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  1. Novel Writing Courses and "Novel Writing on Edge" Work and Study Forums

    1. Novel Writing on Edge - Necessary Nuance, Strong Bewares, and Actual Results

      Novel Writing on Edge Platitudes, entitled amateurism, popular delusions, and erroneous information are all conspicuously absent from this collection of detailed novel writing guides and maxims. From concept to query, the goal is to provide you, the aspiring novel author, with the skills and knowledge it takes to realistically compete in the commercial book market of the 21st century. 


      Novel Writing on Edge Labors, Sins, and Six Acts - The NWOE Novel Writing Guide
      Novel Writing on Edge Dialogue - Never a Gratuitous Word or Boring Moment
      Novel Writing Mother Forum Is the Antagonist Truly the Most Important Character?

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      posts

    2. Art and Life in Novel Writing

      Novel Writing ProgramWriter takeaways on craft learned from the best books on plot and technique utilized in the commercial novel writing program including "The Art of Fiction" by John Gardner, "Writing the Breakout Novel" by Donald Maass, "Write Away" by Elizabeth George, and "The Writing Life" by Annie Dillard.

      NOTE: the links below are selections from our AAC forum, Kara's Cabinet of Themes and Curiosities.

      Writing Goals Writing and the Disquiet of Self Doubt
      Knowing Your Genre You Don't Understand Genre?
      Publication Are You Ready to Get Published Part I
      Publication Interview With Blake "Save the Cat" Snyder
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      posts

    3. Bad Novel Writing Advice - "Novel Writing On Edge"

      YT Vids The best "bad novel writing advice" articles culled from Novel Writing on Edge. The point isn't to axe grind, it's to warn writers of all the terrible advice floating around the novel writing universe. From conferences to writer groups, the acid rain never stops falling. By posting these articles, we dearly hope we can save a few misdirected souls. Michael Neff, director of Algonkian Writer Conferences is the primary author, with an assist from Chris Stewart. Beware brutal reviewers!

      att.jpg Top Worst "Worst Writer Advice"
      att.jpg Are Writer Groups a Really Bad Idea?
      att.jpg Should Workshop Leaders Give Poor Writers False Hope?

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    4. Novel Writing Program - Modules And Consults

      Novel Writing CoursesNewly updated narrative, developmental, and editorial courses that compose the Algonkian Novel Writing Program. Crucial elements analyzed and applied include high-concept premise, counter-trait characters, Six Act Two-Goal Novel, hooks and core wounds, scene selection, set cinema, and more. All genres. Registration here. Program concludes with faculty video-consults to address final edits and query letter. Free to Algonkian alums.

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  2. New York Pitch, Algonkian, and Shooting Galleries

    1. New York Pitch and Algonkian Events

      New York PitchFor NY Pitch and Algonkian Event attendees posting assignments related to their novel or nonfiction. Assignments include conflict levels, antagonist and protagonist sketches, plot lines, setting, and story premise. Publishers and agents use this forum to obtain information before and after the conference event, therefore, writers should focus on responses and edit as necessary. Included are NY conference reviews, narrative critique sub-forums, and a Development Sitemap.

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      posts

    2. New Worlds, New Voices - SFF Shooting Gallery

      New Worlds, New Voices NWNV "Shooting Gallery" provides writers with the chance to test market their best SFF novels and hopefully score a contract. Agents and TV/Film reps will check in and review work during 2021. AAC will edit beforehand as needed. For Algonkian alums only.

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      posts

    3. The Real World Genres - MS Shooting Gallery

      Real World Genres "Real World Genres Shooting Gallery" provides writers with opportunities to test market their best novels and hopefully score a contract. Agents and TV/Film reps will check in and review work during 2021. AAC will edit beforehand as needed. For Algonkian alums only.

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      posts

    4. Algonkian Writer Conferences - Events, FAQ, Contracts, and More.

      Algonkian Writer Conferences Algonkian events nurture intimate, carefully managed environments conducive to practicing the skills and learning the knowledge necessary to approach the development and writing of a competitive commercial or literary novel. We believe you were not born to be a good or great author, but that you stand on the shoulders of great authors gone before and only by hard work will you succeed. Below are links to subject topics concerning Algonkian. Feel free to contact us with any questions or observations.

      Algonkian Algonkian Home Page
      Algonkian About Algonkian Writer Conferences
      Algonkian Upcoming Events and Programs
      Algonkian Contracts, Careers, and Comments
      Algonkian       Frequently Asked Questions
      Algonkian Novel Development and Writing Forums

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  3. AAC Desert Buffet and Bad Novel Writing Advice

    1. Kara's Cabinet of Themes and Curiosities

      Kara's CabinetBest of AAC. A collection of ravels and unravels, combed feed, and worthwhile nuggets plucked from many sources here at AAC. Kara carefully selects only the best and presents them in an array certain to illuminate and entertain. Kara, where are you? Come back!


      att.jpg Ready to Get Published? Part I
      att.jpg Ready to Get Published? Part II

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    2. Novel Writing Advice Videos - Who Has it Right?

      YT Vids A forum for posting and commenting on the many (and often ridiculous) novel writing advice videos found on Youtube. Feel free to let it rip, but be respectful. Nothing derogatory concerning the speakers. The mission here is to expose and question bad novel writing advice that does not bear up under scrutiny. Members of the Algonkian Critics Film Board (ACFB) include Kara Bosshardt, Richard Hacker, Joseph Hall, Elise Kipness, Michael Neff, and Audrey Woods.

      att.jpg Stephen King's War on Plot
      att.jpg Writing a Hot Sex Scene
      att.jpg The "Secret" to Writing Award Winning Novels?

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    3. Audrey's Corner - Unique Reviews for Up and Coming Authors

      Audrey's CornerBook reviews taken to the next level for the benefit of aspiring authors. This includes a unique novel-development analysis of contemporary novels by Algonkian Editor Audrey Woods. If you're in the early or middle stages of novel writing, you'll get a lot from this. We cannot thank her enough and look forward to her future thoughts and manifestations.

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    4. Algonkian Brand Coffee - Shameless Promotion

      Algonkian Coffee Marketing our Algonkian Writer Conferences coffee brand. Goes perfect with Author Connect, and in so many ways. Crafted for writers by writers. A smooth, full-bodied blend of Sumatran velvet and Nicaraguan dark. Guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing. Seriously. It's damn good coffee, and if you don't like it we'll refund via Paypal. No joke.

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  4. House of Blogs

    1. Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!

      Crime Reads CrimeReads is a culture website for people who believe suspense is the essence of storytelling, questions are as important as answers, and nothing beats the thrill of a good book. It's a single, trusted source where readers can find the best from the world of crime, mystery, and thrillers. No joke, 

      370
      posts

    2. Writer Unboxed - The "Connect Kitty" Approves

      Bibliofile Cat AAC can't help but deliver the best bloggish content that will inspire writers to new leaps of imagination. This one is mostly new releases, bestsellers, literary fiction historical fiction, mysteries, popular non-fiction, memoirs and biographies.

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      posts

    3. The Fantasy Hive - A U.K. Wonderland

      SFF A hub for all things fantasy (plus some SF). Book reviews, games, author interviews, features, serial fiction- you name it. The Fantasy Hive is a collaborative site formed of unique personalities who just want to celebrate fantasy. Btw, the SFF novel to the left by one of our members, Warwick Gleeson, was a "Top 150 Best Books" Kirkus pick in 2019.

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    4. Women on Writing - WOW and WOW!

      Writer's Edge Women On Writing is an online magazine and community for women writers. Among major topics are novel writing, indie publishing, author platform, blogging, screenwriting, and more. Lots of contests and general jocularity sans frittering on the part of Earth's most powerful humans.

      117
      posts

    5. Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

      Smart Bitches Bringing you the famous and cheeky SBTB blog for romance enthusiasts. If you're into the romance genre, this is where you want to be. If you're not, avoid at all costs to preserve your sanity. Ha ha. We're just kidding. There are some good things happening in the genre. Stay Golden, Horny Girl!

      319
      posts

    6. The Paris Review - A Literary Wonderland

      Paris Review From one of the most classic literary journals of all time, famous for its author interviews (among other things), comes the PR feed. Grab your coffee and conjure your most literary mindset cause you're going to need it. Academics and shut-ins will wet their pants over this. Ya gotta love it!

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Stephen King's War on Plot





An Algonkian Success Story








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    3. 7

      New York Pre-Event Assignments - June 2021

      FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Story Statement. In the late iron-age, Norse settler Erik Fenris and his son Einar must overcome trials of love, loss, war and their Viking destiny, to locate and reunite three hidden shards of an ancient, magical talisman, to break the curse of a power-hungry witch, and free their enslaved kinsmen from her burgeoning wolf-skin warrior army. SECOND ASSIGNMENT: in 200 words or less, sketch the antagonist or antagonistic force in your story. Skara, the Volva (witch): Skara is the physical counterpart, “dark sister” to the elemental, spiritual manifes
      Christopher Lucas in New York Pitch and Algonkian Events
    4. 0

      Climbing Desolation Peak

      Alison Bechdel’s new graphic memoir, The Secret to Superhuman Strength, follows the artist through a lifetime of fitness and exercise. These memories and musings are interspersed with transcendentalists, Romantics, Eastern philosophers, and other literary figures who shed light on our obsession with transformation and transcendence. In the excerpt below, Bechdel follows in Jack Kerouac’s footsteps up the Matterhorn, only to find the hike to be far more difficult than expected, and with surprising lessons in store. Alison Bechdel’s cult following for her comic strip Dykes
      MichaelNeff in The Paris Review - A Literary Wonderland
    5. 0

      Contemporary Romance Series Starters!

      I’m gathering up the Books on Sale this week, so if you’ve spotted some good discounts, let us know in the comments! The Best Man Plan The Best Man Plan by Jaci Burton is $1.99! This is book one of the Boots & Bouquets series, and is a one night stand/friends to lovers contemporary romance (sniff, sniff…is that catnip?). Book two, The Engagement Arrangement, comes out on June 29, so if you like this one, the next one wi
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
    6. 0

      TEN LOW by Stark Holborn

      The eponymous protagonist of Stark Holborn’s far future set sci-fi novel is an ex-convict with a past she is trying to make amends for, but chance has dealt her a harsh hand and continues to torment her with half glimpsed possibilities along a path to redemption. The world, or rather universe, of Holborn’s imagination sprawls across several systems, planets and moons, with a civilisation recovering from a civil war with the rebel “Free Limits” brutally supressed by the governing “Accord.” However, the novel’s action focuses on the desolate moon Factus. For all the emphatic nature of their vict
      EditorAdmin in The Fantasy Hive - A U.K. Wonderland
    7. 0

      Incorporating Social Issues Into Your Manuscript

      “One writes out of one thing only—one’s own experience. Everything depends on how relentlessly one forces from this experience the last drop, sweet or bitter, it can possibly give. This is the only real concern of the artist, to recreate out of the disorder of life that order which is art.” James Baldwin – Notes of a Native Son Over the ages, any revolutionary movement has an element of art tied to it, whether it be paintings, sculptures, writings or music. These mediums are weapons in the fight that shed no blood and take no prisoners, yet they inspire, enrage, motivate, and encourage. A
      EditorAdmin in Writer Unboxed - The "Connect Kitty" Approves
    8. 0

      A Field Guide to the Long History of Skyjackings

      For those of us obsessed with them, stories about skyjackings offer retro fascination, criminal ingenuity and daring, and, in some cases, wackiness. Skyjackings have been around as long as aviation itself, and continue to this day. But they are most associated with their peak in the 60s-70s, when air travel evoked a sense of glamour (well-coiffed stewardess and Dungeness crab served on china). In this so-called “Golden Age” of skyjackings, global political turmoil produced many cults, revolutionary groups, and malcontents. These are colorful characters, who saw skyjackings as financial or poli
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
    9. 0

      New Books Coming Out This Week

      Another week, another batch of books for your TBR pile. Happy reading, folks. * Stacey Abrams, While Justice Sleeps (Doubleday) “While Justice Sleeps is a mesmerizing legal thriller that does the rare thing: It uses the novel to get at the truth. Stacey Abrams is a powerful new voice in fiction.” –Michael Connelly Lara Bazelon, A Good Mother (Hanover Square) “A Good Mother is a high-stakes legal thriller packed with intense courtroom drama, but it’s also a story about the complicated sacrifices and compromises that mothers face. In this impressive debut, Lara Bazelon’s talent for
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
    10. 0

      In Psychological Thrillers, It’s All About the ‘Wife’

      Ah, the thrilling wives. Sometimes they’re the first, sometimes next, and sometimes they’re last. Often, they know too much. They are charming, hunting, haunted and lovely. Sometimes, they’re found in the twilight, or upstairs. These are the wives of domestic suspense, and no matter who their spouses are, these captivating women are the stars of the show. If you’re looking for your next thrilling read, look no further than The Real Wives of Domestic Suspense. Consider these popular episodes: My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing Samantha Downing knocked it out of the park with this particular
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
    11. 0

      On Finding The Perfect Audiobook Narrator (Second Time’s The Charm)

      Some years ago I was invited to a fancy literary dinner where I was seated between Erica Jong and a senior editor of a mega publishing company. Having just exhausted with Erica the infamous topic of the “zipless f—k,” I turned to the editor and asked, “What do you look for in a manuscript that crosses your desk?” Frankly, I thought he’d give me a yawn and turn back to whomever he had been talking to. But he replied seriously, “I want to be intrigued by the first sentence and gripped by the time I reach the third paragraph. Thereafter, I want it to sing.” No doubt I’d overly participated in t
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
    12. 0

      Zinger in The Woods Blog Tour and Giveaway

      Olive is searching for her missing dog Ginger, but the dog has fallen into a hole and is trapped. Along comes Zen, a homeless dog who helps free Ginger. Together, they make their way back to Olive. This book is perfect for teaching young readers how to trust, make new friends, get out in nature, explore and investigate the world around them and learn about the best doctors, sunshine, diet, fresh air, fresh water, a goodnight's rest, and exercise. Print Length: 24 Pages Genre: Children's ISBN-13: 979-8616441805 Publisher: Independent Zinger in The Woods is available to purchase at Amazon.co
      AgentModX in Women on Writing - WOW and WOW!
    13. 0

      From Little Tokyo, With Love by Sarah Kuhn

      B+ From Little Tokyo, With Love by Sarah Kuhn May 11, 2021 · Viking Books for Young Readers RomanceYoung Adult From Little Tokyo, With Love is a modern day, urban, feminist Cinderella meets nure-onna. It is a YA featuring a biracial girl with a ‘kaiju temper’ who prefers monsters to princesses and I am totally here for it. Riki is the daughter of a Japanese-American woman who died in childbirth. Her father, who abandoned Riki’s mother w
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
    14. 0

      Cover Snark: Hair Speedos

      You all look like you need some Cover Snark! http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-51.png From Peggy. Thanks, Peggy! Sarah: I keep reading the title as “Walk Away.” Yes. Walk away. Slowly. Get outta there. Tara: via GIPHY Amanda: No thank you. Carrie: Aww finally Cousin Itt gets his own story! Shana: That’s gonna give me nightmares Carrie: A Man and his Merkin: A Un-hygenic Love Story. Sneezy: Huh. Been a while since that cut of bikini bottoms were in. This one looks itchy. Unless all of that’s his pubic hair. Catherine: That was my first thought
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
    15. 7

      New York Pre-Event Assignments - June 2021

      Story Statement Rescue his parents from Earthlings and stop them from destroying his home planet. Antagonist Commander Natalie Jordan is the leader of the Earthling army on the planet Toren. She bears a scar under her right eye and wears a metal mask over her mouth and nose, which creates the most awful, raspy sound when she breathes. She likes the way people cringe and shy away from her when she draws near. Her goal: do whatever necessary to save Earth from certain destruction, and make her brother—the emperor of Earth—proud. He’s the one who gave her that scar when
      Travis Johnston in New York Pitch and Algonkian Events
    16. 7

      New York Pre-Event Assignments - June 2021

      1. Story Statement A young drug addict in Kansas fights his addiction, only to move to Texas and struggle with mental illness and sobriety. 2. Antagonist Heroin. Cocaine. Methamphetamine. Benzodiazepines. Addiction. Sobriety. All threaten to take the life of the protagonist, who is the biggest threat of all to himself. 3. Title Drug Seeking Behavior: One Addict’s Broken Memories of the Opioid Crisis in the Midwest Fiend Altered Mental Status: Drug Dealers, Madness, and The Endless Plains of Kansas 4. Genre/Comparable Titles Genre: Memoir The Recove
      Adam Fout in New York Pitch and Algonkian Events
    17. 0

      Four Historicals on Sale!

      My Kind of Earl My Kind of Earl by Vivienne Lorret is $1.99! This is book two in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. Elyse mentioned this in a previous Hide Your Wallet because she was very intrigued by the idea of the heroine starting a fight in a brothel. USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret continues her charming new trilogy with a bluestocking whose search for information on the mating habits of scoundrels has her stumbling upon the missing heir to an earldom… in the London
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
    18. 1

      Kickass Women in History: Anne Brigman

      I just wrote a novel about another kick-ass Anne: Anne Bonny. A pirate who dressed as a man (women were bad luck on ships) and who was sentenced to be hanged but reprieved because she was pregnant. She drops out of history at that point so I created one for her. It's called Sailing Against The Tide. She is kick ass as a non-pirate too.
      CarolBusby in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

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