Anne R. Allen's Blog... with Ruth Harris

Writing about writing. Mostly.

  • Home
  • About
    • About This Blog
    • Ruth Harris
    • Anne R. Allen
    • Shirley S. Allen
  • Archives
  • Books
    • Books by Anne R. Allen
    • Books by Ruth Harris
  • Guest Bloggers
  • Contact
  • How To Get Your Book Published
  • Resources For Writers

October 5, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 142 Comments

Do Authors Obsess Too Much About Book Reviews?

Do Authors Obsess Too Much About Book Reviews?

by Anne R. Allen Let’s Face it: Getting Reviews is Tough Whether we’re newbies or superstars, traditional or self-publishers, pretty much all authors stress about reviews: getting them…and surviving them. From the time our first book launches, we’re told our number one job is to get reviewed. We send out ARCs, desperately query book bloggers […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: The Publishing Business, The Writing Life, Writers Dealing with Reviews and Rejection Tagged With: Amazon reviews, Amazon rules, bad reviews, Barbara Morgenroth, Book Marketing, Book review blogs, Book Reviews, Joel Friedlander, Mark Coker, Molly Greene, online reviews, Reviews and Rejection, tell-a-friend

September 21, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 152 Comments

10 Things that Red-Flag a Newbie Novelist

10 Things that Red-Flag a Newbie Novelist

  by Anne R. Allen   Beginning novelists are like Tolstoy’s happy families. They tend to be remarkably alike. Certain mistakes are common to almost all beginners. These things aren’t necessarily wrong, but they are difficult to do well—and get in the way of smooth storytelling They also make it easy for professionals—and a lot […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: The Publishing Business, Writing Craft Tagged With: 21st Century writing, advice on craft, How Not to Start a Novel, How to get your book rejected, Mooderino, newbie advice, querying agents

September 14, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 56 Comments

The Secret to Publishing Success in the Era of Social Media: Teaming with Your Fellow Authors

 by Anne R. Allen Jon Stewart said on The Daily Show on August 27, (with heavy irony, of course) “Everybody uses Social Media as a weapon; that’s what it’s for.” He was, as usual, uttering spot-on truth disguised as a joke. Lots of people DO seem to use social media as a weapon, whether it’s […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: E-Books and Technology for Writers, Self-Publishing, Social Media and Marketing For Writers Tagged With: Author Collectives, Bargain Ebook Newsletters, Book Marketing, Book promotion, David Farland, Janice Hardy, Jason Kong. Boxed sets, Molly Greene, multi-author promotions, Six Pack of Sleuths

September 7, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 71 Comments

The Biggest Mistake New Writers Make and 5 Ways to Avoid It

The Biggest Mistake New Writers Make and 5 Ways to Avoid It

by Anne R. Allen   It’s been an exciting week for the blog. Marketing expert Penny Sansevieri named us to the Top 30 Websites for Indies and blog guru Molly Greene named us to her list of must-read “leaders” in self-publishing. (I’m only recently self-published—and most of my work is still with a small press—but […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Self-Publishing, The Publishing Business, The Writing Life, Writing Craft Tagged With: Achieving your writing goals, Agent rejection, Elizabeth S. Craig, how to be a successful author, Kris Rusch, Kristen Lamb, Malcolm Gladwell, Sherwood Ltd., Why You Should Write Short Fiction

August 24, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 70 Comments

10 Obsolete Beliefs that Can Block Self-Publishing Success

10 Obsolete Beliefs that Can Block Self-Publishing Success

by Anne R. Allen   New writers contact us every day, asking questions about everything from how to start their first short story (answer: butt in chair; hands on keyboard) to how to deal with trolls and bullies (don’t respond; walk away; report abuse.)We answer them all—as time permits—but there’s one kind of writer we […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Self-Publishing, Social Media and Marketing For Writers, The Publishing Business, Writing Craft Tagged With: Book Marketing, Dean Wesley Smith, Ebook Marketing, how to be a successful author, How to self-publish, Mary Webber, self publishing, The Fussy Librarian, The Lady of the Lakewood Diner

August 17, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 79 Comments

5 Protagonists Readers Hate: Why Writers Shouldn’t Identify too Closely with a Main Character

5 Protagonists Readers Hate: Why Writers Shouldn’t Identify too Closely with a Main Character

by Anne R. Allen You can learn all you want about writing powerful prose, well-planned story arcs, lyrical descriptions—or any other aspect of fiction—but if you don’t have a protagonist your readers care about, none of the rest matters.I don’t think it’s terribly relevant to talk about character “likability” in the sense of “niceness.” The […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: The Writing Life, Writing Craft Tagged With: Food of Love, how to fictionalize a memoir, How to write a bestselling novel, how to write a novel based on real life, Likable Protagonists, Mary Sues, Writing tips

August 10, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 43 Comments

What is a Beta Reader? Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Getting and Giving Feedback on your WIP

What is a Beta Reader? Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Getting and Giving Feedback on your WIP

This week we’re proud to host author and editor Jami Gold, fresh from her role as a presenter at the RWA conference in San Antonio. If you missed the conference, Jami’s posts on the highlights of the annual Romance Writers Association event are fascinating. You’ll find them on her blog at JamiGold, Paranormal Author. Jami’s blog is […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: The Writing Life, Writers Dealing with Reviews and Rejection, Writing Craft Tagged With: beta readers, Chanel and Gatsby, critique groups and criticism, how to find beta readers, how to get feedback on your WIP, Jami Gold, Writing Resources

August 3, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 92 Comments

Why You Should Ignore Most Advice from your Critique Group…but They Can Help You Anyway

Why You Should Ignore Most Advice from your Critique Group…but They Can Help You Anyway

by Anne R. Allen   I generally advise new writers to join a critique group or participate in writing workshops. Getting feedback on your own writing and discovering what works—and what doesn’t—in other writers’ WIPs provides an education you can’t get from simply reading craft books, blogs, or listening to lectures. And I’m not the […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: The Writing Life, Writers Dealing with Reviews and Rejection, Writing Craft Tagged With: beta readers, Catherine Ryan Hyde, criticism, critique groups, Freelance book editors, How to Be a Writer in the E-Age, Jami Gold, when to hire an editor, Writing Workshop

July 13, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 73 Comments

What Defines “Traditional” Publishing? What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You.

What Defines “Traditional” Publishing? What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You.

by Anne R. Allen   The blogosphere has been full of debate about “traditional” vs. “indie” publishing since the dawn of the E-Age.We’ve also seen lively discussions about the definition of the terms.”Indie” once meant small independent publishers, but since the introduction of the ebook (and Kindle Direct Publishing) it has evolved to mean self-publishing […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: E-Books and Technology for Writers, Scams and Alerts for Writers, Self-Publishing, The Publishing Business Tagged With: Alex J. Cavanaugh, Author Solutions, Big Five, Dave Congalton, David Gaughran, Indie or Traditional Publishing?, IWSG, self publishing, Vanity Publishing, Writer Beware

July 6, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 97 Comments

12 Dumb Things Writers do to Sidetrack Our Own Success

12 Dumb Things Writers do to Sidetrack Our Own Success

by Anne R. Allen   We writers tend to be a delusional lot. Most of us know the average writer doesn’t make a bunch of money, but we secretly believe our own efforts will bring us fabulous fame and fortune. Or at least pay the rent. When we start out, we’re certain our books will […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Scams and Alerts for Writers, Social Media and Marketing For Writers, The Publishing Business, The Writing Life Tagged With: advice for writers, bad book contracts, Big Al, Catherine Ryan Hyde, David Gaughran, How to Be a Writer in the E-Age, Jordan McCollum, Nathan Bransford, Query Shark, Writer Beware

June 22, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 71 Comments

How to Plan a Novel without Actually Outlining: 3 Awesome Tips from Nathan Bransford

How to Plan a Novel without Actually Outlining: 3 Awesome Tips from Nathan Bransford

I’m so jazzed  we’re hosting Nathan Bransford this week!  Mr. Bransford—who is a children’s author, former literary agent, and blogging legend—gave this blog its start when he offered me a guest spot on his blog in 2010. I wrote a piece on why you should keep writing, no matter what, called You May Be a Bestseller on Trafalmadore.  […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Writing Craft Tagged With: How to Be a Writer in the E-Age, how to write a novel, Nathan Bransford, Novel structure, Outlining, pantser vs. planner, Writing tips

June 15, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 110 Comments

How to Blog: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Author-Bloggers

How to Blog: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Author-Bloggers

by Anne R. Allen   Do all authors have to blog? Nope. Blogging doesn’t sell books. Not directly. And it’s not a particularly good way to attract an agent (agents will glance at your blog if they’re considering your query, but mostly to make sure you’re not wearing a tinfoil hat and advocating the invasion […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Blogging for Authors, Social Media and Marketing For Writers Tagged With: blogging for authors, blogging rules, Blogging tips for writers, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Donna Fasano, Donna Hole, Elizabeth S. Craig, Food of Love, how to blog, John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

June 8, 2014 By Anne R. Allen 81 Comments

Thinking Outside the Book: When a Writing Dead End Becomes a Detour to Success

Thinking Outside the Book: When a Writing Dead End Becomes a Detour to Success

  Today we’re excited to be hosting freelance writer Nina Badzin. I’ve known Nina since she started blogging and it’s been fantastic to watch her career soar.  Nina was a compelling blogger from the time she wrote her first post. It was obvious she had tons of talent and skill. And her “query addiction” post […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Blogging for Authors, The Writing Life, Writing Craft Tagged With: 21st Century writing, advice for nonfiction writers, Blogging, Chanel and Gatsby, Freelance writing, how to start a writing career, how to write Web content, Nina Badzin

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • …
  • 53
  • Next Page »
Subscribe
Subscribe now and receive our weekly blog!
100% Privacy. We don't spam.

Anne's Latest Book

The Hour of the Moth

The Hour of the Moth
Buy from Amazon

Ruth's Latest Book

Diamonds Are For Now

Diamonds Are For Now
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from Apple Books
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Google Play

Follow Anne

  • Bluesky
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Follow Ruth

  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Follow Anne Here

Follow Anne Here

Follow Ruth Here

Follow Ruth Here
writers digest 101 best websites for writers award

Anne R. AllenAnne R. Allen writes funny mysteries and how-to-books for writers. She also writes poetry and short stories on occasion. She’s a contributor to Writer’s Digest and the Novel and Short Story Writer’s Market.

Her bestselling Camilla Randall Mystery Series features perennially down-on-her-luck former socialite Camilla Randall—who is a magnet for murder, mayhem and Mr. Wrong, but always solves the mystery in her quirky, but oh-so-polite way.

Ruth Harris NYT best selling authorRuth is a million-copy New York Times bestselling author, Romantic Times award winner, former Big 5 editor, publisher, and news junkie.

Her emotional, entertaining women’s fiction and critically praised novels have sold millions of copies in hard cover, paperback and ebook editions, been translated into 19 languages, sold in 30 countries, and were prominent selections of leading book clubs including the Literary Guild and the Book Of The Month Club.

The best SEO books of all time

50 Kickass Resources

50 Kickass Resources

Thanks, Author Marketing Resources!

The best Blogging books of all time

Follow Anne

Follow Anne

Categories

Best Writing Blogs in 2018

Best Writing Blogs in 2018

Top 50 Writing Blogs

Top 30 Websites for Indies


Top 30 Websites for Indies

Thanks, AME!

Annual Bloggers Bash Awards Nominee Best Blogging Writing Blog

Annual Bloggers Bash Awards Nominee Best Blogging Writing Blog
  • Privacy Policy
Subscribe
Subscribe now and receive our weekly blog!
100% Privacy. We don't spam.

This site is designed and maintained by:

This site is designed and maintained by:

RSS Anne R Allen’s Blog With Ruth Harris

  • Bloggers Are Still Important to the Publishing World, but They’re Disappearing July 20, 2025 Anne R. Allen
  • About
  • Books by Anne R. Allen
  • Books by Ruth Harris
  • Shirley S. Allen
  • Guest Bloggers
  • HOW TO GET YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 Anne R Allen and respective authors · Site Maintained by Nate Hoffelder

%d