Learn how to start a story using 12 unique methods, with examples and actionable steps to craft an opening that hooks readers from the first line.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• The beginning of a story: an overview
• How to start a story: 12 methods + examples
• How to write the beginning of a story: 3 steps

The beginning of a story: an overview

The beginning of your story is your first—and perhaps only—chance to hook readers. A strong opening doesn’t just grab attention; it sets the tone, introduces the character’s predicament, and reveals the central conflict. These elements are non-negotiable, but how you present them is where creativity shines.

Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy, a cozy mystery, or a contemporary romance, the way you open your story should align with your themes, genre, and the emotional experience you want to create for readers. From diving straight into the action to opening with a subtle, symbolic detail, you have many options...

Explore 13 transformative books—fiction and nonfiction—that inspire, challenge, and change lives across generations.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What makes a book life-changing?
• What I look for in a life-changing book
• How I compiled this book list
• 13 books that will change your life

What makes a book life-changing?

Books have the power to shape how we see the world, understand ourselves, and engage with others. Some books, however, go beyond mere influence and spark profound shifts. Life-changing books call on us to reexamine our beliefs, shift our mindset, and embrace a new way of being. They don't just entertain or inform; they become part of who we are. 

What I look for in a life-changing book 

For me, a truly transformative book is one that broadens my understanding and challenges my perspective. I’m drawn to works that:

• Explore history, how it unfolds and what lessons it holds for us today.
• Speculate about humanity's future,...

Discover the role of conflict in a story, different types of story conflict, and the steps to creating meaningful conflict in your story.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is conflict in a story?
• Types of story conflict
• The purpose of story conflict 
• Story conflict examples
• How to create conflict in your story: 6 steps

What is conflict in a story?

Story conflict is the central problem, challenge, or dilemma that the main character must confront to reach their goal. It’s the force that drives the character’s journey and keeps readers engaged. Conflict creates obstacles, stakes, and tension as the character navigates difficult situations that stand in the way of their desires.

Often, the conflict and the character’s goal are intertwined. For example, imagine a commoner and a prince in love, hoping to marry, only to be blocked by a disapproving royal family. The story unfolds as they strive to convince the royals to bless their union—or consider...

Find the right social media expert to help you connect with readers, build your author brand, and promote your work. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Why authors should leverage social media
• 3 social media and book marketing experts 
• Choosing the right social media platform
• Additional resources for building your author brand 

Why authors should leverage social media

As an author, you can use social media to share your work, ideas, and personality. It’s a way for potential readers to get to know your style before your book is even published and gives you a head start on building an audience that’s excited to read your work.

Building a following and standing out on social media presents several challenges to be aware of. Which social media platform should you choose? How do you master each platform's tools and meet audience expectations? How do you balance time between writing and content creation? What's the best way to stand out and get...

Explore three bestselling author website examples and get inspiration for developing your own site. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Overview
• James Clear: clean, book-centric design
• Sarah J. Mass: enchanting, immersive design
• Mark Manson: bold, life-centric approach
• Next steps

Overview 

Building an author website is a game-changer and a necessary step in growing your reader base. As I explore in my article, "Launch Your Author Website in 7 Steps," there are many benefits to having a website, even if your first site is simple and lean. Think of a website as a digital hub for your writing career, a dedicated space where you can showcase your work, connect with readers, and introduce them to who you are and what you write.

And remember: your site can grow as your writing career grows. As you build skills, complete projects, and build your audience, you can add content to your site that leads site visitors on an engaging journey through your work.  

In...

A quick start guide to launching your author website, sharing your work, and attracting loyal readers. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz 

CONTENTS

• Benefits of an author website
• How to build an author website: 7 steps
• What’s next? Building your author brand beyond the website

Benefits of an author website

Imagine having a space online that’s all yours—a place where readers, publishers, and literary agents can find you and your work with just a few clicks. Your author website helps you stand out and establish your brand. It’s your personal platform where you control the story, share updates, showcase your writing, and amplify your voice in the world of books.

Whether you’re sharing sample chapters, posting blog articles, or simply letting readers know more about your journey as a writer, your website offers endless opportunities to connect.

Here's the best part:

• Building your first author website can be a smooth and exciting process, even if you don't...

Practice eight advanced strategies for developing a stand-out writing style readers crave. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Overview
• 8 advanced writing style strategies 
• Final writing style thoughts

Overview

Discover easy steps you can take to transform your writing in minutes. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Writing style overview
• 6 easy writing style tips
• Final writing style considerations

Writing style overview

What is writing style? Writing style refers to the unique way you express yourself in words. It includes sentence structure, tone, and word choice, as well as how these elements relate to the overall message and meaning of a piece of writing.

No matter your genre—fiction, blogging, content marketing, or creative nonfiction—improving your writing style makes your work more engaging. It helps you communicate ideas with your readers more effectively.

Below, you'll find 6 quick tips you can apply to a short writing sample to see instant results.

6 easy writing tips 

Grab a short sample of your writing, something that matters to you, in any genre. Then, use these tips to refine the sample quickly and see improvements right away. This is your chance to...

Explore 14 diverse styles of creative writing and experiment with different techniques to develop your own style. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is style in creative writing?
• Why do you need a writing style?
• 14 creative writing styles
• 5 writing style exercises 

What is style in creative writing? 

Style in creative writing refers to the distinct way a writer uses language to express ideas, create atmosphere, and shape the reader’s experience. It encompasses the choices you make at the sentence level, including word choice, syntax, rhythm, and tone, to achieve a particular effect and set your work apart.

Beyond these smaller components, creative writing style can include broader elements like narrative voice, pacing, and structure, all of which reflect the themes, characters, and emotions of your story.

Let's consider some examples:

• You might tell a story about a lonely, isolated widow using a somber, melancholy style, with sparse, understated...

Explore the vast array of top-rated creative writing courses on different genres and topics, available online and open to the public (no application). 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is a creative writing course?
• 18 creative writing courses 
• How to choose the right course for you
• FAQ 

What is a creative writing course?

A creative writing course is an educational program that helps creative writers master their craft and complete writing projects. As a creative writer, you'll find many valuable courses that cover all facets of writing, from getting started and learning specific techniques, to getting published and promoting your work. 

However, not all courses for writers are creative writing courses.

In a true creative writing course, you'll find a heavy emphasis on craft, the specific techniques involved in creative writing, such as developing fictional characters, structuring a plot, or refining your style. Most creative...