists will help you entertain your readers and sell your stories, especially The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a...

November 21, 2020 Derek Murphy writing, writing tips 147
The perfect 5-step plan to write your memoir (a 10-chapter cheatsheet!)

The perfect 5-step plan to write your memoir (a 10-chapter cheatsheet!)

This is an advanced excerpt from Anna David’s new release “Make Your Mess Your Memoir.” If you’re ready to take your own experience and make it into a memoir that can help other people… There are just a few things for you to figure out first. #1 Determine Your Message Determining your message is, as far The...

August 17, 2020 Derek Murphy writing tips 523
Best Fantasy Fonts for Book Cover Design

Best Fantasy Fonts for Book Cover Design

A few years ago I made this epic list of 300+ fonts to use for every genre. But the truth is, I rarely use those anymore, and some are even cringeworthy. So recently I spent a lot of time going through my collection and choosing NEW fantasy fonts I love. Keep in mind: most of The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted castle tour...

June 29, 2020 Derek Murphy cover design, self-publishing 2850
Free novel outlining template for Google docs

Free novel outlining template for Google docs

Need a free plotting template to help outline your novel? Want to write your book using Google docs? I’ve just created a detailed document you can copy to your own account and use to map out your book – click the link below to download now. Click here to download the google docs novel writing The 3 secrets to book marketing, and...

June 14, 2020 Derek Murphy how to write a book, novel template, novel writing outline 9110
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Welcome
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Book Writing & Publishing Tips from a Creativity Alchemist
Writing & Publishing Tips from a Creativity Alchemist
Recent Posts
How to get a writing internship (that turns into a freelance writing job)
How to get a writing internship (that turns into a freelance writing job)
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The Wife (a review of a movie about writing)
The Wife (a review of a movie about writing)
11 days ago20
Making a living as an author (bestselling genres)
Making a living as an author (bestselling genres)
11 days ago84
A free, 12-week email newsletter template for authors (copy+paste conversion)
A free, 12-week email newsletter template for authors (copy+paste conversion)
11 days ago289
Are all creative people midnight owls? (dealing with insomnia as an artist or writer)
Are all creative people midnight owls? (dealing with insomnia as an artist or writer)
17 days ago38

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Free fiction writing template to help you outline your novel (Word, Scrivener, G-Docs, Plottr)
Free fiction writing template to help you outline your novel (Word, Scrivener, G-Docs, Plottr)
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Free novel outlining template for Google docs
Free novel outlining template for Google docs
9110
The 8 brilliant fonts you NEED to use in your book layout (with type combos & samples)
The 8 brilliant fonts you NEED to use in your book layout (with type combos & samples)
6419
300+ Fool-Proof Fonts to use for your Book Cover Design (an epic list of best fonts per genre)
300+ Fool-Proof Fonts to use for your Book Cover Design (an epic list of best fonts per genre)
5115
How to make a full print book cover in Microsoft Word for KDP, Lulu or IngramSpark
How to make a full print book cover in Microsoft Word for KDP, Lulu or IngramSpark
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The horrible hidden truth behind the Secret Life of Walter Mitty that’s keeping you from your dreams.
The horrible hidden truth behind the Secret Life of Walter Mitty that's keeping you from your dreams.
4548
How much does the average author earn publishing their book?
How much does the average author earn publishing their book?
4472
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