STARTING OFF
Fiction Genres Explained So you want to write a genre novel? First you'll have to find your niche.
By Peter Rubie
Anatomy of a Bestseller To write a novel that takes off, study these that have reached the stars.
By Michael J. Vaughn
Legal Limits How to avoid a lawsuit and still be creative.
By Loren D. Estleman
SKILLS YOU NEED
Lead 'Em On Four agents reveal need-to-know tips for writing a page turner.
By Susan DeLay
What's in a Name? You have to call your characters something. Choose wisely.
By Nancy Kress
Hating Your Hero How to keep your protagonist from irking you—and your audience.
By Dawn Wilson
Have Plot, Will Travel To get a handle on your setting, start packing your bags.
By Leah Marie Brown
SPOTLIGHT ON GENRES
Heart Over Hand Writing compelling romances means leaving the details to the imagination.
From Writers Online Workshops
Back From the Dead—Again The horror market may seem frightening, but fear not. Learn the history of this resilient genre and find your future in it.
By Lori Perkins
Build a Better Bad Guy Follow these tricks to make your villain bad but believable.
By Hallie Ephron
Keep It Real Even fantasy writing needs plausible settings. Invent worlds your readers will want to visit.
By Lynn Flewelling
How the Western Was Won Loren D. Estleman, a bestselling author of Western and mystery novels, has seen the markets mature. He tells how to keep up.
By Lisa Wurster
SELLING TO THE MASSES
Building on a Theme Media-related novels can be a stepping stone—and pave the way to further success.
By Tim Waggoner
Writing a Series Character Series character or stand-alone? A mystery novelist helps you decide.
By Mystery Writers of America
25 Best Genre Markets Find promising markets for your fiction.
By Maria Witte
QUIZ
Got a Clue? Test your mystery-solving skills with this match-up quiz.
By Robin M. Hampton
