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Does A Comma Go Before Or After But?

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

If this post’s title brought back memories of heated arguments over the Oxford comma, no worries. This is a comma-friendly space.

Commas make whatever you write easier to read by inserting pauses and setting things apart.

They help make each sentence sound in the reader’s head the way it sounds in yours.

But one question keeps popping up: “Does the comma go before or after but?”

You wouldn’t think “but comma rules” would be a thing, but one rule doesn’t fit all the possible situations involving commas and conjunctions.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to sort it all out.

What Is A Prologue And How Do You Write One?

September 21, 2020September 18, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

Think of your favorite TV series — specifically an episode that began with a heart-pumping scene that led to a cliffhanger. And suddenly, you see a caption with something like “72 Hours Earlier.”

That’s a type of prologue. In books, it draws the reader right into the story, immediately making them wonder what on earth led to the crisis — and how it will end.

Does a book need a prologue? No. But depending on your story, it might draw your readers in more quickly.

But what exactly is a prologue? And should your story have one?

15 Compelling Character Archetypes To Consider For Your Book

September 18, 2020September 17, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

As a writer, you want your characters (especially your protagonist) to resonate with your readers. They should be larger than life but still believable. And over centuries of storytelling, archetypal characters have played a larger role than others.

The Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Gustav Jung, having studied ancestral roots and the collective unconscious, defined 12 original archetypes. More on that in a bit.

You’ll see the value of his research as you look through the character archetypes list below. And you’ll see how the skillful use of archetypes is essential to creating unforgettable characters.

The Best List Of 101 Hobbies For Your Book Characters

September 18, 2020September 8, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

When was the last time you were reading a novel and learned about a hobby you shared with one of your favorite characters?

Just like that, you feel more connected to them.

And honestly when are you not curious about character interests?

They seem more human when they have hobbies.

But when you’re writing a story of your own, how do you know which hobbies to give your characters?

That’s what the character hobbies list below will help with.

And the better you know each of your characters, the more likely the right hobbies will stand out for you.

101 Of The Most Clever Dialogue Writing Prompts

September 18, 2020September 4, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

Sometimes the best way to get a story started is with a stirring piece of dialogue. I’m talking about the kind of conversation that draw us right in and make us wonder what’s going on.

Welcome to Authority Pub’s own collection of interesting dialogue ideas.

Think of them as the first line in a conversation you can take in whatever direction you like.

Think of the possibilities as you read through the 101 dialogue prompts below. Imagine what your readers might expect. Then surprise them.

23 Of The Best Cities For Writers To Live And Work

September 18, 2020September 2, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

You’ve been thinking about it — moving to a place that inspires you in your writing. Even better if the city is full of bookstores and has an active writing community.

You’ve looked at a few tantalizing options. But some of the most literary cities on the planet aren’t necessarily the best places to live. Some are well beyond your budget. Others don’t have everything you need.

Welcome to Authority Pub’s own list of 23 of the best places for writers to live.

108 Engaging And Creative Nonfiction Writing Prompts

September 18, 2020August 26, 2020 by Barrie Davenport

Read our collection of nonfiction writing prompts that will definitely help you in your next nonfiction book.

So you want to write a nonfiction book. Good for you! What are you going to write about?

I know. That question stumps most everyone.

What indeed? Coming up with creative nonfiction ideas isn’t for the faint of heart.

Nonfiction is a big, broad genre of book writing, and narrowing it down to an area in which you have some expertise, background, or interest can be daunting.