Author Archives: Caitlin McKenna
Interpreting Reviews – A Writer’s Guide
I got my first reader review on Goodreads about a week ago *cue the champagne*. Overall, it was positive, with a couple areas of critique that got me thinking about the eternal question for writers and other artists: how do … Continue reading
What’s in a Name? Titling a Book
Confession: I dread coming up with titles. It’s hard in part because so much is riding on it: not only does every book or short story need a title, but the title is an essential part of the book’s first … Continue reading
Upcoming Space Opera Release – ABSENCE OF BLADE
I’m excited to announce the release of my debut novel, Absence of Blade! Absence of Blade is the start of a new space opera series set against a backdrop of interstellar strife. On a contested world, a hegemonic human empire … Continue reading
So You Want to Write a Book Series Part 3: Creating Continuity
I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about the importance of writing book series to gain and keep readers, especially as an independent author. But what they don’t often discuss is how to write a great book series, one that … Continue reading
So You Want to Write a Book Series Part 2: Managing Plot and Character
I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about the importance of writing book series to gain and keep readers, especially as an independent author. But what they don’t often discuss is how to write a great book series, one that … Continue reading
So You Want to Write a Book Series Part 1: Choosing a Structure
I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about the importance of writing book series to gain and keep readers, especially as an independent author. But what they don’t often discuss is how to write a great book series, one that … Continue reading
“I Finished My Novel … Now What?”
“This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” – Winston Churchill I finished writing a novel last Friday. The first draft is now complete at … Continue reading
Writing Convincing Aliens Part 3: Interstellar Relations
This series is intended to help writers brainstorm the elements that go into creating convincing aliens. It can also be applied to creating convincing nonhuman fantasy creatures, artificial intelligences, and so on. My science fiction novel, Absence of Blade, is … Continue reading
Writing Convincing Aliens Part 2: Culture and Society
This series is intended to help writers brainstorm the elements that go into creating convincing aliens*. It can also be applied to creating convincing nonhuman fantasy creatures, artificial intelligences, and so on. My science fiction novel, Absence of Blade, is … Continue reading
Writing Convincing Aliens Part 1: Biology and Ecology
This series is intended to help writers brainstorm the elements that go into creating convincing aliens*. It can also be applied to creating convincing nonhuman fantasy creatures, artificial intelligences, and so on. My science fiction novel, Absence of Blade, is … Continue reading →