AKA, how to learn to worldbuild, craft compelling plots, and basically write as well as your favorite author! How? Two words: Mentor Texts. First of all, what is a mentor text? Glad you asked! Often, when writers want to learn a new skill or level up in one they’ve already cultivated, they’ll turn to re-reading a mentor text, more specifically, a book they (or the New York Times or the Newberry Prize) really...

Welcome to Scribbler’s newest series — an interview with our subscription box‘s monthly author! Each month, we’ll interview the author of our featured book to help you learn a little more about them and their writing process. This month’s spotlight is on Sariah Wilson. Her novel Cinder-Nanny, was in our June box. You can find Cinder-Nanny for sale anywhere books are sold. What could come between a nanny and an earl in a fairy-tale...

Disclaimer — I am not a licensed medical professional. The information in this post is based on my own experience and personal research. Earlier this year, at 37 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is defined as a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It can contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school and/or work and is present...

In January 2022, Scribbler hosted its first-ever manuscript contest! There were a plethora of strong entries and the editors had a heck of a time reading through all the wonderful submissions. One manuscript shone for its ingenuity, heart, and wonderful writing and took first place! Camellia Phillips’ middle grade novel, Rat, Jack, and The Impossible Job, impressed the Scribbler staff and we were thrilled to award her first place. After winning, we...

When I was ready to start my current novel-in-progress, I knew I would need help along the way: from discussing ideas, to seeking feedback when I was ready for it, to learning more about what happens after you type “The End” on your first draft. I didn’t need creative writing courses, and I didn’t want to join a feedback-based writing group. What I needed was a writing coach, and the...

Writer and instructor Matthew Salesses said, “The best ‘advice’ I’ve ever heard on revision was from the wonderful teacher and writer Margot Livesey. It was something like this: if you are bored, it’s not because you’ve read that section so many times, it’s because it’s boring.” Welp. I suppose it’s best to leave our delusions and illusions behind and be honest with ourselves. If you suspect your story is boring,...

Welcome to Scribbler’s newest series — an interview with our subscription box‘s monthly author! Each month, we’ll interview the author of our featured book to help you learn a little more about them and their writing process. This month’s spotlight is on Jillian Cantor. Her novel Beautiful Little Fools, was in our May box. You can find Beautiful Little Fools for sale anywhere books are sold.  Jillian Cantor reimagines the literary classic THE GREAT GATSBY in...

Research. The word alone is like a strike of lightning for some writers, already dreaming of stone-faced castles in the Highlands or a handsome Scotsman riding through the glen (hello, Jamie Fraser). For these literary souls, the research phase deepens their storytelling. For others, the thought of fifty-seven open tabs on their browser is already too much to bear. Forget about trying to unearth which type of undergarments were typically...