[New chapter posted every Friday] Would you like to learn how to draw your readers in with your blurb and your opening lines so that they feel they have to keep reading to find out what happens next? Would you like to learn how to craft characters who are so interesting and real that your readers would love to be them and can't help but go through the story with them? Would you like to learn how to craft sentences, paragraphs, and chapters that keep your readers enthralled? Would you like to learn how to prevent writer's block? The Art of Writing will teach you all of these skills and more--everything you need to write a bestseller. You've probably noticed that your first and second chapters have lots of reads, but the chapters after that have very few reads or votes. You can partially blame that on people clicking on the first chapter just to take a quick glance at it and maybe add it to their reading list. But that explanation only goes so far for most Wattpadders. The real reason is more likely that your story isn't written in such a way that really draws a readers in, almost forcing them to keep reading. But you can give your story that edge it needs to become great just by following a few easy guidelines and learning some key techniques for success. In fact, if you haven't already noticed, some of those techniques are being used in this description to give you just enough information about something you want in order to get you hooked. And your stories should do the same. Wattpad is full of writers who have great story ideas but very little training in the skills required to craft an amazing story that really sucks a person in. Which means we end up with endless stories that promise amazing plots but can't deliver on that promise. Not to worry, though. We're about to change all of that. So get ready to learn the skills you need to write a binge-worthy bestseller. ***NOTE: If there's a skill you'd like me to write a chapter about, just let me know***

Welcome to the wonderful world of writing on Wattpad! This is Wattpad, not the Olympics, so there's no need to panic. Anyone can try it, no training required. Writing doesn't have to be complicated, and you don't have to be a graduate of some fancy university, but there are a few guidelines that will make things easier for you and your readers. I have tips for beginners who paid as little attention in English as I did, as well as details on things I've learned over the years. Anyone can write a story. I never thought I would write anything, but I tried it and - much to my surprise - I found it very relaxing and entertaining. Feel free to skip around the chapters to find sections that interest you. You are also welcome to skim everything in case you find a hidden gem of advice. Please note that my writing tips follow the Chicago Manual of Style writing guide (you are free to use a different guide - keeping things consistent is the biggest thing).

* 2017 WATTY WINNER!* Blurb: Humans are at the top of the food chain and always have been. But what if they weren't? What if another took our place and decided to raise and exploit us as we have every other animal on earth? Welcome to a world after humanity... No one is exactly certain where the sibla came from. Some say they evolved from humans long ago, slowly taking power as their numbers increased. Taller, stronger, and longer-lived, than homo sapiens it isn't too hard to imagine. Now humans must face a reality in which they are no more than animals, domesticated beasts bred for their master's various needs and hungers. Rachel Turner is only eight years old. Born in Demin, one of the last remaining free human settlements on earth, she has never been forced to face the reality of life under a sibla Master, living a carefree existence in her hidden village. Magnus Kendrick is a sibla farmer with a sizable estate on which he raises all manner of livestock, from chickens, to sheep, to...humans. He is also the man destined to purchase Rachel's life. *Warning: This book contains a certain degree of gore and disturbing themes Beautiful cover by @my_fairytale 2016 Fright Fest Gold Winner Cryptic's Choice 2017 WATTY Winner ( Story Smiths category) *All Rights Reserved

A star-faring religious cult has created an army of robotic zealots designed to follow holy scripture. As the robotic menace spreads across the galaxy, it takes prisoners to be 'excommunicated': hooked into a neural simulation of eternal torment. Captain Rolland Barron leads the Sol Federation Starship Excalibur on a diplomatic mission. Cassia LaCroix is a wormhole hunter, earning a living scouring the galaxy for valuable tunnels through space-time. Prince Zoojin, a psychic alien from a distant galaxy, must prove himself worthy of the throne of Paxis Prime. The paths of these characters converge as they pursue their own motives, leading them towards the mechanical legion that is sweeping across the galaxy. COVER BY: rentachi AUTHOR'S NOTE: this is an early draft of the novel. I am very grateful for your readership and your feedback, which I have taken into consideration for a major rewrite. The new novel is completely different. If you liked the book, then please look forward to the release of the finished novel.

In the future, everyone who's bitten by a zombie turns into one... until Diane doesn't. Seven days later, she's facing consequences she never imagined. * * * * * As civilization collapses under a relentless wave of zombies, Diane and her friends take shelter in a military base. However, while she's rescuing another survivor, Diane gets bitten by one of the monsters. She hides it and runs away, knowing she only has days left to live. But she soon discovers she isn't turning into a zombie - she's turning into something else. --------- Excerpt: I looked up and stared. My reflection looked back at me in the mirror of the dark room. My eyes were literally glowing, there was no mistaking it. It was not a reflection of light, or any of the other excuses I had used or others had assumed. They were glowing a light sapphire blue color. It was not a bright glow, but it was definitely a glow. Glowing eyes were not normal. Okay, at this point I had to admit it, I was no longer normal. What was I then? For that, I had no answer [[Word count: 495,000]] Copyright August 2016. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *zombie rules* as long as credit is given. Cover was lovingly made by JimenaVivancoo.

It's a new year and Gauntlet finalist Codi James is back for round two. With her new position at the top ranked Battlecast Academy and with last year's victor no longer competing, it seems like the fates have aligned to give Codi a clear run at winning the tournament once and for all. Armed with state of the art equipment, a rigorous training schedule and a scholarship fund to let her focus on nothing but the Gauntlet all year round, she has one goal: first place. But this year the game has changed. She's not the plucky underdog anymore. Codi has the weight of expectations on her shoulders, and there are those who view her leap to fame through jealous eyes. This year her battles won't be confined to the arena, and now she has everything to lose. [Sequel to The Gauntlet]

When aliens invade, four baristas are forced to become the saviours of the world. Grab your double-shot of java and strap in - it's going to be a bumpy ride! ***** In the Earth's darkest hour, unexpected heroes are stirring... their coffee, that is. Four baristas on a camping trip are under-qualified to save the world from an alien invasion. But thanks to a hologram with no fashion sense, newly developed superpowers and an alien with a guilty conscience, they've landed the job anyway! So grab your double-shot of java, your blueberry muffin and strap in - Hasta barista, baby. [[2018 Wattys winner and twice featured]] [[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]] Please note this is a sample of the book, which has been published and is available for purchase: Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WKFVKQJ Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1644342154

In the frigid storms of winter, leaders and warriors are forged... Can the Jarl's heirs avenge their kin and protect their throne from ancient foes? Bjorn, son of the Jarl of Oakharrow, has always felt more at ease with a quill than a sword. Yet when tragedy strikes his family, he must draw a blade and lead a company of warriors into the cold, deadly mountains in pursuit of a mysterious enemy. But vengeance comes at a high price... Aelthena, Bjorn's sister, was born with the aptitude to lead, and she's eager to prove it. But her society's rules for women, and her love for her brother, restrain her efforts to command. As she walks the fine line between ambition and virtue, the city stirs in unrest, and even her allies question her right to rule... Yet more than one city's fate hangs in the balance. Mythic enemies emerge to conquer all humanity. And the only way they can be overcome is for Bjorn and Aelthena to unite their feuding peoples and master mysterious powers few humans have touched before... The Runewar is rising - and it begins with the fall of the throne. The Throne of Ice & Ash is Book 1 of The Runewar Saga, a Norse epic fantasy series by the author of the bestselling Legend of Tal books. Begin a new adventure of vast sojourns, political intrigue, grand-scale wars, and awakening magic... Perfect for fans of A Game of Thrones and Half a King!