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When teenager Sarah J Maas was allowing her imagination to run wild with her first attempts at writing, she could never have dreamed of the impact her heroine Feyre Archeron would have on the world.

By spicing up her magical worlds, Sarah’s early self-published stories quickly attracted breathtaking numbers of readers.

And close to two decades on, her magical mix of sex and spells continues to lead the way in the TikTok generation’s favourite genre – Romantasy.

Not only has Sarah sold close to 40-million books, had her work translated into 38 different languages, and is having her ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) series adapted for the screen – many of her novels are now banned in several American states.

The controversy has only added to the appeal, with the ACOTAR hashtag on TikTok being viewed over 14-billion times.

And dozens of other Romantasy authors are now following Sarah’s lead with their own chart-topping worlds of foxy fairies and passionate princes.

Sarah spent close to a decade developing her initial Throne of Glass series of novels before embarking on the A Court of Thorns and Roses books.

She admits spearheading the Romantasy movement has been a gradual process – and came from an unlikely source.

Sarah said: “I first got the inspiration for Throne of Glass by listening to a piece of music from Disney’s Cinderella score.

“I thought the music that plays when she flees the ball was really, really dark and intense – my imagination, not surprisingly, made the jump to ‘Well, what if she had done something really bad?’

“And then I went one step further and asked ‘What if she was an assassin who tried to kill the Prince?’

“And so Throne of Glass was born.

“As I wrote over those ten years and explored more of that assassin’s world, it became its own story, not a straight-up retelling, though Cinderella was the original spark!

“I worked on what became Throne of Glass for a long time before I ever sent it to a publisher, and A Court of Thorns and Roses started as a passion project I was working on in my spare time.

“They’ve been quite different from each other.”

While Sarah’s best-seller success has continued for more than a decade, the popularity of Romantasy is showing no signs of slowing down with sales in the UK alone rising from £15million in 2022 to £27million the following year.

While other authors such as Ali Hazelwood and Elena Armas are pushing the genre forward with their own adult-themed fantasy novels, Sarah believes her assassin Feyre, the High Lord faerie Tamlin, or the tall dark Rhysand have not yet lost their sex appeal.

She added: “I love building a long arc over a series and taking the time to get to know characters and worlds inside and out.

“I find it really satisfying to take bits and pieces of a larger story and figure out how it all fits together.

“So, when it’s time to sit down to start drafting the next book in a series, I’m always psyched to get back to it and reveal more of the world to readers.”

Turning a hobby into a serious career may be the dream of many budding writers, but bridging the gap is something few ever achieve.

Computer programmer Andy Weir became an accidental best seller after The Martian, his first full-length story, turned out to be a hit on his science fiction website.

At the request of readers, he self-published the novel for Kindle, which led to thousands of Amazon sales and caught the eye of Crown Publishing Group.

But prior to The Martian reaching the 2014 New York Times Best Seller List, and being adapted into a hit movie the following year, Andy had spent more than a decade writing web comics and science-based short stories.

It had been a slow, dedicated countdown to his writing career finally taking off.

He urges anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps to do the same – write yourself ready for when that first novel may come along.

The 52-year-old explained: “What I tell people who want to try to break into the business is… imagine you’re a sculptor instead of a writer, and you’re driving along and see this big chunk of marble out in the field and you’re like, ‘You know what? The shape of it and the texture of it, that would be perfect for a statue of Zeus’.

“You buy it from a farmer, then you get your truck – this thing weighs like four tons.

“You’ve got to get it up into your truck; then you drive it to your workshop.

“You’ve got to do all this back-breaking labor to get that chunk of marble into your workshop.

“And there you go, now you’re ready – you start carving the statue of Zeus.

“So all of that work you did right there, that’s like the first draft for a writer. You have completed the entire book before you’ve really started the book.”

For The Martian, Andy used all of the writing ability, problem-solving skills, and scientific knowledge he’d developed over the years and through publishing on his website to gradually piece together a gripping narrative that had readers hooked.

Even after the success of his debut, Andy continued practising through writing and publishing web comics and short stories before launching into his second and third novels, Artemis and Project Hail Mary.

Both have enjoyed major international success, won awards, and been adapted for the screen.

But he admits, writing a successful novel is still hard work.

Andy continued: “I think of writing as being kind of like gardening – you do it because you like the result.

“I like having the end result of having this beautiful garden, lots of flowers, trees, shrubs, everywhere I wanted. Everything worked out exactly the way I wanted.

“But actually, when you’re digging the ditches and pulling the weeds, it’s not pleasant.

“You do it because you want the result – that’s the kind of writer I am.

“Project Hail Mary, for instance, I think it was the 18th draft that went to print.

“It’s not just like I sit down at my keyboard, type magic, and then walk away. It’s hard work.”

While many authors believe being adaptable is the key to success, Andy has no intention of straying from the hobby that led him to become one of America’s bestselling writers.

He added: “I’m a hard sci-fi author.

“I like to stick to real science as much as possible, and that’s just because I’m a science dork.

“It’s my hobby, my passion – this is what’s interesting to me.

“Everybody’s good at their hobby, right? I’m all about the science.”

When writing a book, using real names can be legally complex and potentially risky. Whether it’s legal to use real names depends on several factors, including the context in which the names are used, the jurisdiction in which the book is published, and the rights of the individuals involved.

Note, this article is designed to provide general information to writers.  If you have specific legal concerns, please consult a qualified expert.

Defamation Concerns

One of the primary legal risks associated with using real names is defamation. Defamation occurs when a false statement is made that harms another person’s reputation. If an author uses a real name and portrays that person in a negative light, the individual might claim defamation, particularly if the portrayal damages their reputation, career, or personal life. Even if the book is labeled as fiction, if the real person can be easily identified, the author might still face legal action. This is especially true if the character in the book shares recognizable traits with the real person.

Right to Privacy

Another legal consideration is the right to privacy. Individuals have the right to keep their personal lives private, and this includes protection against unauthorized use of their name or likeness in a public forum like a book. If an author uses a real name and discloses private or embarrassing information, the person could sue for invasion of privacy. This right is particularly strong for private individuals, as opposed to public figures, who have less expectation of privacy due to their public status.

Public Figures and the Public Interest Defense

However, public figures, such as politicians or celebrities, have less protection under defamation and privacy laws. Authors can use real names of public figures more freely, especially when the subject matter is of public interest, such as political commentary, historical accounts, or investigative journalism. Even so, the author must ensure accuracy in their portrayal to avoid defamation claims.

Consent and Fictionalization

Obtaining consent from individuals before using their real names is a safeguard against potential legal issues. If consent is not feasible, authors might choose to fictionalize characters by altering names and identifying details to protect themselves from lawsuits. Even with fictionalization, it’s essential that the altered characters are not easily identifiable as real individuals.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is not outright illegal to use real names in a book, doing so can open the door to legal challenges, particularly concerning defamation and privacy. Authors should carefully weigh the risks and consider legal advice, especially if their work involves potentially sensitive or controversial content.

Writing your first book is an exciting, but challenging, endeavour. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process.

1. Find Your Idea
Every book begins with an idea. It might be a story you’ve always wanted to tell, a subject you’re passionate about, or a concept you want to explore. Start by brainstorming and jotting down all potential ideas. Don’t worry about them being complete or solid; this is just the starting point. Once you have a few concepts, choose the one that resonates with you the most. This idea should be something you’re passionate about because writing a book requires commitment.

2. Outline Your Book
An outline is your roadmap. It doesn’t need to be detailed, but it should provide a general structure of your book. For a novel, this could mean plotting out major events, character arcs, and key scenes. For non-fiction, you might outline the main topics and subtopics you want to cover. Outlining helps you stay focused and gives you a clearer path forward, reducing the chance of getting lost or stuck during the writing process.

3. Set a Writing Schedule
Consistency is key when writing a book. Set a realistic writing schedule that fits your life. It could be an hour every morning or 500 words a day—whatever works best for you. The important thing is to stick to it. Writing a book is more about persistence than inspiration. There will be days when writing feels like a slog, but keep going. Each word brings you closer to the finish line.

4. Write the First Draft
The first draft is where you get your ideas down on paper. Don’t be concerned about perfection—just write. Your first draft is allowed to be messy. The goal is to get the story or content out of your head and onto the page. This is where you find your voice and explore your ideas more deeply. Remember, you can always revise later.

5. Revise and Edit
Once the first draft is complete, take a break before revising. This allows you to return to your work with fresh eyes. During revisions, focus on improving structure, clarity, and coherence. Don’t be afraid to make significant changes—sometimes entire sections need to be rewritten. After revising, move on to editing, where you polish your prose, fix grammar, and ensure consistency.

6. Seek Feedback
After self-editing, it’s helpful to get feedback from others. This could be from beta readers, writing groups, or a professional editor. Fresh perspectives can highlight areas that need improvement and provide encouragement.

7. Publish Your Book
With revisions complete, you’re ready to publish. Although this can seem daunting, assistance is available to make this process much easier. Please contact PublishNation for further information.

Writing your first book is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. With passion, persistence, and patience, you can turn your idea into a finished book.

Everyone has a story to tell … and some tell it better than others.

English teacher Brendan Heaney has become a surprise best-selling author in recalling his adolescence in New York state.

It’s Okay! A Memoir not only appears at the top of many memoir charts, but it’s also listed in a growing number of critics’ favourite books of recent years.

But what makes Heaney’s recollections of growing up any different or better than other coming-of-age biographies?

Well, humour is perhaps the obvious answer.

And testing the funny anecdotes out on his students allowed him to edit down what appealed and what didn’t.

He explained: “I guess I began writing the book long before I ever set pen to paper.

“It’s Okay! is a personal memoir and it’s very much about the odd and funny things that happened because of the colourful characters I grew up with.

“It’s really a collection of stories that detail the joy and the pain of growing up.

“In using my stories and bringing them into the classroom, I’ve gained an appreciation for the humour of the students and the value of them as entertainment.

“I wrote the book because an awesome student asked me to – simply, he gave me a homework assignment and I did it.”

While not all budding biographers have classrooms of students to run their chapters past, most can find an audience through friends and family, or even a writing group.

It’s Okay! A Memoir’s first draft was surprisingly written within a month of Heaney putting pen to paper.

But the refining and editing process continued for several years before he was confident that he was giving his story the justice it deserved.

His blend of the hilarious and the heartfelt struck a chord immediately with readers – and It’s Okay! quickly became a word-of-mouth phenomenon.

Heaney’s characterisation, pacing and ‘tried-and-tested’ humour led to reprint after reprint being ordered.

The praise for his debut book – much more so than the sales – has convinced Heaney that a dual career of teaching and writing is the way forward.

He added: “I love writing and have discovered the joy of people telling me that my stories have made them laugh and cry.

“That’s really all the praise I need.

“I tell my students that good writing makes you think and makes you feel – that’s my goal.

“I’m positive I have more stories in me that need to be told.

“I’m looking forward to outlining a new book – I’ve got a lot of ideas swimming in my head.”

It’s Okay! A Memoir was described by the New York Times as ‘a celebration of life’, yet it could also be described as ‘a celebration of running your stories past an audience first’.

Choosing a name for your book is a crucial step in the writing process, as it sets the tone for the entire work and plays a significant role in attracting readers. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect title for your literary creation.

First and foremost, consider the genre and theme of your book.

The title should give potential readers an idea of what to expect. If your book is a mystery, the title could hint at intrigue or suspense. For a romance novel, opt for a title that captures the essence of love or passion. Understanding your book’s core elements will help you brainstorm relevant and engaging title ideas.

Next, explore the main themes or motifs within your story.

Look for recurring symbols, emotions, or key events. A title that encapsulates these elements will resonate more deeply with readers who connect with those themes. Think about the emotions you want to evoke in your audience and how the title can serve as a preview of the emotional journey within the pages of your book.

Consider the target audience for your book.

A title that appeals to your intended readership will make your work more accessible and marketable. Whether it’s a catchy phrase, a play on words, or a poignant expression, ensure that your title resonates with the demographic you aim to captivate.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different options.

Make a list of potential titles and seek feedback from friends, beta readers, or writing groups. Sometimes an outsider’s perspective can provide valuable insights and help you gauge the effectiveness of your title choices.

Lastly, be original.

Ensure that your chosen title is unique and hasn’t been extensively used by other works in your genre. A distinctive title will make your book stand out in a crowded literary landscape and avoid confusion with existing titles.

In conclusion, choosing a book title requires careful consideration of genre, themes, target audience, and uniqueness. By investing time and thought into this process, you can craft a title that not only captures the essence of your book, but also entices readers to explore the world you’ve created within its pages.

Establishing the primary theme of the story is one of the most important parts of planning a novel.

Few current authors have used political and cultural themes better in their work than award-winning Elif Shafak – even if they have sparked controversy, led to her being jailed, and forced her into exile.

And despite putting child abuse, genocide, and freedom-of-speech at the heart of her novels, she continues to be one of the most popular writers of modern times.

Accolades and awards follow the release of almost every book she has published, with her work now translated into 55 different languages.

Born in France and raised by her grandmother in Turkey, Elif’s formative years also included time in Spain, Jordan, and Germany, before she graduated in international relations and women’s studies, and eventually gained her PHD in political science.

The academic became the novelist in 1998 with the publication, in Turkish, of Pinhan.

And ever since, both in English and Turkish, the 52-year-old activist has been writing some of the most important novels of our time.

The Bastard of Istanbul, The Forty Rules of Love, and Three Daughters of Eve have all established Elif as an international bestseller.

Despite having to flee her native Turkey to live in the UK due to her controversial writing, Elif believes it is an author’s duty to search for subjects and themes that matter.

And the best way to come up with them is to read.

She explained: “I am a political scientist by training.

“I have always liked and treasured interdisciplinary studies – political philosophy, gender and women’s studies, cultural studies.

“This is very basic, but I think it needs to be said – writers are readers, primarily, and they should always remain readers.

“In other words, we have to keep reading, reading.

“But novelists should not only be reading novels in my opinion – I also believe it is intellectually much more challenging and stimulating to have eclectic reading lists: fiction and nonfiction, East and West.”

Elif has both studied and experienced the discrimination, political unrest, and restrictions of speech that she expresses in her novels.

And in today’s fast-changing world, few writers won’t have experienced their own troubles, whether it’s down to the pandemic, work-place prejudice, or the cost-of-living crisis.

Elif believes all writers should pay attention to the themes and subjects that come their way.

She explained: “Deciding on an idea to pursue writing about can be the most challenging aspect for a writer.

“I am still not sure whether we rationally ‘choose’ our subjects or somehow, the subjects of our books come to us, or we bump into each other in the most irrational ways.

“I know that sounds odd, but that’s often my experience.”

As well as countless literary awards for her novels, Elif has also been honoured for her activism and political campaigning.

She was also included in the BBC’s recent list of the 100 most inspiring and influential women.

Elif believes if writers feel passionately enough about a subject, their books will benefit.

She added: “Writing fiction is primarily a work of love.

“Before anything else, above everything, it is about this profound love you feel for the art of storytelling.

“Where does it come from, that love? How is it possible? I don’t know.

“All I know is, whenever in doubt, please remember the love and let it be your guide.”

Danielle Steel, a prolific and bestselling author known for her romance novels, has shared valuable advice for aspiring writers over the years. Here are 10 tips from the hit writer.

Write from the heart. Steel often emphasizes the importance of writing with genuine passion. Your words should reflect your own emotions, dreams, and experiences. This authenticity will resonate with readers.

Discipline is key. Steel’s remarkable output is a testament to her disciplined work ethic. Set a regular writing schedule and stick to it, even when inspiration wanes. Consistency is the foundation of a successful writing career.

Read voraciously. Avid reading broadens your knowledge and sharpens your writing skills. Explore various genres to expand your horizons and inspire creativity.

Character depth. Create characters that readers can relate to and care about. Develop their backgrounds, motivations, and flaws to make them multi-dimensional.

Show, don’t tell. Steel advises writers to paint pictures with words. Rather than telling readers what’s happening, show it through vivid descriptions, dialogues, and actions.

Editing is crucial. Your first draft is just the beginning – the real work starts in the editing process. Be willing to revise and refine your work until it shines.

Overcome rejection. Steel faced numerous rejections before her breakthrough. She encourages writers to persevere through rejection and criticism, using it as a stepping stone to improvement.

Know your audience. Understand your target readership. Tailor your writing to their preferences, but don’t compromise your unique voice in the process.

Balance is essential. Maintain a balance between writing and living life. Experiences outside of writing can fuel your creativity and provide fresh perspectives.

Never give up. Steel’s career is a testament to resilience. Keep writing, keep believing in your stories, and never give up on your dream of becoming a published author.

In a writing career that spans decades, Danielle Steel’s advice has proven invaluable for countless authors. Her commitment to authenticity, discipline, and perseverance serves as a guide for those seeking success in the literary world.

It took a seismic shift of direction and a lot of disappointment before Emily Henry achieved success as an author.

The 32-year-old has sold more than 2.4 million books and three of her most recent contemporary romance novels are being turned into big-budget films.

But the Cincinnati-based writer’s journey has been far from straight-forward, and she hopes her experiences can prepare other budding authors for what’s in store.

Dog-walking, car washing, and fast-food frier can all be found on Emily’s CV before her first young-adult novel, The Love that Split the World, was published in 2016.

Over the next three years she wrote and published a further three teen novels: A Million Junes, When the Sky Fell on Splendor, and Hello Girls with Brittany Cavallaro.

It was a labour of love, but an unrequited love at times as Emily reveals.

“I was recently thinking back to my debut in the young adult space, and how lonely that can be.

“You have this feeling the whole time, ‘I’m the only one whose dreams are being dashed’ or ‘things aren’t working out as well as I’d hoped’, or ‘my publishing team is too busy for me’.

“No one prepares you for what to expect.”

It is most writers’ ambition just to be picked up by a publishing company, but when the rewards for three years of work leave you unfulfilled and the enthusiasm is draining, where is there left to go?

For Emily, it was a complete change in direction, although she is quick to admit, purely by chance.

“I started writing Beach Read really, entirely for fun.

“There was no intention to try and publish it – I just wanted to be working on that kind of story.”

Emily’s story of two authors, living in neighbouring beach houses and both suffering from writer’s block, who end up swapping genres and falling for each other, sat in draft form for several months.

It was only when her own agent decided to retire and she was introduced to a romantic fiction agent that she plucked up the courage to send her Beach Read.

From coming-of-age teenage novels to adult romance may not sound like a great leap, but when you’re unsure of your new readership, it can be a shot in the dark.

Emily explained: “I tripped sideways into romance as both a writer and a reader, and I was just delighted to find out that I really love it as both a writer and a reader.

“I hadn’t been a tried-and-true romance reader, so I didn’t really know where my books fitted.

“I remember the joy of becoming a romance reader and the discovery of how many amazing books there are, and the pace at which your favourite romance authors tend to work and put out books.

“There’s just so much to read – you’ll just never run out of fantastic romance novels.”

Beach Read was an instant success following its publication in 2020, reaching number one in charts around the world.

The following year, People We Meet on Vacation (with a UK title of You and Me on Vacation), was released to critical acclaim.

Awards and chart-topping positions have continued with Book Lovers and Happy Place.

Emily Henry is today enjoying the successes that being an author can bring, but she’s not forgetting the struggles – and change of direction – it took to get here.

She added: “I’m now in a position where I have incredible support from my publisher.

“I don’t feel like I’m biting the hand that feeds me to talk frankly about how things work in this industry, and prepare people who were about to enter the industry, or newly in it, to know that the difficulties are normal.”

The crime novel genre has long fascinated readers with its gripping narratives, intriguing mysteries, and complex characters. If you’re an aspiring writer with a passion for suspense and crime-solving, embarking on the journey of crafting a crime novel can be a rewarding experience. In this blog, PublishNation will explore some essential tips to guide you in writing a compelling crime novel that keeps readers enthralled from start to finish.

1. Start with a Strong Premise:

Every great crime novel begins with a compelling premise. Ask yourself thought-provoking questions and brainstorm unique scenarios. Whether it’s a heist gone wrong, a cold case reopened, or an amateur sleuth stumbling upon a crime, your premise should pique readers’ curiosity right from the start.

2. Develop Complex Characters:

Memorable characters are the heart of any crime novel. Create protagonists with depth, flaws, and personal stakes in solving the crime. Equally, give your antagonists motivations that go beyond mere villainy. Supporting characters should also have distinct personalities and roles that contribute to the overall narrative.

3. Outline the Plot:

A well-structured plot is essential in a crime novel. Outline the major events, twists, and key revelations. While outlining, leave room for flexibility, allowing the story to evolve organically as you write. Remember, surprises and red herrings can keep readers engaged.

4. Master the Art of Suspense:

Suspense is the lifeblood of a crime novel. Strategically reveal information to heighten tension and keep readers guessing. Create cliffhangers at the end of chapters to entice them to read further. Keep the pace brisk, and don’t shy away from putting your characters in dangerous or challenging situations.

5. Research is Key:

To make your crime novel authentic, research is crucial. Familiarize yourself with police procedures, forensics, legal matters, and criminal psychology. While it’s a work of fiction, grounding your story in reality will make it more believable and engaging.

6. Weave in Subplots:

Intertwine subplots with the main storyline to add depth and complexity. These subplots can involve personal relationships, conflicts, or past traumas of your characters. When skillfully integrated, subplots enrich the overall reading experience.

7. Create a Memorable Setting:

The setting can play a vital role in setting the mood and atmosphere of your crime novel. Whether it’s a gritty urban landscape, a quaint countryside, or a historical period, make sure your setting complements the tone and enhances the story’s ambiance.

8. Deliver a Satisfying Conclusion:

Readers expect a resolution that ties up loose ends and provides answers to the central mystery. Avoid abrupt endings or unresolved plotlines, as they can leave readers feeling unsatisfied. Your conclusion should be logical, rewarding, and leave a lasting impact.

Crafting a captivating crime novel is a thrilling endeavour that allows you to explore the depths of human nature, deceit, and justice. By starting with a strong premise, developing complex characters, and maintaining suspense throughout, you can create a crime novel that lingers in the minds of your readers long after they’ve turned the last page. So, unleash your creativity, arm yourself with research, and let your crime-solving tale unfold on the pages of your novel.

For more writing tips from PublishNation, please take a look at our other blogs.