A literary device is a technique in writing to help enhance the writing or otherwise help authors get their message across in creative ways. Many literary devices are widely known, such as the simile. But there are many you might not know about! Here are some lesser known literary devices to spice up your writing.

Metaphor

Metaphor is commonly thought of in the same vein as the simile. While a simile is a comparison using “like” or “as” (ex. Her eyes were blue like the sea), a metaphor is a comparison that does not use “like” or “as.” (ex. Her eyes were a blue sea.) A metaphor might be an ideal device for comparison if you wish to be more abstract and establish a recurring theme over the course of your story. 

Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of sentences/independent clauses. This kind of repetition is typical in oration and poetry, in order to emphasize ideas, provoke emotion in the audience. An example: The repetition of “I have a dream” in Martin Luther King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech – so effective, it is how people know that speech all these years later!

Metonymy

Metonymy is symbolism, but phrased a certain way – a metonym is where a single object is used to represent a larger thing that is more complex. It comes to serve as a synonym for that thing or things. Examples: “The crown” representing the British Monarchy; In the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword”, “pen” means written words, while “sword” means violence. 

Consonance

You probably have heard of alliteration before – the repetition of sounds at the beginning of words. But did you know that alliteration is actually a form of consonance, the repetition of non-vowel sounds in a series of words? Consonance can also happen in other places in a word, not just at the beginning. Example: “Hickory dickory dock,” “He struck a streak of bad luck.”

Parallelism 

Parallelism is a type of sentence structure. It is arranging similar words or phrases in a way that reflects their similarity or relationship. Typically, it creates a harmonious, poetic sound. It is more common in oratory, but can be effective in your book as well. Examples: “No pain, no gain,” “Where there is smoke, there is fire.”

Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is a fancy sounding word for a device that is fairly simple. Polysyndeton is when a writer combines long clauses with conjunctions, rather than commas or starting a new sentence. It is usually for dramatic effect, such as to represent a train of thought or perhaps a worried tone. Example: In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 5: ““Your love says, like an honest gentleman, and a courteous, and a kind, and a handsome, and, I warrant, a virtuous — where is your mother?””

In Medias Res

In medias res translated from Latin means “in the middle of things.” To use In medias res means to start a scene right in the middle of action. It is effective to use when you want to catch a reader’s attention right away. 

Allusion

Allusion is a term that simply means a reference to another work. Well placed references wont take away from your story but will enhance it. They can pay homage to works that inspired your work. 

Hypophora

Hypophora is similar to a rhetorical question. It is when someone asks a question for dramatic effect, and answers it themselves right away. It is typically used when a character is talking to themselves, making a dramatic point, or talking to an audience. Example: In The Great Gatsby, when Daisy Buchanan says, “Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it.”

Zoomorphism 

Zoomorphism is the opposite of personification – taking animal traits and assigning them to something that isn’t an animal. These traits can be metaphorical, or literal, such as the mythological creature of a centaur. Example: Saying someone is “barking up the wrong tree” to express bad behavior. 

(Source)

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When it comes to literary fiction, there are several ways one can tell a story. The most popular forms of fiction are the short story, novella, and novel. What is the difference between them and what is best for your story?

Short story

A short story is between 1,500 words and 7,500 words long,  or about 3- 30 typed pages long.  There are no hard definitions, but an individual publication may have their own definition.

Given its short length, short stories are often simple plots who follow one or two characters or situations. Short stories usually explore one theme or idea rather than sprawling worlds. Famous short stories include The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe and The Lottery by Shirley Jackson.

Pros to short stories:

-Deep exploration into single topic

-Easy to distribute

Cons to short stories:

-Must have collection to publish in book form

Novella

A novella is a short novel. The word is borrowed from Italian for “short story.” Longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, novellas are typically from 15,000 to 40,000 words in length. 

With more real estate, a story can be more complex. Famous novellas include Animal Farm by George Orwell, Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck, and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. 

Pros to novellas:

-Middle ground between short and long

-Allows for experimentation

Cons to novellas:

-Can be too avant garde

Novel

A novel is the most typical fiction publication. A novel is generally between 70,000 to 120,000 words in length. Such a length allows for more varied themes, characters, and multiple plot points than a novella, and much more than a short story. 

Pros to novels:

-More depth to plot

-Space for worldbuilding

Cons to novels: 

-Longer novels are less marketable than shorter ones

-More expensive to publish, more expensive to buy

Novels are the most common avenue for fiction. Plan out your story in advance to see what length it could possibly be.

Ready to publish? Let us know!

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She also became the first woman hired by a Fortune 500 company in a sales position. Breaking through the “glass ceiling” opening doors for other women in a male-dominated world. Terry Wells-Jones fought many battles to reach her level of success in business while also cultivating a happy family life. In Reflections!, Terry shares the philosophies that helped her on her journey, as well as the disappointments and opposition she faced along the way.

Read on for some behind the scenes on the creation of her book and learn what the publishing experience was like!

(Pictured: Terry Wells-Jones at a recent Barnes & Noble book signing.)

Name: Terry Wells Jones

Book Title: Reflections! Looking in the Mirror

Hometown: Milwaukee/Palm Desert

Why did you want to tell your story through this book?

As a legacy for my children and future generations.

How long did it take to write the book?

A year and a half.

What was the most difficult part of the writing journey?

Organizing it and making sense of all of the information I had accumulated as well as my computer skills.

How did you decide what to include – and what not to include – in the book?

I had to do many edits and include what was important to me and the reader.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

I hope readers will conclude that challenges are no match against faith, belief, hard work and determination.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a memoir?

Stay the course no matter how difficult it gets.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

Travel

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Prompt responses, and helpfulness and knowledge of the publishing business.

Thank you, Terry!

Purchase Reflections! at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Ready to share your story? Contact us!

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A new year is upon us, and with it comes new opportunities. If you’re looking to finally write that project you’ve been thinking about for ages – whether it’s a book of poetry, a novel, or your life story – just know that it is possible!

Here are some practical tips to make the New Year’s resolution of writing a book into a reality. 

1.) Start small

Every finished book was once a small idea. When you get the idea for a book, it can be intimidating. The blank Microsoft Word document or blank notebook page can stare back at you and make your mind go blank. If that’s the case, no need to worry – start smaller. Write down your ideas on a sticky note, or in the notes of your phone. They don’t even have to be complete sentences. Just getting your ideas down will help you get started.

2.) Ask for help

Writing a book is a lot of work. A lot of things need to be done for it to happen. A lot of things need to go right for it to happen. Often, you might think you are in it alone. But you might be surprised how many people are in your corner rooting for you to succeed. Ask for help when appropriate from your friends and loved ones. You may not be able to ask your support system for specific writing help, but they can offer support and encouragement in your writing.

For help with writing, ask us! Dorrance’s Writing Coach program has helped hundreds of writers realize their goals. A Dorrance Writing Coach will be your guide for finishing your book at whatever stage in the process, and can help as little or as much as you need. Learn more about our Writing Coach program here.

3.) Go with your gut

When writing a book, there can be pressure to do what is popular or what may get the most notoriety. However, listening to this pressure usually causes more problems than solutions. Write the book that is inside you, rather than the one the world may want to hear right now. As the old adage goes – “write what you know.” Not only will your project be more authentic, but you will be more trustworthy to readers. When in doubt, go with your gut!

4.) Take risks

At the same time, one mustn’t be afraid to take risks. Whether it’s the type of story you write, the structure of the story, or your personal style – it is worth it to be bold. If you’re wondering whether to take a risk with an aspect of your project, here is your sign to do so. Fortune favors the bold.

5.) Pat yourself on the back

Whether you are at the beginning of your writing journey or have reached the end of writing your book, give yourself a pat on the back every now and then. Stick to your goals, but don’t beat yourself up if you fall short. Celebrate your accomplishments at every step of the way as you complete your book. You will feel better about yourself and your project if you treat yourself kindly throughout the process!

No matter what stage of the writing process you’re in, we want to hear from you! Contact us.

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Susan talked to us about what it was like writing and illustrating the book, as well as some of her other favorite books!

Name:

Susan J. Logan

Hometown:

Vancouver, Washington 

Book Title:

The Christmas Ghost Boy

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

An exciting children’s story with a sweet Christmas message. 

What made you want to write your children’s book?

I had originally made it up orally for my grandchildren and they liked it. I love to write and draw so I proceeded to make it into a book. 

How long did it take you to write your book?

Well, it’s a process. A day to write it out, rewriting over several years on occasion, while working on other stories as well. Then at the urging of my daughter I drew the illustrations and completed it. I had no idea what to do next, so I had it copyrighted. Then I heard from Dorrance!

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Stop and wait for the muse to return.

What was your favorite part to write and why?

The building of the suspense, and creating the children’s confidence in what they were discovering. Also, getting the wording at the ending just right. Why? Well, I guess when you feel you’ve nailed it it’s exhilarating!

What was it like completing your illustrations?

I was my own illustrator. I love to draw and I had the pictures in my mind. I worked hard on getting the children’s expressions to coordinate and enhance the storyline. I also found it challenging to make the ghost boy and his merging with his ‘toys’ into the sunshine. Also, since the story happens over several days I had to be accurate (e.g. matching the kids clothes to the right day.)

If you were stuck on a desert island and had to take just one person from each category who would they be and why?

–A friend or family member

My husband, Kim, because he would be the best companion. (AND if anyone could figure out how to get us rescued it would be him!)

–One fictional character

Natasha from War and Peace because she is a joyful caring soul and yet fascinating by being from such a different place and time.

–One famous person, alive or deceased

Wallace Stegnor. It would be the perfect opportunity for a writing workshop with the mentor I would be most thrilled to have. 

Besides writing, what are some of your hobbies?

Reading, drawing,  cooking, gardening,  swimming, socializing.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance?

They were great! Especially the personal assistants assigned to me along the process, starting with the encouraging, warm and wise Brenda. Thank you!

What are your favorite books of all time?

War and Peace

Angle of Repose

Gone with the Wind

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

The Bible 

As far as children’s books, there are so so many but these definitely are in my top picks:

The Maggie B – by Irene Haas

Pierre – by Maurice Sendak

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble – by William Stieg

Madeline- by Ludwig Bemelmans

When We Were very Young  – by A.A. Milne

If you were to give advice to someone who wanted to write a children’s book, what would it be?

The best advice I’ve ever received came from a concert pianist and composer. She told me “It’s more about the process than the result. Just keep working at it.”

To add to that I would say: Formulas are for chemists. Be true to your own voice and ideas. Believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities. 

What do you hope your readers will take from this book?

An exciting story, and an enhanced understanding of the joy of giving.

Thank you, Susan!

You can purchase The Christmas Ghost Boy at the Dorrance Bookstore – use code JINGLE for 25% off!

Have a Christmas children’s tale you’d like to publish? Contact us!

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When it comes to writing fiction, interesting characters are essential to a book that will keep readers engaged. Here are some tips for writing interesting characters that apply across all genres and story types.

1.) Direct vs Indirect

There are several approaches to developing interesting characters. One to keep in mind is the concept of direct vs. indirect characterization. If you have heard of “show vs. tell” before, this will be familiar.

Direct characterization is that which is told to the reader in a black-and-white manner.

Example: “The child was well-behaved as he sat in the waiting room with his mother.”

Here, the reader is told that the character of the child is acting well-behaved. It can be inferred that this means he is being quiet, respectful, or non-disruptive. The reader didn’t learn this information by observing the characters’ actions; it was told to them outright. 

Indirect characterization, on the other hand, is conveyed through other means, such as dialogue or small moments over time that the reader will have to think about to pick up on. A helpful acronym for how to achieve indirect characterization is STEAL.

2.) STEAL

The mnemonic device STEAL refers to how to accomplish indirect characterization. 

• Speech
• Thoughts
• Effect on others
• Actions
• Looks

Let’s go through each of these and see what they mean.

Speech refers to how a character talks. You can develop character through dialogue – how they speak to others and what they say.

Thoughts refers to what a character is thinking internally. You may have heard of the idea of a “internal monologue” before – a character talking to themselves. We all have a monologue in our heads and talk to ourselves. You can, as an author, show what a character is thinking through the narration. Conveying your character’s inner thoughts will make the reader feel like they know them, and they will want to know what happens to them. It will establish their character and make them more interesting.

Effect on others is how other characters react to and/or interpret the character. How does Character A, for example, react to what Character B is saying? How do they interpret Character B? This can be accomplished via dialogue – aka the characters speaking to each other. Other ways to show a character’s effect on others is through describing their body language when the character speaks or is around them, or their thoughts about the character.

Actions is what the character does. Actions can tell a lot about the character without it having to be explained. 

Looks is how the character physically appears at any given moment. For example, if they are described as smiling and sitting lazily in a chair, one can assume the character is relaxed or aloof. If they have a put-together, straightedge appearance, the reader can assume they are a Type A kind of person. Looks can also refer to facial expressions, such as reacting to their environment or what another character is saying. 

Overall, using the STEAL method will help you write interesting, well-developed characters. If you are big on taking notes about your writing, you can create a chart with each category and take notes for each character. 

3.)Flat vs round characters

Author EM Forster once said that one can think of characters as being “flat characters” or “round characters.” It is important to have both in a story. Flat characters are one-dimensional without many features. They exist in the background.

Round characters are three-dimensional characters, well-developed, with discernible features. Not all characters can be round, but  not every character should be flat. 

Most likely, your main character will be round, while background characters will be more flat. One can accomplish well-rounded characters through the STEAL method as explained above.

4.)Motivation

In order for characters to be interesting, the reader will have to be invested in their story. One way to accomplish this is to always be thinking about their motivations. Your main characters – and even those in the background – must act with purpose. Why are they doing what they are doing? You do not need to answer that question outright, and should answer it over time through the story. Keep your characters’ motivations in mind as you write your story or fiction novel. 

5.)Build on tropes

There are many character tropes out there – types of characters or molds for characters – that have been seen across time. You do not have to avoid using tropes; instead, you can build on them. Character tropes can be used for inspiration and then fleshed out more, or even subverted. Character tropes such as the Wise Elder, Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and Dumb Jock, for example, can be used as starting points for your characters. 

We hope these tips and methods will be helpful in crafting your characters for your novel!

Have a novel full of interesting characters that you would like to publish? Contact us!

The post How To Write Interesting Characters: 5 Tips to Make Readers Invested! appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

This November, Dorrance is getting you ready for the holiday season with our Homestyle Cooking Sale at the Dorrance Bookstore. Cookbooks to help you nourish yourself and family are available for a discounted price until the end of the month! See the end of this article for how to purchase.

Cookbooks have been around since human societies became literate and began writing their recipes down. The way in which cooking and baking instructions have been presented has evolved over thousands of years. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, one of the most famous Ancient Greek cookbooks is Deipnosophistai, translated as “The Learned Banquet,” which is told as a conversation between two people talking about recipes and food preparation. Ancient China and Medieval European societies before the printing press recorded recipes and encyclopedias on food and cooking as well. 

The printing press popularized cookbooks for the middle classes and introduced them as a viable part of the publishing industry. The first cookbook published in the United States of America was American Cookery by Amelia Simmons in 1796. The book has many recipes, most notably for unique roasts and cakes. Historians regard American Cookery as important to American history due to how it honors European traditions of cooking but also introduces many new wholly American recipes and approaches. These American recipes were part of a swell of American culture at the time just after the United States won the Revolutionary War and became a new independent nation. Cooking and history enthusiasts still look to American Cookery today and use its recipes to feel connected to the past!

American Cookery was not simply a list of recipes, however. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the cookbook was published by political and social leaders of Connecticut. Little is known about author Amelia Simmons other than her status as an orphan. In the book, she gives housewives tips on how to cook and keep a home, such as how to preserve foods and arrange a table in a way that would be respected. She infuses herself and her experiences into the book, lamenting the hardships of being without a family in trying to make a home. More importantly, she felt minimized by her publisher.

There were two editions of American Cookery; in the second edition she thanked the women who bought the book and aired her dissatisfaction with the first edition. This was a risk, as women had very little standing in American society at this time, especially if they were orphaned and unmarried. The success of American Cookery showed that American housewives wanted and needed guidance in how to do their only jobs from other women who had advice to give, especially if they weren’t of high social status.

American cookbooks grew steadily in popularity over the next century. As America healed from the Civil War, a new audience for cookbooks made themselves known. Homemakers in the post–Civil War era needed to learn how to cook without the help of slaves. According to the Helen Zoe Veit, writing on the rise of cookbooks in America for the Saturday Evening Post:

“…millions of formerly enslaved people fled the households where they had been compelled to live, taking their expertise with them. Upper-class Southern whites often had no idea how to light a stove, much less how to produce the dozens of complicated dishes they had enjoyed eating, and the same people who had worked to keep enslaved people illiterate now rued the dearth of written recipes. For decades after the war, there was a boom in cookbooks, often written by white women, attempting to approximate antebellum recipes.”

In 1896, The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book was published, which filled some of this gap of knowledge, and also appealed to a general audience across America. This cookbook sold a record amount of copies and was a whopping 567 pages long. Fannie Merrit Farmer was the editor of The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, which remains in print with over seven million copies sold.

In the 20th century, a cookbook production and purchasing boom happened. By the 1950s, American women had new technologies for the kitchen and new innovations at the grocery store that opened up a new world of culinary undertaking. Additionally, measurements in recipes in cookbooks became precise and standardized, and measuring devices were more readily available. Food brands began publishing their own recipes and cookbooks in an effort to get Americans to purchase their specific brand. The character of Betty Crocker, for example, was created to sell Betty Crocker brand baking mix through the image of the ideal American housewife. Cookbooks were written for women, as society still dictated that the kitchen and homemaking was strictly the domain of women. These norms began to relax later in the 20th century. By the end of the 20th century, television had created several celebrity chefs who were household names and published their own cookbooks to roaring success. 

In the 21st century, cookbooks have continued in popularity, with more options than ever as to the kinds of cuisines and traditions they come from. Cookbooks are mainstays of the publishing industry. Their popularity has not waned, even in an age of being able to find recipes on the internet. With cooking shows on the internet and celebrity chefs more popular than ever, it is safe to say that cookbooks will not be disappearing anytime soon. 

Sources:

American Cookbooks in the 1950s – Wikipedia 

Smithsonian Magazine

Saturday Evening Post 

Encyclopedia Britannica

Check out the Dorrance Bookstore Homestyle Cooking Sale!

Do YOU have a cookbook you would like to publish? CONTACT US!

The post The Tasty and Unique History of Cookbooks! appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

We talked to Ms. Parks about her inspiration for writing the book and more!

Name: Malissa Parks

Hometown: Grew up in Carson, CA and now reside in Long Beach, CA.

Book Title: “I Like Being Brown, This Family & Hero 44”

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

A keepsake for families that teaches young learners to read.

What made you want to write your book?

I wrote this book because of the relevance of the most historical moment in African American History.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took a year to write this book.

What do you do when you have writer’s block? 

Due to the history that is apparent behind writing this book, I never experienced writer’s block because I definitely was inspired by God. He gave me the wisdom so I knew exactly what I wanted to write about and it came to me naturally!  I knew what I wanted to say and how I wanted to present it. As an educator, I am very passionate about writing, especially writing about a topic that teaches.   

What was your favorite part to write and why?

My favorite part in Small Trilogy is in the story “I Like Being Brown” when Richard, the character, realizes he could be whatever he wanted to be, just being himself!

If your book includes illustrations, what was it like working with your illustrator? 

It was great working with all three of my illustrators. With my son and my nephew as two of them, it was really a surreal moment!! I really pride all three young men on making each picture come alive in the minds of children.

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

-One friend or family member:

My son because he’s always been my little protector.

-One fictional character:

Character in the book, Richard because of his big imagination!

–One famous person (living or dead):

Maya Angelou because I love her thought process when creating some of her most famous and cultural poems and quotes.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy skating, swimming, singing and socializing.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

The main characters would be Viola Davis, Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington, Tyler James Williams, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lewis with a splash of Sherri Shepard.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Receiving my Author’s copy of my finished project!

Five favorite books of all time?

“Becoming,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Of Thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters,” “Beloved,” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a children’s book?

To write a good children’s book, you must be a creative writer with a big imagination that kids can relate to!

You can purchase I Like Being Brown now at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Have an educational children’s book you’d like to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Malissa Parks, “I Like Being Brown, This Family & Hero 44” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: David Rey

Book Title: Larceny on 34th Street: An In-Depth Look at Professional Shoplifting in One of the World’s Largest Stores

Hometown: Parsippany, NJ

What made you want to write and publish this book?

When people think of organized crime, they think of the mafia or drug cartel but most of the general public is unaware of the network of professional shoplifters that make up Organized Retail Crime and the daily threat they pose to retailers. I wanted to be the first to bring this issue to the public’s attention as it is a fascinating story.

How long did it take to write the book?

I had been brainstorming ideas and putting together rough drafts for about a year before the pandemic. Once the shutdown took place, It was important to me that I used that time to do something meaningful. While some may have used the time off for relaxation and recreation, I saw it as a golden opportunity to devote my time to the book’s completion, which I eventually achieved by the end of 2020.

What was the most difficult part of putting this book together?

The most difficult part was putting myself in a position to do something I had never done before. If ever there was a time I had willingly exited my comfort zone, this was it. Creative writing was certainly not in my repertoire so I knew I was taking a big risk. I took inspiration from several nonfiction works I had in my personal library such as “Way of the Wolf” by Jordan Belfort, to help me map a blueprint and structure for my memoir. While proof-reading the chapters, I put myself in the reader’s shoes and looked at the content from a critical lens. Would I have been entertained by this if I was the reader? Would I have felt as if I learned something new and fascinating if I was the reader? The journey was difficult but it was necessary.

What was your favorite part to write and why?

Chapter 5 titled “Professional Shoplifting Strategies and Techniques” was where I felt this book hit its stride. I wanted to emphasize how turbulent yet unique working at Macy’s Herald Square could be. I kept looking for ways to introduce the clever tactics of shoplifters to the reader while also not losing sight of how wild an atmosphere the store was. I felt I was able to effectively incorporate both concepts into that chapter, which then set the tone for the remainder of the book.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

Government and world affairs has always been another passion of mine. Ever since I was in grade school, I was fascinated with local politics and how the news had covered it. Following up on this passion, I recently enrolled at Harvard in their Division of Continuing Education, to pursue my graduate degree in Government. With the scholastic skills I am developing in this program, it is my hope that I will be better prepared for a future career in public service, if or when I choose to go down that path.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

When achieving a personal goal, my first thought is to always make sure I celebrate with the people I’m hoping will benefit most from the accomplishment, my family. Therefore when I succeed at something, I make sure to spend the time celebrating with my wife and kids. I hope to serve as an inspiration to my kids and encourage them to have ambition. The more I celebrate with them, the more I hope to foster an environment that encourages motivation.  

What do you hope readers take from the book?

I mentioned in the beginning of my book that television, podcasts and other forms of entertainment have been saturated by courtroom and police drama shows. It is my hope that I am able to provide a unique and fresh story for my readers that they wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else. I don’t want to just tell a story but also teach my readers something new and fascinating.

By the end of the book, hopefully I’ve done a good job introducing the reader to the rarely seen world of Organized Retail Crime while also helping them gain a better understanding of the social science of why people commit crime.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Certainly the artistic freedom was something that made this process enjoyable. When researching other author’s journeys through the production process of their respective books, I heard stories about the micromanaging and constant oversight coming from their publishers. Some had to remove entire chapters or make wholesale changes to their manuscripts.

Dorrance Publishing respects and supports their author’s intellectual ideas and creativity. I had a story to tell and a certain way I wanted to tell it. I thank Dorrance Publishing for supporting my vision.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get into law enforcement or criminology?

To those who are interested in the industry, I have several pieces of advice. Firstly, keep an open mind to learning more about why crime exists and why people choose to commit it. Many people see criminal behavior as black and white with no gray areas. It is important to be educated in crime causation theories before getting into this line of work.

Secondly, one should have the ability to be desensitized by the violence associated with some criminal behavior. You will be exposed to it at some point and how you let it affect you could impact your desire to stay in this industry long term.

Finally, successfully investigating a crime or some unethical incident is definitely rewarding. If you love being able to uncover dishonesty or criminal behavior and then seeing the investigation all the way through to its successful completion, this could be a fun job for you.

Thank you, David!

Larceny on 34th Street is available for purchase at the Dorrance Bookstore. 

Do you have a unique job you’d like to write about? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: David Rey, “Larceny on 34th Street: An In-Depth Look at Professional Shoplifting in One of the World’s Largest Stores” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

October is finally here, which means it’s time to load up on scary stories. Whether you need a tale to tell around the bonfire or are writing your first novel, here are some tips on how to write a good scary story.

1. ) Atmosphere

Use the five senses in order to build a compelling, believable, and most of all, spooky atmosphere for your tale. Describe your setting by showing the reader how things smell, taste, what they hear, and what their surroundings look like in great detail. Research locations and photography of them for inspiration, and practice describing what you see. 

2.) Avoid shock value

While jumpscares and sudden gore work in movies to scare audiences, these don’t always translate well in the written word. Avoid sudden shocking scenes designed to scare. Instead, build up to scares gradually. If your story is shorter, save the scariest plot point for last. 

3.) Tropes are your friend

Horror is a genre built on tropes, aka familiar story forms or plots that can be used over and over again. Audiences appreciate the familiarity of a haunted house on a hill or a teen slasher where one final girl survives. What happens around those concepts is what will set your story apart from the crowd and make it your own. 

4.) Have a message

Horror stories and novels are meant to give readers a thrill, but think about why your story is scary– and why you’re telling it. What is it that you want your audience to beware of? What scary part of life or our society are you highlighting? 

5.) Characterization and plot

Think about whether you want your story to be more character-centered or plot-centered. This will help anchor the story and help you decide how to deliver the best scares. A character-centered scary story will be more psychological in nature and focus on a character’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences as something happens to them. A more plot-centered story will focus on scary happenings or events, and may have multiple characters’ points of view. 

We hope these tips are helpful throughout your very own Spooktober!

For more inspiration, check out these VAMPIRE AND WEREWOLF books on sale at the Dorrance Bookstore!

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