Articles written by Marg McAlister

Memory is unreliable, and memoir writers can run into trouble trying to recall conversations from the past. How can they accurately reproduce what was said?

Mar 1, 2010 - Marg McAlister

It's time to turn that vague idea of 'writing a family history someday' into an official project. Set a starting date and a deadline for publication, and watch it grow.

Feb 23, 2010 - Marg McAlister

The opening page is vitally important in any story: fiction or non-fiction. Take whatever time is necessary to write an effective introduction for a memoir.

Feb 11, 2010 - Marg McAlister

People set about writing a memoir for many different reasons - and one of those reasons can be to help them work through a difficult period in their lives.

Jan 30, 2010 - Marg McAlister

What's the best way to approach an interview for a memoir? It's important to put the interviewee at ease, and to ask the kind of questions that will prompt good stories.

Jan 21, 2010 - Marg McAlister

Often, it seems like a great idea to write a memoir - right up until it's time to get started. Then the whole task can appear daunting. However, these ideas will help.

Jan 13, 2010 - Marg McAlister

If writing a memoir has been on the to-do list for far too long, now is the time to make it happen. Plan ahead then tackle this writing project in logical steps.

Dec 21, 2009 - Marg McAlister

New Year resolutions for writers can be short-lived. It's much more useful to have a workable plan that can kick-start a writing project at any time of the year.

Dec 14, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Building a cast of characters for a book without a computer, without a pen, and without even opening your eyes? It sounds too good to be true - but it actually works!

Dec 14, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Virginia Lowe, founder of "Create a Kids' Book", explains the advantages of doing a short course in writing for children, and gives tips on how to write for kids.

Dec 12, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Writers can jinx their chances of publication simply by being too wordy. Just what does 'wordiness' mean, and how can it be fixed? Mostly, it's simply too many words.

Dec 9, 2009 - Marg McAlister

What are the secrets to writing humorous fiction successfully? (What if the writer is the only one who thinks it's funny?) There are "Comedy Guidelines" that will help.

Dec 9, 2009 - Marg McAlister

When writing a memoir, it is important to know how to use anecdotes effectively: lead into these mini-stories smoothly and show the action vividly.

Dec 8, 2009 - Marg McAlister

In an effort to write a book with a believable background, authors sometimes need to interview an expert. It is important to use the right questioning technique.

Nov 30, 2009 - Marg McAlister

It's not easy to get a children's book published, even for authors with talent - so it's not surprising that frustrated authors are tempted by the self-publishing option.

Nov 29, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Networking is the one thing (besides talent) that can put a writer's career into high gear. Both book contracts and freelance writing jobs can increase dramatically.

Nov 28, 2009 - Marg McAlister

After writing and publishing a family history, why not celebrate with a book launch? These family reunion themes and ideas can be adapted for a gathering of any size.

Nov 26, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Instead of writing an autobiography about anorexia, this author chose fiction. That has led to a series of books focused on eating disorder help for many sufferers.

Nov 25, 2009 - Marg McAlister

A dramatic life story can be written as a memoir, or it can be turned into fiction. The author of "Fighting for Life" tells why she opted to use fiction.

Nov 24, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Is it possible to write a book and meet a deadline while stuffing a turkey and shopping for twenty people? Of course - even without a degree in time management!

Nov 23, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Easy-to-find on line gift certificates are popular at Christmas, and some of the best-loved are experience gift vouchers. Give friends an experience they'll remember!

Nov 22, 2009 - Marg McAlister

How easy is it to find poetry publishers? To some disillusioned poets, it seems almost impossible. These tips will help smooth the way to poetry publishing for writers.

Nov 18, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Ask most writers what they'd like for Christmas and they'll joke: "More time!" Here are creative (and free) ways to give this precious gift.

Nov 18, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Why is it that celebrities are courted by children's book publishers, while others with more talent fail? Is natural talent essential, or can writing be taught?

Nov 17, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Benefit from the experience of children's author Vashti Farrer: timely advice for writers who want to submit historical fiction to children's book publishers.

Nov 17, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Everyone knows what it feels like to race against the clock: the rush of adrenaline; the fear of not making the deadline. So... add this to a book's plot to hook readers!

Nov 16, 2009 - Marg McAlister

High-profile writers like Sarah Palin can discover that their vision of a book is not the same as that of the media. What can authors learn from "Going Rogue"?

Nov 15, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Success in publishing a children's book depends upon convincing publishers that it is a good story. Writing a book is easier for those who have a solid plot outline.

Nov 14, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Create a popular keepsake gift for all family members - design it once then print multiple copies. Use digital scrapbooking layouts or make your own photo album.

Nov 12, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Writers who want to set up a genuine work from home business will achieve better results by following a step-by-step plan: carefully researching different income streams.

Nov 11, 2009 - Marg McAlister

For many writers, the dream is to be able to work from home doing what they love - in other words, to make money writing. What are the chances of succeeding?

Nov 11, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Writers often spend a lot of money on software - yet some of the best programs are free. Take the time to burn these to a disk and give them to a friend for Christmas.

Nov 10, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Books are always 'safe' gifts - but why not go further? Here are some gift ideas that will thrill writers so much they'll name their main character after the giver!

Nov 10, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Whether it's for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, everyone hopes to find a well-cared-for and friendly tourist park. These two caravan parks both fit the bill

Nov 9, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Can writers plot a story based on their own children? The answer is 'yes', but authors need to choose just the right details for a credible character.

Nov 9, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Once they understand how to raise the stakes in a novel, authors will please both readers and editors - and be much more likely to get a contract from a publisher.

Nov 8, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Whether they're sitting outside an RV or fishing by a stream, people who love the outdoors are always happy to find just the right camping chair to ensure their comfort.

Nov 7, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Good writing skills are essential for children to handle all aspects of a home school curriculum. Creative writing exercises help kids hone skills while having fun.

Nov 4, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Energy-saving thermal cookers such as those made by Shuttle Chef, Tiger, Dream Pot and Zojirushi are popular with RVers because of their versatility and ease of use.

Nov 3, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Businesses recovering from an economic slump are more likely to employ applicants with training in business analysis; staff who can make informed business decisions.

Oct 31, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Writers invest considerable time and money in writing seminars, writers retreats and workshops, so it makes sense to research them carefully and choose wisely.

Oct 30, 2009 - Marg McAlister

The editor-in-residence at Don Maass's Writing the Breakout Novel workshops identifies the main problems encountered by authors at a prestigious writer's retreat.

Oct 29, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Writing a children's picture book can be a challenge for writers, but storyboards and book dummies can help authors to create a book that kids (and editors) will love.

Oct 27, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Writers can achieve a lot in November's NaNoWriMo - but what about the rest of the year? There are other word meters and challenges for fiction and non-fiction writers.

Oct 23, 2009 - Marg McAlister

It's just about possible to fill the daily Novel Writing Month quota and survive... but not when characters refuse to cooperate. Luckily, WriMos can cheat - legally.

Oct 21, 2009 - Marg McAlister

The range of ages and topics on offer tempts many writers to try writing a children's book. Savvy writers will research the children's writing field before starting.

Oct 21, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Smart "WriMos" have a plot outline ready to go on November 1st - but what if the planned story doesn't work out? Some speedy tweaking is in order: here's how to do it.

Oct 19, 2009 - Marg McAlister

What makes a good character name? It helps to know not only what readers like, but what to avoid. There are a few tricks that will make naming characters an easier task.

Oct 19, 2009 - Marg McAlister

An online writing course might seem like a practical way to gain necessary expertise, but if a writer doesn't manage time properly, it can be money wasted.

Oct 17, 2009 - Marg McAlister

Whether it's a creative writing course or a business writing class, online writing courses are convenient and flexible - but it's important to make an informed choice.

Oct 17, 2009 - Marg McAlister