Update! Where I’ve been and What’s Next

Hello, my creative preciouses. It’s been quite some time. Do forgive me. Sleep deprivation hasn’t fled from me for over a year now. This is mostly my ten-month-old’s fault, but my four-year-old has also been waking in the wee hours as well, causing this momma to awaken four or so times nightly. Three espresso shots

Have you tried Canva for book covers?

I made this for free with Canva.com. They have a really cool section with ALL book cover templates, even ones specified to Wattpad and it’s great quality text and whatnot for FREE! Look at that, 50,000 templates! Check out some of the Wattpad specific covers: Seriously, how cool is this? Have you used this tool.

Coryn of Bellsferry: Blood Thieves -Chapter 5: Unexpected Guests

Hunter aesthetic!  Coryn Aesthetic! Chapter 5 of Coryn of Bellsferry: Blood Thieves is here! Check it out on Wattpad! “I shivered, despite the summer heat. What if something happened to me? What if the Blood Thieves got to me? What would that do to my daughter, losing the person closest to her? She barely knew

What is it about a book’s first page that keeps you reading?

I’m curious: What is it about a book’s first page that keeps you flipping? Are you able to share an example of a book whose first page just grabbed you and held on until the last page? I want to know what book did that for you and why. Then I can go Amazon-“Look inside”-stalk

Killing Your Characters

So killing off characters in your story: is it fun for you, or torture? I’ve been on both sides of this fence, and I can say that now, it’s leaning toward more fun. For me, there’s something about the shock of it, the later oh-so-hoped for justice, the real-ness it adds to the danger and

Cheaper Edits for Some Special Preciouses

Those of you interested in having me as a developmental editor are getting a price-break from my already reasonable editing service fees. Short story edit A thorough edit of your story, improving various aspects such as plot, characters, dialogue, stakes, emotional appeal, originality, conflicts, and resolution. Short story edit rates $0.04 $o.03 a word. Novel edit A complete

Critique Friday: “Allies of the Night” Reading

It’s Critique Friday! Today’s reading is from an action-packed horry/fantasy/adventure by Nicholas Scott. If you want your first 1500 words to be read and posted here on my blog and on my YouTube channel, send it via email to NatashaSapienza[at]gmail.com  Don’t send your manuscript if there’s anything erotic in it.  Happy helping!

Writing Craft Wednesday: Action Scenes vs Rest Ones

When the heroes in your story are fighting the villains, there shouldn’t be too much time to take in every detail. Long sentences must be shortened. Short sentences make us more anxious. For example: Sara mustered all the strength she had left and swung her fist at Bale’s cheek. He grabbed her hand and twisted

Critique of “Song of the Daystar” by Nichole

I know it’s Main Character Monday, but I’m finding it quite difficult to film and edit readings and then edit/critique your pieces when sent the day of or before Critique Friday . So if you would like a recorded reaction to your first 1500 words and a written critique, I ask kindly that you please

Critique Friday! Video Reading of “Song of the Daystar”

You know what time it is: Critique Friday! Here’s my initial reaction/reading of Nichole’s, “Song of the Daystar.” It’s another fantasy piece–yay!–so I decided to get into character and wear my special tunic and headband. For more readings and funny moments be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel.  And well done, Nichole!