How to Get Started Writing

Starting your writing journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re in the right place! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned writer looking to refine your craft, the How to Get Started Writing section at Aspiring Writer Academy is here to help launch you in the right direction. Packed with tips and resources, it offers practical advice on brainstorming ideas, structuring your story, and building a routine that keeps you moving toward your writing goals. No matter where you’re starting from, this section will give you the clarity and direction to begin your journey as an author.

Slingshot Week: How to Set New Goals for Writing in 2023

By Darlene Panzera | December 17, 2022

Do you need to recharge after the holidays? Are you looking forward to setting new goals for the coming year? Or at least the next 90 days? The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to take a deep breath and reevaluate where you are at in your writing journey and where you want to be.

In Slingshot Week: How to Set New Goals for Writing in 2023 we offer tips on how to use this week to your advantage to help you succeed in the coming year!

The Pros and Cons of Writing Holiday Fiction (Collections & Anthologies)

By Darlene Panzera | December 7, 2022

During the holiday season you have probably seen advertisements for a multitude of ‘Holiday Book Collections.’ Readers love these collections, not just to put them into the holiday spirit, but because they can usually get several stories for a reduced rate. Authors also love these collections because the group promotions can help launch their book onto bestseller lists.

The Pros and Cons of Writing Holiday Fiction (Collections & Anthologies) helps you decide if joining in on a collection is the right choice for you!

Fiction Writing: How to Find a Critique Partner/Group

By Darlene Panzera | September 19, 2022

Do you have someone you trust to critique your work and give you valuable feedback? Someone who can point out inconsistencies with point-of-view, make suggestions for plot points, and offer tips to strengthen character motivation?

In our post, Fiction Writing: How to Find a Critique Partner/Group, we discuss how to connect with others, various ways a critique group can be run, and other considerations to ensure you bring out the best in each other’s writing!

How to Research Information for a Historical Novel

By Darlene Panzera | September 12, 2022

If you are interested in writing historical fiction, you may be wondering—how do you research a historical era? Where do you go to learn about the customs, currency, weapons, mode of transportation, style of dress? What kind of names, food dishes, or jobs were popular back then? Are there websites with this information?

In our post, How to Research Information for a Historical Novel, we give you several valuable resources to find the information you need to write a realistic, historical tale!

7 Steps to Begin Writing a New Fictional Story

By Darlene Panzera | September 3, 2022

Are you interested in writing a fictional story but do not know where to begin? Do you start with characters, setting, research, or a plot? How do you create deadlines or calculate wordcount? How do you break an idea down into chapters and scenes? How do you set up a working manuscript?
Do you wish you could see how a published author prepares to write a new book? Follow along as we discuss the 7 Steps to Begin Writing a New Fictional Story so you can start writing your own story with ease.

Fiction Writing: 5 Key Differences Between a Novel and a Novella

By Darlene Panzera | June 15, 2022

Are you confused about the differences between a novel and a novella? Perhaps you know one is longer than the other, but you aren’t sure if writing a novella is worth your time. Do they make any money? Who publishes novellas? Can they be used for promotion? In our post, Fiction Writing: 5 Key Differences Between a Novel and a Novella, we discuss all these things and more so that you can decide which choice is right for you.

Fiction Writing: Office Supplies to Help You Prepare to Write Your Next Novel

By Darlene Panzera | May 3, 2022

Are you new to Fiction Writing? Have you wondered which office supplies might be helpful when preparing to write your first novel?

Or are you a published author preparing to write your next book?

In our post, Fiction Writing: Office Supplies to Help You Prepare to Write Your Next Novel, we give you a handy checklist of supplies for writing, plotting, setting up your office, and for creating a Story Binder that keeps all your templates and brainstorming ideas in one place.

3 Levels of Goal Setting for Fiction Writers

By Darlene Panzera | January 11, 2022

Before you sit down to write a book, set yourself up for success by getting clear on what you hope to achieve.
Why do you want to be a writer? Do you have a career plan? What is the purpose for your story? Are your character’s goals strong enough to impact readers?
In the post below, we show you how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals on three distinct levels: Goals for you (the author), Goals for your story, and Goals for your fictional characters.

50 Top Resource Books for Fiction Writers

By Darlene Panzera | March 2, 2021

Aspiring Writer Academy recommends these 50 Top Resource Books for Fiction Writers. While there are numerous books available in bookstores and online that offer fantastic teaching, inspiration, and advice about the writing and publishing industry, we have narrowed the options down to help you boost your fiction writing career.

Why We Started Aspiring Writer Academy: Our Story

By Darlene Panzera | July 13, 2020

Hi, I’m Darlene Panzera, co-owner of Aspiring Writer Academy and I would like to share why my daughter, Samantha, and I started a blog on writing and publishing.