Blog

Do You Want to Write Romance that STANDS OUT?

Romance is the hottest-selling genre on the market and every single one contains a love story. So how do you make YOURS stand out? Hey, so it happens that I’ve been invited to teach a class on the Reedsy platform, where I’ve been doing some work for my editing business. This one’s going to be a webinar, so available to everyone with Wi-Fi. Bonus points–this has the most fun textbook of any class ever. Hint: it’s pink. Coming up on February 22, 2023, and you can save your spot HERE. How to Write Romance that STANDS OUT Date and time Wed, February 22, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST Or watch the free replay of the full class HERE! Location Online About this event Author, editor, and writing coach Michelle Hazen reveals some key craft elements that make for...
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Booksie Finalist!

Fun news! Serial Killer Wanted has placed as a finalist in the Booksie First Chapter Award. This is my first adult psychological suspense project, written under pen name Nika Grace. It was my “Craigslist ad for a serial killer” book and I’ve always loved the opening–which I wrote in sort of a fugue state after a very long drive through the Nevada desert. Here’s a peek at the world of that book: It was fun to hear that the contest judges liked the opening, too! List of finalists is here.

Tropes vs Cliches: How Can You Tell the Difference?

Many people get crossed up when they try to explain the difference between a trope and a cliche. They’ve been confused for each other for so long that they’re like a Molly and a Polly at the party, long-suffering sigh at the ready because they know someone’s going to mix them up. But the difference between them can be summed up in this single picture. A trope is a story type with universal appeal. A cliche is something you see so often you’re sick of it. A trope is a tried and true story element that people like, and nearly every story has one or several. A cliche just means something has been used too much. It’s often just a line or a way of saying things, and isn’t necessarily a story type. The only thing they share is they...
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