Winter is the perfect time to get comfy with your favorite hot beverage and write. For both fiction and nonfiction writers, it may be hard to get started. Here are some winter and holiday season writing prompts to warm your writing brain up!

Fiction/Character Writing

Christmas Tree Farm 

Write your characters traveling to a Christmas tree farm to pick out a tree. 

Snowman

Write your characters building a snowman. How do they make it? Do they cooperate well? What does the snowman look like?

Gifts

Describe the process a character goes through picking out a gift for their friend or significant other.

Scenery

Use sensory language to describe a snowy winter weather scene. Think about the five senses – sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. 

Grinch

Relay a short story that explains why a character doesn’t enjoy the holiday season.

Nonfiction/Personal Writing

Preserve a memory

Describe your favorite holiday of the past in detail.

Christmas in the Snow… or Sun?

What does the holiday season look like where you live? Write a paragraph about what weather you associate with the holidays.

Food

Describe your favorite holiday food.

Meaning

What do the holidays mean to you?

Pets

Describe holiday memories with your pets.

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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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It is time to relax under the sun, but it’s certainly not the time to stop writing. Here are some summer themed writing prompts to get the inspiration flowing.

Observe and describe  – nature, a street scene, & more

Sit outside, observe, and write down what  you see. This may sound odd, but practicing your skills with descriptive language will make you a better writer. Use your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) and remember to show rather than tell.

Observe and describe a street scene, a walk in the park, or anything else that comes to mind. 

Summer camp

Imagine your characters as participants at summer camp. What do they do? How do they act? Write a scene of your characters in such a situation.

Beach day

Take your characters on a trip to the beach!

Write outdoors

Continue your current writing project, but write outdoors if able. Use a laptop or even good old-fashioned pen and paper as you get out of the office and into a new environment! You will be surprised how new surroundings inspire creativity. 

Writing Streak

Have you ever used the language learning app Duolingo? Many use the app religiously, both to learn a new language and to maintain their streak on the app. Why not take this same principle to writing – start and maintain a streak of consecutive days you’ve written something! Keep track of the days with a calendar, and see if you can make it the whole summer.

(Or, see if one of these productivity apps will work for you.) 

Writing Coach

And as always – we are here to help you meet your writing goals! Get inspired by a Dorrance writing coach this summer. Learn more here.

Happy summer, and happy writing!

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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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When you think about publishing a book, chances are your first thought is a fictional novel or a nonfiction book such as an autobiography. But there are many types of books out there that you may not have thought about. We have published many unique books over the years that might not be the typical novel or memoir. Everyone has a book in them. Here are some examples of unique books you can publish with us. 

Cookbooks

Share your favorite recipes with the world by publishing a cookbook! Cookbooks are timeless publications. In fact, they have some of the longest print runs of any book! With this in mind, if you are passionate about cooking and the power of food, consider publishing a cookbook.

Family histories

Preserve your family legacy with a book about your family. Tell the story of your family tree through words and photos, all in one place for future generations. We have published several such books over the years.

Show off your collections

Many people collect things. Show off your collections by publishing a book about them. Taking photos of your collections and cataloging each item is a great way to preserve the collection and connect with other hobbyists. One unique collection we have published is a book about a glassware collection!

Photography books

Professional photographers and hobbyists alike can publish a book of their original photography. Full color photo books make a nice addition to a coffee table or a bookshelf, and they serve as part of your portfolio of works as an artist! 

Dissertations and thesis papers

Have you ever written a big academic project such as a PhD dissertation or a Master’s thesis? Publish the finished product! Put your name alongside other scholars and make a physical copy of your research available.

Lesson plans

Teachers and educators can share their lessons with others by publishing books of lesson plans. 

Humor and jokes

There will always be a need for humor in this world. Publish a book of humorous stories and jokes!

Bottom line: If you can dream it, you can publish it. When you have your book idea, let us know!

The post Unique Kinds of Books You Can Publish: Cookbooks, Photography Books, and More appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Imagine: you have an idea for a novel or short story. You have mapped out your plot, and sketched out the world your characters will be living in. You have all of the details, except for one important thing – your characters’ names! If you are stumped trying to think of character names, here are some ways you can go about naming fictional characters. 

Name meaning

You can name your characters by choosing names that align with their character traits. Most first names and last names have a meaning that has carried on throughout time. Use the internet to search for name meanings. You can look up the meanings of names you already know, or search for names that mean a certain thing. Behind the Name is a leading site for first name meaning, as well as Babynames.com. Behind the Name also has a section dedicated to last name (or surname) meanings. 

Personal connections

Honor family members or friends by naming characters after real life loved ones. However, use first names only – it’s unwise to give out personal identifiers for a story the public will read. 

Random generator

You may have no ideas for a character name, or be completely fine with letting a random name generator decide for you. An online random name generator can be a great solution when you want to come up with something totally fresh and new for your characters’ names. Random Name Generator will generate first and last names according to parameters you set. The random name generator from Behind The Name will generate first names, last names, and middle names in a wide variety of categories. 

Ethnicity and Nationality

Similar to searching by name meanings, you can search names by country of origin and ethnic group to find ones that fit your characters. 

Historical Context/Age

If you have a good idea about what time period your characters are living in, you can look through a list of popular baby names for the year they were born. For example, if your character is 50 years old, search for popular names from 1973. 

Maybe your story takes place in a different time period than the present. There are also records of names that were popular in bygone historical eras. You can find an Ancient Roman name, or perhaps a  medieval name for your story set in the Middle Ages (500-1500)! Behind the Name remains the most comprehensive site for these types of searches. 

Bottom line

At the end of the day, character names are important to your fictional novel. They help create meaning and create the character’s identity. They help brand your book as uniquely yours. And who knows – someday they may even become famous!

The post How to Name Characters for Short Stories and Novels appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

This ancient Mesopotamian disk shows Enheduanna (second from left) in what is likely a religious procession. COURTESY PENN MUSEUM

Enheduanna’s father, King Sargon, took over Sumer, in what we now know as Iraq. He selected his daughter to be the priestess of Nanna the moon god, according to their religious practices. King Sargon was also ruler of the Akkadian people, which meant there were then two cultural groups of people under his rule.

In an attempt to unite the people, Enheduanna wrote about a goddess that was a fusion of the Sumerian Inanna and the Akkadian goddess, Ishtar. This fusion appeared in The Exaltation of Inanna, which made her the first named author in history. Others had written in the ancient world, but Enheduanna was the first to have her name attached to her writings.

Ishtar, the Akkadian war goddess who Enheduanna merged with the Sumerian goddess Inanna. COURTESY ORIENTAL INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

According to historian Majdolene Dajani, Enheduanna’s role was not just a writer. Her role as high priestess would’ve been a political one. While it is hard to grasp what the life of a priestess in the 23rd century BC would’ve been like, it can be inferred that the role was important due to how these ancient cultures treated their religious faith.

The high priestess would’ve facilitated worship of the gods. Historians have also found a “King’s List” – a list of the kings that ruled, with the priestesses in power during their reigns listed alongside them. This means the role of high priestess was important to these ancient cultures.

These tablets are inscribed with Enheduanna’s The Exaltation of Inanna. KLAUS WAGENSONNER/COURTESY YALE BABYLONIAN COLLECTION

Specifically, Enheduanna’s writing for the Sumerian and Akkadian people was important. The story of the fusion of the goddesses Ishtar and Inanna that Enheduanna wrote in The Exaltation of Inanna remained popular in the Mesopotamian region for many years after, which was not the case for other gods of the time. 

Modern historians until now have not considered that a woman might hold such a powerful role in Ancient Sumerian culture. According to Dajani, when Enheduanna’s writings were discovered, modern scholars dismissed them and didn’t take them seriously. Luckily, there have been changes in attitude toward women’s roles historically.

Now, we can examine ancient rulers like Enheduanna as part of a long tradition of women writers in history. Enheduanna wrote in first person, inserting herself and her convictions into the narrative. 

Have a story to tell? 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.

The post New Year, New Book: 5 Tips To Help You Write More in 2023 appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

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!

The post Author Spotlight: Susan J. Logan, “The Christmas Ghost Boy” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Mary Franklin

Hometown: Muskogee

Describe your book in ten words or less: The evil was taking souls deep into darkness for eternity.

What made you want to write the book?

My friend Steven who also is a writer encouraged me to write and not stop or give up.        

How long did it take you to write the book?

5 years of going through data. The case packet is 18 inches thick.

How did you become interested in paranormal investigating?

My parents always spoke about ghosts. I decided at a young age to prove them wrong. I  now know they were not far from wrong. I had questions about the afterlife nobody could answer. So I have been searching for years for some sort of answer to my questions. 

How did you decide what paranormal occurrences or anecdotes to include in the book?

It wasn’t easy. I chose parts that showed demonic infestation are dangerous and can effect our daily lives. Tearing at the very heart of our soul.

What was your favorite chapter or part to write and why?

It had to be bishop Kelly. He gave me words of wisdom. He encouraged me to be safe and stand on my faith. He gave his life trying to cleanse the evil from the house.

Besides paranormal investigating, what are your other interests?

 I am a member of ASPCA. I rescue and place animals in safe forever homes. I teach our young native children about their heritage and preserving our traditions.

How did you celebrate publishing your book?

Besides jumping up and down and smiling feeling proud. My husband and I went out and had a very lovely meal.

Any advice for those looking to get into the paranormal investigation?

Always be respectful of those you can’t see or hear. And not everything is paranormal. Look for the rational before the irrational. But most of all have fun and document everything. 

What do you hope readers will take away from The Murder Suicide House?

To be careful in what you do in the paranormal, evil is all around us just waiting to be released. Be careful in what you do in the paranormal and be respectful. If all seems to be terrifying just leave. Don’t play where evil lives.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Everyone was so helpful and helped me every step of my journey. I have learned so much from everyone. I highly recommend Dorrance Publishing to any new writer.

You can purchase The Murder Suicide House at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Do you want to publish your paranormal or true crime book? Contact us!

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