Do you have a young reader in your life? We have a handful of books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following young children’s books, and there is something for little bookworms of all ages in this list.

The Cat Who Chased Ghosts by Nic Minnella

With a 4.6 average star rating, The Cat Who Chased Ghosts is recommended for children 9-14 years old and tells the story of a haunted house, a paranormal cat, and the power of friendship.

“What a lovely and fun book! It follows the Thompson family as they move into an old house they’ve inherited. The story takes a turn when their son Timmy forms a bond with Whiskers. It’s charming and entertaining, and the characters are delightful. The book is on the longer side for a children’s book, but the story is engaging enough. A must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure with a little bit of the supernatural. Check it out, you won’t regret it,” Sanjin explains in their five-star Amazon review.

Melvin C. raves in his five-star Amazon review, “The Cat Who Chased Ghosts by Nic Minnella is a captivating and enchanting tale that transports readers into a world of mystery and adventure. With a perfect blend of suspense and charm, the story follows a brave cat on a thrilling quest to uncover secrets and chase away ghosts. Minnella’s engaging writing and vivid storytelling make this book an irresistible read for children and adults alike, ensuring every page is filled with wonder and excitement.”

Test of the Champion by Ann Hassler

With a 4.7 average star rating, this book is recommended for readers 7-12 years old, and tells the story of a young philly, as she sets out to be the fastest horse on the track.

“I have a wild mustang horse who loves children and I was looking for some books for kids to read to him. I’m so glad I picked this book from Amazon! The sweet horse in the story stays focused and values her friends. I really like it.” Tess G. writes in her five-star Amazon review. 

“My niece loved the story and how Indy overcame her obstacles! A true test of the champion, it’s a delightful story to inspire young girls (and boys), give them confidence… and even some ideas for overcoming bullying. We recommend it and will share our book with young members of our family,” newchild shares in their five-star Amazon review.

I Want to Stay in Kindergarten by Carmit Rachel Swed

With a 4.4 average star rating, I Want to Stay in Kindergarten is meant for children who are getting ready to transition from Kindergarten to first grade. It’s also helpful for parents who are seeking to support their child’s transition.

“Carmit Rachel Swed gives a heartwarming glance at the emotions one goes through when saying goodbye. I don’t think many people really think about what it means to say good-bye as a child and Swed manages to capture it in a way that everyone can understand. For a child reading this book it gives validation to things they may be feeling about moving on to the next grade in school. While aimed at kindergarteners the feelings could also extend to 1st and perhaps 2nd graders as well. The illustrations are wonderful and will capture the imagination of many.

I would recommend this to anyone who had a child who was having a hard time saying good-bye at the end of the school year,” Jen B. explains in her five-star Amazon review.

Dan P. writes in his five-star Amazon review, “I have a 5 year old kid that’s also leaving her kindergarten so this is a great book for my family. The book captures this sensitive subject in a beautiful and emotional way…I really recommend it.”

Lily Firehands and the Secret of Warmth by Craig Philip Staufenberg

With a 4.4 average star rating, Lily Firehands and the Secret of Warmth tells the story of Lily, who was born in a boat surrounded by frozen water. Will she ever be able to experience anything other than the cold? The title is recommended for readers ages six and up.

Maia N. writes in her five-star Amazon review, “Such a gorgeous book, from the illustrations and coloring to the incredibly thoughtful and engaging writing. The world building is executed beautifully, and the central message (for readers and Miss Lily alike) is oh so insightful. A great read for all ages, and especially for those who need to remember to let the light in.”

Monika J. writes in her five-star Amazon review, “This is a creative and inspiring story that will delight both children and adults. It promotes healthy ideas and demonstrates how strength comes in many forms. The beautiful artistry will draw in young readers and allow them to enter into a fairy tale land, rich with imagination.”

The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell & Thorir Sigfusson

With a 4.8 average star rating, The Bird Caper is part of The Crow’s Tales series, which is meant for middle grade readers. In this installment, Brandon must clear his reputation and friendships after a string of odd bird related incidents implicate him and his pet crow.

Victoria explains in her five star Amazon review, “The Bird Caper was a sweet, innocent story of friendship, shared values, and that love for animals and pets that can be more profound when kids are going through stages of development where they feel awkward and unsure…The character development is certainly this story’s strength…The Bird Caper is a delightful, poignant story that captures the art of fine storytelling without relying on sensationalism or racy themes. Rather, positive qualities of friendship, loyalty, patience, and curiosity are depicted in a way that is uplifting and appealing.”

“The first book The Bird Caper in the first The Crow’s Tale series by Victoria Pannell, and Thorir Sigfusson is an amazing, and creative story that is perfect for middle school readers and parents. Extremely well written, with great character descriptions, balanced, and relatable. It’s fun, and educational with subtle hints of problem solving emotional ups , and downs of growing up where friendships, moving to a new house can become a big issue for a school aged child…The Bird Caper is a great book for middle school kids, and their parents, and would make a perfect dinner table discussion for both. Honestly SO SO worth reading,” agrees Hildagarrison writes in her five star Amazon review.

Hidden Gems readers got to read these promising children’s books first, so if you want more stories and guides to add to your kiddo’s reading list, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review once they’re done.

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In every great adventure or thriller, there’s a moment when the heroes seem destined to fail, where the odds are so overwhelmingly against them that victory feels impossible. It’s these high-stakes moments that grip readers, keeping them on the edge of their seats, with hearts and minds racing in anticipation. But crafting such scenes isn’t just about throwing your characters into peril—it’s about creating tension that feels real and stakes that resonate deeply with your readers.

In today’s blog, Ginger discusses the art of incorporating high-tension scenes into your adventure stories and thrillers. With a variety of examples pulled from popular fiction, he explores why it’s crucial to make your heroes’ success seem uncertain, yet, when achieved, retrospectively inevitable. To do this, he offers practical tips on crafting climaxes that deliver both surprise and satisfaction. The addition of these unforgettable moments will lead your readers to experience the thrill of victory alongside your characters, making for truly memorable storytelling.

I recently watched Guy Ritchie’s fantastic WWII action/adventure movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and I absolutely loved it (warning: minor spoilers to this movie ahead). It was a rollicking adventure story, it was based on real historical events (and even including Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, as a character) and it featured something that I really enjoy in my WWII films – the gratuitous slaughter of dozens and dozens of Nazis. 

(As Indiana Jones said: “Nazis – I hate these guys.)

But I’ll be honest – there was something missing from The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. As the film reached its climax, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d never really felt like our intrepid band of heroes was really in danger.  

Yes, the femme fatale of the operation, Marjorie Stewart, did get captured by villainous Nazi Heinrich Luhr – but barely broke a nail before emptying her semi-automatic between his eyes. Likewise, commando Henry Hayes got hit by a bullet in the final act of the movie – but he seemed to be in perfect health when we saw him in subsequent scenes.

I felt the biggest letdown in an otherwise fantastic movie was the fact that I never truly believed that our heroes would fail, and that made it a slightly flat viewing experience. There was even a moment when star Henry Cavill, as Major Gus March-Phillips, announced that “stealth mode was over” during a raid on a Nazi POW camp – and that made me think that the entire film was kind of like watching a playthrough of a WWII First-Person Perspective shooter game.

It made me think of how important it is for adventure stories and thrillers to have a moment in which it truly seems like the heroes aren’t going to succeed in their mission. There’s always a moment in a good heist movie in which part of the plan goes wrong. There’s always a moment in a good action movie in which the heroes suddenly face insurmountable odds. The seeming inevitability of failure makes a well-written twist – one that gives our heroes a second chance – incredibly satisfying to watch or read.

That’s why in this week’s blog post, I wanted to write about incorporating high-tension scenes like that into your own adventure stories and thrillers – and provide some examples from popular fiction of adventure stories that got that part absolutely right.

Conflict Creates Stories

I don’t need to tell you this, but I will anyway: Conflict is the lifeblood of every story. It’s the engine that drives the plot, the tension that keeps readers engaged, and the catalyst for character growth. Without conflict, your story is a flatline, a lifeless expanse devoid of drama and excitement.

Every story, regardless of genre, requires conflict. It can be internal, like a character’s moral dilemma, or external, like a battle against a powerful antagonist. Either way, it’s the escalating nature of conflict, building to a crescendo of tension and uncertainty, that truly captivates readers.

The Third Act Showdown

The third act is where conflict normally reaches its zenith. That’s where you’ll find the moment at which your characters are backed into a corner, seemingly without hope. The stakes are at their highest, and the outcome is uncertain. This is where the magic happens.

Consider some classic examples. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and Sam are confronted by the overwhelming power of Mount Doom and nearly succumb to it despite having survived all the hardships that led them to that point.

In the movie Die Hard, John McClane is outnumbered, outgunned, and trapped in the final moments of the movie with only two rounds left in his semi-automatic. 

Or in Casablanca, think of the final scenes in which Rick Blaine must choose between love and duty, a decision with life-or-death consequences. Does he selfishly escape with Isla? Knowing that he’d be condemning her husband to deportation to the concentration camps? Or sacrifice everything he’s built in Casablanca to give Isla and her husband a chance to flee?

It’s moments like this which keep readers and viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately wanting to know how the characters will escape this seemingly inescapable predicament. The most memorable movies and books then deliver a solution to this crisis that is both surprising and satisfying – delivering a twist that we didn’t see coming, but which makes perfect sense in the context of the story.

John McClane revealing that he’d duct-taped his Beretta to his back, for example – or Gollum appearing at the climax of The Return of the King and biting Frodo’s finger off – inadvertently releasing him from the thrall of the One True Ring.

It’s moments like these which give your audience a visceral thrill – and even if they don’t remember the exact details of your clever plot twist, they’ll always remember how it made then feel.

Delivering the Perfect Climax

The key to a satisfying climax is careful planning. It’s not enough to simply throw a curveball at your readers, or provide a deus ex machina solution like the cavalry suddenly appearing on the horizon. The twist must be earned, surprising, but seem inevitable in retrospect. 

Off the top of my head, I can provide some examples from films and stories in which the writers got that wrong. In Avengers: Endgame, for example, it wasn’t very satisfying that our heroes were only saved from annihilation by the sudden arrival of the over-buffed Captain Marvel – leading many critics to complain that the entire film wouldn’t have happened if she’d just been part of the team from the very beginning.

Likewise, to throw some shade at Lord of the Rings despite having just praised its ending – I wasn’t a big fan of how Gandalf’s great eagles suddenly appeared to rescue Sam and Frodo from the edge of Mount Doom, leading many to wonder why the two hobbits hadn’t just flown there in the first place. 

Here are some tips for how to craft that kind of clever twist – and how to avoid getting it wrong:

• Plant the seeds early: Subtle hints and foreshadowing can prepare readers for the unexpected – like how Gollum’s inner conflict set the stage for him returning at the end frenzied with jealousy over “his precious” ring being on Frodo’s finger. 
• Raise the stakes gradually: Build tension steadily throughout the story to amplify the impact of the climax – like how John McClane has his feet shredded by broken glass, his body beaten black and blue, and then his ammo almost depleted before he finds himself facing down the last of the Die Hard terrorists.
• Create believable obstacles: The challenges your characters face should be formidable but not insurmountable. You want to feel like your characters are truly facing defeat – but their surprise victory needs to still seem believable, otherwise it falls flat.
• Leverage character strengths and weaknesses: Explore how your characters’ traits contribute to or hinder their ability to overcome adversity. Often the twist that allows our heroes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat involves one of the characters finally reaching the end of their character arc and overcoming their own weaknesses.
• Subvert expectations: Surprise your readers with a twist that challenges their assumptions. As I mentioned before – whatever allows your characters to seize victory should seem inevitable in retrospect, but utterly unexpected in the moment.
• Find a satisfying resolution: However your heroes reach the ending of their adventure, it should provide closure while leaving room for future possibilities. In Star Wars they destroy the Death Star, for example, but must still continue the battle against the evil Empire in subsequent movies. 

Remember, the goal is to create a visceral sense of relief when your heroes overcome their final obstacle. They should emerge from this ordeal changed and strengthened – and they should deserve to triumph, even though they’d almost succumbed to despair. 

Tips for Crafting Unforgettable Conflict

• Identify your protagonist’s deepest desire: What does your character want more than anything? Will their rescue in the final moments come from sacrificing their chance to claim what they want the most?
• Create a formidable antagonist: This could be a person, a force of nature, or even an internal conflict – but it has to seem almost insurmountable. My problem with the climax of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare was that the Nazis never felt like they posed a REAL threat to our badass commandos, and that’s why the third act wasn’t as tense as I’d have liked it to be.
• Increase the stakes progressively: Each challenge should be more difficult than the last. Ramping up the tension has your audience on the edge of their seats. Think of all the things John McClane had to survive before he finally confronted Hans Gruber. The audience almost felt as beaten and exhausted as our hero did by the time we reached that seminal scene. 
• Introduce unexpected twists and turns: Keep readers guessing about the outcome. Whatever twist you have coming should make sense, but it should also be completely unexpected. In Return of the King, for example, we’d assumed that Frodo and Sam had seen the last of Gollum, and his sudden reappearance made narrative sense, but was totally unexpected.
• Don’t be afraid to make your characters suffer: Conflict is often accompanied by pain and loss. Sometimes it takes the heroes losing everything to finally realize that they have nothing left to lose. 
• Embrace failure: Not every attempt to overcome adversity will be successful. Having your heroes fail in their first attempt makes it so much more satisfying when they finally achieve victory.
• Show, don’t tell: Use vivid descriptions and dialogue to convey the intensity of the conflict. Let your readers or audience feel what your heroes are feeling, instead of explaining how dire their situation is. It makes the visceral satisfaction when they escape the jaws of defeat all that more satisfying.

Take some time to think about your favorite adventure stories and thrillers, and you’ll probably identify many which use the heroes-in-a-hopeless-situation device as the basis for the third act. If you can take some lessons from those stories, and incorporate the advice I’ve shared above, you’ll be in a good position to create stories that torment your heroes, get your antagonists within inches of victory, and captivate your readers while leaving them craving more.

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Welcome to the first part of Ginger’s ongoing series about direct sales. In this series, he’ll explore why self-published authors should consider selling books directly to readers, rather than relying solely on traditional online book platforms.

As we’ve discussed before, authors face significant challenges in gaining visibility on sites dominated by advertising. Even when readers click on an ad, making an immediate purchase isn’t always straightforward, and the delay in receiving payment can be frustrating. Direct sales offer a way to bypass these obstacles, presenting an appealing alternative to traditional eBook stores. However, it’s not for everyone.

Over the next few weeks, Ginger will guide us through the benefits of the direct sales model, his personal reasons for choosing this path, the steps involved in setting it up, and the actual results he has seen since starting.

Back last year, Craig and I were excited to have Steve Pieper as a guest on our Fully Booked podcast, to discuss the potential of selling books directly to readers, rather than going through platforms like Amazon or iBooks.

The appeal is obvious. These days, Amazon has adopted such an advertising-heavy sales model that unless you’re spending money sending potential readers to your books, it’s very difficult to gain any organic visibility. 

However, advertising isn’t easy – especially not when you’re advertising products with a very small profit margin. That’s why a lot of self-published authors are too intimidated to get started, or lose a lot of money trying to figure things out for themselves, and then give up in frustration.

This is compounded by one of the most frustrating roadblocks authors have faced recently – the inability to buy eBooks through the Amazon app on either Google or Apple phones. This is because of an annoying dispute between the companies, with Google and Apple demanding a share of every transaction made on one of their phones. Amazon argues that the profit margin on ebooks is so narrow that it’s not profitable to sell them on their Amazon app if Apple and Google take such a big share; and so they’ve simply removed the buying option completely.

And given that 98.5% of all Facebook users access the platform through their phone, you can see the problem! Readers might be eager to click on your ads and even buy your book – but they’ll have to fire up their laptop computer to actually complete the purchase. Even the most enthusiastic customers might kid themselves that they’ll do so later, but they never actually go back to complete the purchase.

Now, that’s not to say that advertising your books on Facebook isn’t worthwhile. I managed to run profitable advertising for several months thanks to the fact that my books were enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. Readers might not have been able to buy the books using the Amazon app, but they could download them and start reading them with Kindle Unlimited, and that’s where I saw 80% of my revenue come from during my time advertising on that platform.

Likewise, Amazon remembers when a user visits a book on the Amazon app, and will often display that book front-and-center when the same user logs in on their computer. For readers who’d promised themselves “I’ll buy this book later” the opportunity is now right in front of them. It’s just that there isn’t a direct route between ad-and-purchase. You’re paying to put your book into their sales algorithm with no guarantee that it will pop back in front of them when they’re in a book-buying mood.

Another traditional problem with advertising your books on Facebook was that there was no way to tell how many of the people who clicked on your ad eventually bought your book. The best you could do is send traffic to your product page and hope some of it resulted in book sales.

Amazon mitigated that recently with the development of Attribution Tags. These are uniquely generated URLS that you can use instead of a direct link to your book’s product page. They track whether or not a user clicked on Read More or Look Inside when they’re on your page, whether or not they bought your book, and how many pages they’d read through Kindle Unlimited.

It was something, at least – a way to gauge the success of an advertising campaign. However, the attribution system is far from perfect. It only tracks visits for 14 days, and only purchases made during that visit. It also doesn’t track purchases of that product made through a different sales route – for example, if somebody returns to Amazon and buys the book because of one of Amazon’s recommendation systems. 

The whole reason your book was even shown to them in the first place was because they visited it by clicking on one of your ads. However, the Attribution Tag won’t recognize that sale; so according to the figures, your advertising “failed” even though the sale would never have happened without it! 

I’ve seen this first hand. I struggled to break even according to the data about my Attribution Tags. However, every time I advertised, I also saw a massive spike in sales and page reads. I ended up calculating whether or not I was profitable based on the overall increase in sales, because I didn’t believe Attribution Tags were telling the whole story. Thanks to knowing what my “baseline” was without advertising, I think I did a pretty good job at figuring out my profit margin. However, part of the equation was definitely guesswork, and that’s a killer when it comes to ecommerce.

All I can tell you is that I did see an increase in sales when I was advertising on Facebook – enough to pay for my advertising and give me some profit. That might have been enough to keep me going, if it wasn’t for the final problem that advertising your books on Amazon presents you with: Actually getting paid.

Amazon pays its writers 60 days after the end of the month – so if you made $1,000 in book sales during January, that money wouldn’t actually land in your bank account until the end of March. This means that you need to have the money to sustain up to 90 days of advertising before Amazon actually gives you what you HOPE will be enough to cover your expenses.

So, if you’re spending $20 a day on advertising, you’d need access to $1,800 to be able to sustain your advertising long enough to get paid. That’s more money than a lot of writers easily have access to. Likewise, advertising isn’t easy. There’s no guarantee that you’ll make a profit – especially at first. This is an obstacle that many self-published authors find insurmountable. 

Advertising profitably is certainly possible. I’ve done it. It just requires a really great product, the ability to make decisions even without all the data you need, and 90 days of capital to burn through with no guarantee of getting any of it back. That is a HUGE barrier for entry for most self-published authors.

Which is where the appeal of direct sales comes in.

Imagine being able to send potential readers directly to a platform in which they could buy your books right on their phone? Imagine being able to get data from that sales channel that could help you build a better buying experience, or create a better audience to advertise to. And, finally, imagine getting paid instantly, or within days of making a sale, instead of having to wait for 60-days-after-the-end-of-the-month?

I finally took the plunge in May of this year, and now I’ve got enough data to share my experiences. In the next few blog posts, I’m going to cover what that looked like, share my results, explain how to set it all up, and give some insight into whether or not I plan to continue with direct sales. 

So, if you’re interested in whether or not direct sales are right for you, check out part 2!

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Women’s Fiction books can vary widely in terms of theme, but what they all have in common is that they are centered around a women’s life experiences. These books are generally targeted towards female readers and their popularity comes from how relatable many of them are to the women that read them. With summer just around the corner, if you’re looking for a great women’s literature/fiction book to pack on vacation, take a peek at these titles that our Hidden Gems readers recently loved.

Unwavering Branches by Kelly Comiskey

With 15+ reviews and an impressive 4.8 star average on Amazon, Unwavering Branches tells the story of four different women impacted by World War II. Readers are touched by the stories of hope, courage and of course, sacrifice.

Kristy raves in her five star Amazon review, “I have read every [World War II] historical fiction book I can get my hands on – likely hundreds. This is now in my top three…which is a huge feat. The author puts you into the hearts and minds of these four women and allows you to see the heartbreak of [World War II] through their eyes. I was so emotionally invested not only in the four main characters but in their supporting cast. Highly recommend!”

“Each of the four women could have been a book on their own, but the way the author tells their very different stories pulls the reader in. Learned so much from this harrowing but ultimately uplifting story,” concurs Susan F. in her five star Amazon review.

The Wild Atlantic Witch by Tara Heavey

With 90 reviews and a 4.6 average star rating on Amazon, The Wild Atlantic Witch is a clash of genres, and takes the reader on a journey as Rosaleen O’Connor grapples with her husband’s infidelity and discovery of her witch powers.

JohnandDebbie explain in their five star Amazon review, “…Rosaleen’s story grabs right from the beginning. Her husband’s betrayal and the loss of all she holds dear gives her reason to return to Ireland to live in the cottage left her by her grandmother. In Ireland Rosaleen is introduced to a new life, one she doesn’t entirely understand. She slowly realizes there is more in this world than she realized and she is more than she imagined. Witches, werewolves, Light Fae, Dark Fae, Selkies and more! Make a cup of tea, butter a slice of soda bread and prepare to be enchanted…”

“I enjoyed reading this well-written story. The characters are fully developed with the good guys likable and the villains nasty. The plot is interesting and well paced…” concurs Kindle Customer in their five star Amazon review.

Escape Plan by Rachel Rafferty

With an outstanding 4.5 star average, Escape Plan is a hidden gem that just released at the end of April 2024, and tells the tale of Elva as she battles her inner demons. This coming of age novel is also available for free if you’re a Kindle Unlimited subscriber.

B. Bryant explains in their five star Amazon review, “I found myself completely immersed in Elva’s journey through her struggles with alcohol and the relationship impacts it had with her family and friends. I couldn’t put the book down. The way the author captured her inner turmoil and growth was just incredible…”

“Any time I pick up a Rachel Rafferty book I read it cover to cover in a single day. This is the best one yet! I felt every word of Elva’s spiral. And was willing her to turn it around. A compelling and emotional read. Cannot WAIT for the next book,” concurs Amazon Customer in their five star Amazon review.

Mia’s Journey by Diane Byington

With a handful of reviews posted and more coming in, Mia’s Journey is another new release and a hidden gem which tells the story of astronaut Mia as she deals with a life changing accident. With a 4.3 average star rating on Amazon, Mia’s Journey is filled with intrigue and discovery. Readers overwhelmingly enjoy the journey of emotional growth for our main character, Mia.

Karen explains in her five star Amazon review, “Mia’s Journey is a compelling story and one that I settled into quickly. Mia, an astronaut who is determined to go to space, is altered dramatically by a car accident, resulting in a brain injury, as well as other severe physical injuries. Her journey of how to adjust to the new realities in her life took a rather surprising (to me) turn…As Mia grapples with the limitations imposed by her injuries, readers are taken on a poignant journey of self-discovery, resilience, and love…”

“A perfect blend of women’s fiction and science fiction…” concurs Molly’s Mom  in her five star Amazon review. “Byington does a fantastic job of showing how people can work together and use their skills and knowledge to escape what has become a prison. Mia pulls all her astronaut training together to organize this group of people who have come to know and trust each other and become friends.”

Finding Sarah by Nina Purtee

A recently released hidden gem with a 4.6 star average on Amazon, Finding Sarah is the final book in the three book Annie’s Journey series. Relatable and resilient, readers marvel over the obstacles Sarah overcomes.

“…Finding Sarah is an inspiring novel of courage, perseverance, and the desire to find happiness and purpose. I loved how Nina Purtee intertwined subjects of art, conservation efforts, history, and romance into a novel that was hard to put down,” Ana explains in her five star Amazon review.

“…I definitely recommend this entire series (which still has more stories to come developing more depth to the original characters). You will enjoy following these characters on their epic adventures,” concurs an Amazon Customer in their five star review.

Hidden Gems readers got to read these novels first, so if you want more stories to spend your summer weekends with, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review once they’re done.

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Balancing action with character development is an art form that can make or break a novel. Too much focus on action can lead to flat and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for your audience to connect with the story. To truly elevate your storytelling, it’s essential to balance thrilling sequences with effective characterization techniques.

In today’s blog, Ginger delves into various strategies for achieving this balance by examining a variety of popular movie and literature examples. From understanding the power of pacing to using action scenes to reveal character traits, his advice can help you harmonize high-octane adventures with introspective emotional journeys, ensuring your stories resonate more powerfully with readers.

Recently, I went to see Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. It was a terrific, fast-paced movie that delivered on the action and didn’t take itself too seriously – but as I was watching it, I also appreciated all the slower moments in this World War II heist movie. These were the scenes that allowed us to discover more about the characters, ramp up the tension, and deliver some of the most thrilling moments in a movie despite them not involving explosions or Sten guns.

And that’s an art in storytelling – especially when you tell stories that involve a lot of action. The really great tales of our time are overflowing with blistering action sequences, but also allow a viewer or reader to recover their breath with slower-paced scenes. As self-published authors, there’s a lot we can learn from really good examples of this kind of balance.

I mean, of course we strive to create captivating stories that keep readers turning pages – but we should also try to achieve a balance between those heart-stopping action sequences and quieter moments that flesh out our characters and let the reader explore our fictional world. 

After all, a constant barrage of action will leave readers breathless and emotionally detached, and neglecting that all-important character development will make a story packed with even the most thrilling scenes feel hollow and disconnected.

The key lies in action and characterization working in tandem to elevate your narrative. In this article, I’m going to explore some successful strategies for effectively interspersing action and dialogue – drawing inspiration from successful authors who’ve achieved this balance in their own novels.

Understanding the Power of Pacing

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a fictional story based loosely (very, very loosely) on real events. As a result, one of the characters in the film is Ian Fleming, who would later go on to write the James Bond books.

When thinking about pacing and the balance between action sequences and quieter moments, two good examples are back-to-back James Bond movies. In 2006, Daniel Craig became the new James Bond in Casino Royale, which was a fantastic movie that balanced an utterly non-stop first half with a quieter, more cerebral second half (interspersed with occasional moments of extreme action.) The movie was a triumph, and is celebrated by many as one of the top three James Bond movies of all time.

Two years later, James Bond returned in Quantum of Solace, which was a perfect example of getting the balance wrong. The movie was a non-stop thrill-ride all the way through, but the frenetic pacing made it difficult to actually keep track of what the story was! Together, the two movies serve as a great example of how the same elements (even the same actor playing the same character) don’t guarantee a movie that resonates the same with the audience.

To understand what I mean, take the thrilling car chase that opens Quantum of Solace. The engine roars, tires screech, and adrenaline surges throughout the opening narrative. This is pure action, a rapid sequence of events that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat – literally! 

However, much of the rest of the story was also structured this way, and as a result I’d argue it lacks depth and emotional resonance. Just like a skilled musician uses varying tempos to convey different moods, storytellers should use scenes with different pacing to create a more captivating narrative journey.

It was the quieter moments of Casino Royale, filled with dialogue, romance, and character introspection, which worked so effectively as a counterpoint to the opening action sequences. Scenes like Bond and Vesper eating dinner in a train, or sipping a glass of wine as they surveilled their enemy, allowed us to connect with these characters on a deeper level. We understood their motivations, became invested in their love story, and experienced the emotional impact of the tragic events that would later unfold. This emotional connection is crucial for the audience to truly invest in the story’s outcome; and it’s why Casino Royale is one of the “best” James Bond movies and Quantum of Solace is often ranked as the worst.

Building Tension Before the Explosion

Let’s move from the silver screen to the written word. Think about your favorite action scene in a novel you’ve read. My favorite action novels are ones by Ian Fleming, Jack Carr, and Lee Child – and they have a LOT of action!

But was this scene just a flurry of punches and explosions, or did the author build tension beforehand? Chances are, the scene was preceded by a build-up, perhaps a tense conversation that foreshadowed the conflict. This not only prepares the reader for the action but also raises the stakes of the encounter. In Ian Fleming’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, for example, Bond plans to use his hefty Rolex as a knuckle-duster, and it’s incredibly satisfying when you read this careful planning pay off in a blistering sucker-punch.

Another example more people will be familiar with comes from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Before the final showdown with Lord Voldemort in the final novel, The Deathly Hallows, we witness Harry grappling with his anxieties and fears, even to the point of driving his best friend away. This internal conflict adds weight to the upcoming battle, and ultimately makes Harry’s victory against Voldemort all the more cathartic.

Letting Characters Breathe

Back to Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace again… A quick comparison demonstrates how action can be thrilling, but constant movement can leave characters feeling one-dimensional. 

In Quantum of Solace, Bond is constantly on the move – literally moving from one country to another as the film ramps up to the final confrontation with the villainous Mr. Green. The problem is, it leaves his onscreen presence in one of only two settings: Depressed Cynic or Cold-Blooded Killer. 

Casino Royale, in contrast, used calmer scenes to reveal Bond’s personality, backstory, and establish his relationships with other characters. Dialogue is a powerful tool here. In that scene I mentioned earlier, in which Bond and British Agent Vesper meet for the first time, we learn more about James Bond than we have in any prior movie. There’s reference to the death of his parents, his feelings of isolation from the aristocratic high society he was reluctantly raised in, and his cynical attitude to romance. That being said, the scene also explored the potential romance between Bond and Vesper through a conversation filled with banter, vulnerability, and heated exchanges.

Scenes like that were entirely missing from Quantum of Solace, which is why it feels like a flatter film. 

Another great example of a film franchise that balances action with quieter moments is the Star Wars trilogy. Think of the witty repartee between Han Solo and Leia Organa in The Empire Strikes Back. They’re some of the fans’ favorite moments, even though they don’t involve tie fighters or light sabers. The lighter moments in Star Wars not only provide comic relief after intense action sequences, but also showcase the personalities of characters like Han and Leia – and their budding romance.

Using Action to Reveal Character

I’ve disrespected Quantum of Solace enough, so now it’s time to give the movie some love for what it gets right – and that’s characterization through action.

Action scenes are not just about physical movement. They can also be used to show a character’s inner strength, weaknesses, and decision-making skills. How a character reacts under pressure, their fighting style, or even their hesitation during a critical moment can all be incredibly revealing.

In Quantum of Solace, there’s a scene in which Bond has to bypass some security guards to access an area of the hotel. Instead of beating them up or stunning them, he simply takes a detour at a stairwell, hops over the balustrade, and lands as deftly as a cat on the opposite balcony. The movement is so quick that other hotel guests and even the security guards themselves blink and miss it – showing Bond’s natural agility, but also his keen intellect and versatility.

In Casino Royale, the opening scene of the movie demonstrates more about Bond’s character. When chasing after a terrorist bomb-maker, Bond finds himself hopelessly outclassed. The fugitive is skilled in parkour, and uses the obstacles in an under-construction hotel to gain increasing distance between the less-agile Bond. 

However, we are shown Bond’s keen intellect and brute determination in the scenes that follow – in which instead of trying to parkour through a tiny window like the terrorist, Bond simply smashes through the drywall and keeps on running. It was one of the moments that really established: “This isn’t Roger Moore’s Bond!”

I’ve seen some great examples in literature, too. Reading any of the fight scenes in the Jack Reacher books reveals Reacher’s cool demeanor and calculating brain. He plans out each punch before he throws it, winning most of his fights before they’ve even started.

Likewise, consider Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. Her strategic mind and unwavering determination are demonstrated by the ways in which she outwits her rivals during the games. This action not only propels the plot forward but also defines her character as a strong and resourceful young woman with a keen sense of justice.

Mastering the Art of Description

If you’re going to use action scenes to develop character, think very hard about how you’re going to write it. Instead of just describing the events of the fight, paint a picture with your words that helps relay more than just who-was-punching-who.

Vivid descriptions can elevate both action and dialogue scenes. Instead of simply stating that a character throws a punch, describe the physicality of the movement, the sound of the impact, and the resulting emotional response. The same goes for dialogue. Capture the nuances of speech patterns, body language, and the overall atmosphere of the conversation.

In the Lee Child books, you can practically hear the impact of Jack Reacher’s head on his enemy’s nose as he uses his signature fighting move. It demonstrates his hulking brutality.

In Ian Fleming’s Live and Let Die, the egomaniacal ranting of legendary gangster Mr. Big helps provide not just exposition about the villain’s plan to flood America with heroin, but also demonstrates his violent narcissism, and the huge chip he has on his shoulder. 

Similarly, take a look at how George R.R. Martin uses description in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. From the clash of steel in a battle to the subtle facial expressions during a tense negotiation, his descriptions paint a vivid picture that immerses the reader in the action and emotions of the scene. The books are grisly and grim, but written so evocatively that we can’t help become caught up in each of the characters’ morally questionable actions. 

Weaving the Tapestry in Literature

Let’s explore some more examples of popular literature that showcase an effective balance between action and characterization. My favorites:

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: Tolkien masterfully interweaves epic battles with introspective moments for his characters. Fellowship meetings and quiet conversations reveal the depths of each character’s personalities and motivations, making their victories and losses all the more impactful.
  
• The Martian by Andy Weir: While The Martian relies heavily on the protagonist’s struggle for survival, it’s not just a story about action. Weir cleverly uses Log entries to showcase Mark Watney’s humor, resourcefulness, and internal struggles, making him a relatable and endearing character.
  
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: This dystopian adventure is filled with references to pop culture and VR battles. However, Cline takes time to explore Wade Watts’s relationship with his deceased father, adding an emotional layer that grounds the story and makes the stakes feel real.
  

Experiment and Find Your Rhythm

As self-published authors, we have the freedom to experiment and find the balance that works best for our stories. Here are some final suggestions I have for you:

• Read widely and analyze successful stories. Notice how your favorite authors weave action and dialogue together. Observe how they build tension before an action sequence and use quieter moments to deepen character development.
• Don’t be afraid to revise. The first draft is rarely perfect. Read through your story and identify areas where the pacing feels off-balance. Perhaps a scene needs more build-up before the action explodes, or a character could benefit from a moment of quiet reflection after a stressful event.
• Consider your own writing style. Some authors gravitate towards fast-paced narratives with a lot of action, while others excel at creating introspective characters and more nuanced dialogue. Embrace your strengths and find ways to incorporate the opposing element to add depth to your work.
• Get feedback from beta readers. Ask trusted readers to pay attention to the pacing of your story and provide feedback on whether certain scenes feel rushed or underdeveloped.

The Final Word

Action and dialogue are not mutually exclusive. When used effectively, they both work together to create a truly engaging story. By employing the strategies discussed above and drawing inspiration from successful authors who’ve mastered the balance, you’ll be better positioned to craft a novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while leaving them emotionally invested in your characters and their journeys.

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Some authors like to plot out their novels before they start writing, and others like to fly by the seat of their pants, letting the characters direct the story as they go. However, it’s not always so black and white, with some author’s taking a more hybrid approach, and others switching from plotter to pantser depending on the project.

Yet for authors who aren’t opposed to using AI for a bit of assistance in their planning process, it’s never been easier to be a plotter. As Ginger lays out in today’s blog (with some great examples), AI can not only help guide you through the plotting process of whatever genre or style of book you are writing, but it can even do so using the story structure you want your book to follow. So whether you’re using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or something else, plotting has never been easier!

Traditionally, there have been two schools of thought about the craft of writing. 

Some authors are plotters. Plotters are writers who plan out their stories extensively before they begin writing. They typically outline the plot, develop detailed character backgrounds, and often have a clear idea of how the story will unfold from beginning to end.

Pantsers, on the other hand, are writers who “fly by the seat of their pants.” They prefer to write with minimal planning and allow the story to evolve organically as they write. They often rely on intuition and creativity to guide the direction of the narrative.

You’ve probably heard all this before, of course. It’s a perennial topic of discussion in writing circles, with most of us falling into one camp or another (for years I was #TeamPantser.) But is it true that plotters are more successful than pantsers?

It’s not a strict rule in the writing world, but there are many who argue that writers who plot out their books tend to be more successful than authors who fly by the seat of their pants. There’s even some evidence to support that claim.

But can those of us who write by the seat of our pants learn to become plotters? With the power of Artificial Intelligence, perhaps we don’t need to – because now AI can help us plot our books. It’s something I’ve been experimenting with recently, and I’m really excited by the results.

Plotters versus Pantsers

While there are certainly successful authors who identify as pantsers, such as Stephen King and Gillian Flynn, they often possess a natural storytelling ability and a deep understanding of narrative craft that allows them to succeed despite their lack of planning.

“I don’t outline,” Gillian Flynn explained in an interview. “I kind of think I know where I’m going and I never end up there. I feel like I write about three books for every one that gets published because I kind of go all over the place. It’s almost like a ‘Choose-Your-Own-Adventure!’”

Likewise, if you’ve ever read King’s brilliant book on the craft of writing (with a pretty bang-on-the-nose title, On Writing) you’ll appreciate how he likens his writing experience to that of a paleontologist.

He gently excavates his story the same way a dinosaur expert slowly uncovers a fossil from the dirt – one fragile element at a time. It’s a journey of discovery, and where the story takes his characters is often as much a surprise to King as it is to his readers!

But that technique isn’t perfect, and even as the winner of the 2014 National Medal of Arts, Stephen King himself is the first to admit that his writing isn’t perfect. In fact in the most recent movie adaptations of his iconic novel IT, there are repeated jokes and references to the fact that King “can’t write a decent ending.”

Which is why there are many more plotters to be found in the bestseller ranks – or at least strong evidence to suggest that.

Admittedly, identifying whether a modern author is a plotter or a pantser is challenging without direct insight into their writing process (or possibly just asking them!) However, there are many bestselling authors who are known for their meticulous planning and detailed outlines, which strongly suggests that they lean more towards plotting than pantsing. 

Here are just a few modern authors often described as “plotters” based on their public statements, things they’ve said during interviews, or merely just the complexity of their books:

• George R.R. Martin is highly regarded for his intricate plots, extensive world-building, and numerous interconnected characters – all of which suggest careful planning and forethought. If only he plotted his writing schedule as tightly. Then we might already have the next book in the series!
• J.K. Rowling is famously known for planning out the entire story arc and character development of her books well in advance. In fact, Rowling even claimed she wrote the final chapter of the Harry Potter series back in 1990 – seven years before the release of her first book!
• Brandon Sanderson is well known for his detailed outlines and world-building, and he often shares his meticulous planning process with other aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of structure and plotting. When asked if he was a plotter or a pantster (well, the more poetic “outliner” or “discovery writer” he wrote: “I outline quite extensively. I’ve found that the best way to get the kinds of endings I like. I have to know where I’m going before I start.”
• Dan Brown is known for his intricate plots and meticulous research, and he often incorporates complex puzzles and codes into his novels, requiring careful planning and foreshadowing. In the Masterclass he teaches, he even provides a step-by-step process for turning his ideas into novels, which pretty much confirms he’s a plotter.

Together, these authors represent some of the most successful writers of the modern age, and it’s fair to argue that plotting, rather than pantsing, probably contributed to that success. 

I would certainly believe it based on my own experiences with writing and self-publishing. While I’ve written by the seat of my pants on more than one occasion, I’ve definitely found value in plotting out stories before I begin writing them. If nothing else, it means I pretty much know what I have to write before I sit down in front of a keyboard – and plotting has helped me avoid “writing myself into a corner” on more than one occasion.

So while every author approaches their craft differently, and I’d never want to claim that plotting is “better” than pantsing, I’ve certainly come to the conclusion that it’s better for me – and I think it’s something even dyed-in-the-wool pantsers should consider trying.

Why Plotting works better than Pantsing

Off the top of my head, here are some of the reasons why I think plotting beats pantsting when it comes to writing: 

• Structure and Cohesion: Plotters tend to have a more structured and cohesive story because they have already outlined the plot and character arcs. This can result in a more tightly woven narrative that engages readers from start to finish – and allow you to insert foreshadowing and easter eggs that really pay off later in the series. A great example of this from television was the show Futurama, which revealed in Season 4 that cute alien Nibbler was responsible for locking the main character Fry into a cryogenic chamber in the pilot episode. While that might sound like retroactive continuity from the writers, eagle-eyed viewers replayed the first episode and saw Nibbler’s shadow in the opening scenes; revealing that the writers had plotted out this reveal four years earlier! 
• Consistency: Plotters are better equipped to maintain consistency throughout their story, including in character development, plot twists, and themes. Consistency is crucial for reader immersion and satisfaction. It’s why the original two Star Wars trilogies worked so well, all based on George Lucas’ original vision. The sequel trilogy, however, was written by different writers with no clear outline for the story arc – and was universally derided as a result. Actor Mark Hamill even complained that he didn’t understand the behavior or motivations of the version of Luke Skywalker he was supposed to be playing.
• Efficiency: Planning allows plotters to write more efficiently because they have a roadmap to follow. This can lead to faster writing and potentially more prolific output, which can be advantageous in the competitive publishing industry. Agatha Christie, the renowned mystery writer, was known for meticulously plotting her intricate whodunits, resulting in numerous bestsellers and enduring popularity. Some might argue that this leads to formulaic stories – but after selling a billion copies of her books (yes, billion with a “b”) it’s also fair to argue that readers actually love formulaic books!
• Appeal to Publishers: I’m committed to self-publishing, but if you’re not, it’s worth remembering that publishers often prefer manuscripts from authors who have a clear plan and vision for their stories. A well-developed plot and strong structure can make a manuscript more marketable and appealing to publishers, increasing the likelihood of it being picked up for publication. Some big name writers scored lucrative contracts before they even wrote their books, and this only ever happened because they were able to provide a solid, engaging plot plan prior to signing on the dotted line.

So, there are some solid reasons why successful writers often plot out their books – but how can you do that if you’re not naturally inclined to be a plotter?

Using AI to help you plot

One recent tool I’ve found immensely useful when planning books is Artificial Intelligence – tools like ChatGPt or Google Gemini. I’ve used them to outline plot plans which I can then fill in based on the ideas I’ve had for a story.

The best part about using tools like ChatGPT to do this is the ability to customize your plot structure depending on what you think will work best. I wrote extensively about different story structures in this blog post (and a follow up here.) If you request ChatGPT come up with a story outline for you based on one of these structures, it can be immensely powerful.

For example, my favorite story structure is Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, and if you ask ChatGPT to produce a bulleted outline for you to follow using that structure, it can come up with one. However, you can customize this output. In this instance, I specified that I was writing a romance novel, and this is what ChatGPT came up with:

Story Circle Romance Novel Plotting Example

• You (1st Quadrant – Setup):
  • Who is the protagonist of your romance story?
  • What is the protagonist’s background, including their personality, strengths, weaknesses, and everyday life?
  • What does the protagonist desire or lack in their life that will drive the story forward?
• Need (2nd Quadrant – Desire):
  • What is the protagonist’s emotional need or desire in the story?
  • What event or circumstance disrupts the protagonist’s ordinary world and prompts them to seek something more?
• Go (3rd Quadrant – Decision):
  • What action does the protagonist take in response to the inciting incident?
  • How does the protagonist respond to the introduction of the love interest or the catalyst for romantic conflict?
• Search (4th Quadrant – Journey):
  • What challenges or obstacles does the protagonist face in pursuing their romantic desires?
  • How does the relationship between the protagonist and the love interest develop over the course of the story?
• Find (5th Quadrant – Discovery):
  • What does the protagonist discover or learn about themselves and their romantic feelings?
  • What significant moments or revelations occur that deepen the connection between the protagonist and the love interest?
• Take (6th Quadrant – Choice):
  • What choices does the protagonist make based on their newfound understanding or experiences in the relationship?
  • What actions do they take to pursue or solidify their romantic connection?
• Return (7th Quadrant – Return):
  • How does the protagonist return to their ordinary world, transformed by their romantic journey?
  • What changes have occurred within the protagonist and their relationship with the love interest?
• Change (8th Quadrant – Change):
  • How does the protagonist and the love interest’s relationship evolve or change by the end of the story?
  • What resolution is reached regarding the protagonist’s emotional need or desire, and how does it impact their future together?

If you’ve read my blog post on the Story Circle, you can see ChatGPT regurgitated it pretty much verbatim (notice I recommend AI for plotting stories, not writing them!)

However, it did so in the form of questions that you can answer, and in a way that’s very easy to copy and paste into a Google Doc and start using to plan your story.

If you wanted to write out a science fiction story using the traditional Three-Act structure, you could do that, too – a structure that would be achingly familiar to fans of shows like Star Trek.

Three-Act Structure Science Fiction Novel Plotting Example

• Act 1: Setup
  • Introduction of the World: What is the setting of your science fiction story? Is it set in space, on a distant planet, or in a futuristic Earth?
  • Introduction of the Protagonist: Who is the main character of your story, and what is their background? What makes them unique or interesting in this futuristic world?
  • Establishing the Conflict: What is the central conflict or problem in your story? Is it a scientific mystery, an alien invasion, a rebellion against a dystopian government, or something else?
  • Call to Adventure: What event or discovery propels the protagonist into action? What motivates them to embark on their journey or quest?
  • Introduction of Supporting Characters: Who are the key supporting characters in your story, and how do they relate to the protagonist and the central conflict?
• Act 2: Confrontation
  • Rising Action: What obstacles or challenges does the protagonist encounter as they pursue their goal or mission? How do these challenges escalate the tension in the story?
  • Exploration of the World: How does the protagonist navigate the futuristic world you’ve created? What technologies, societies, or cultures do they encounter along the way?
  • Character Development: How does the protagonist evolve and grow throughout the story? What internal conflicts or dilemmas do they face as they confront external threats?
  • Revelations and Twists: Are there any unexpected plot twists or revelations that change the direction of the story? How do these revelations impact the protagonist’s journey?
  • Midpoint Climax: What is the major turning point or climax of the story’s second act? How does this event raise the stakes and propel the protagonist toward the final confrontation?
• Act 3: Resolution
  • Final Confrontation: What is the ultimate challenge or obstacle that the protagonist must overcome to resolve the central conflict? How do they confront and overcome this challenge?
  • Character Growth and Transformation: How does the protagonist’s journey come full circle? What lessons have they learned, and how have they changed as a result of their experiences?
  • Resolution of Conflict: How is the central conflict resolved? Does the protagonist achieve their goal, or do they make a sacrifice for the greater good?
  • Conclusion and Closure: What is the aftermath of the story’s events? How do the characters and the world they inhabit change as a result of the protagonist’s actions?
  • Final Reflection: What is the overall message or theme of your science fiction story? How does it resonate with contemporary issues or timeless human experiences?

As a final example, here’s ChatGPT providing a template for plotting out a cozy mystery that follows the Save the Cat story structure:

Save the Cat Cozy Mystery Plotting Example

• Act 1: Setup
  • Opening Image: What is the opening scene or image that sets the tone for your cozy mystery? How does it introduce the protagonist and the quaint setting of the story?
  • Theme Stated: What is the underlying theme or message of your cozy mystery? How is it hinted at or foreshadowed in the opening scenes?
  • Set-up: Who is the protagonist of your cozy mystery, and what is their background? What brings them to the charming small town or picturesque location where the story takes place?
  • Catalyst: What event or discovery disrupts the peaceful setting and propels the protagonist into action? Is it a murder, a disappearance, or another mysterious incident that requires investigation?
  • Debate: How does the protagonist initially respond to the catalyst? What internal conflict or dilemma do they face as they decide whether to get involved in solving the mystery?
• Act 2: Confrontation
  • Break into Two: What decision does the protagonist make that sets them on the path to solving the mystery? How do they commit to uncovering the truth, despite the challenges they may face?
  • B Story: What secondary storyline or subplot develops alongside the main mystery plot? How does it provide depth to the characters and their relationships?
  • Fun and Games: What entertaining or lighthearted moments occur as the protagonist investigates the mystery? How do they interact with quirky local residents, gather clues, and uncover secrets?
  • Midpoint: What major revelation or twist occurs in the middle of the story? How does it raise the stakes and change the direction of the investigation?
  • Bad Guys Close In: How do the obstacles and suspects multiply as the protagonist gets closer to uncovering the truth? What challenges do they face as they navigate red herrings and false leads?
• Act 3: Resolution
  • Break into Three: What new insight or clue leads the protagonist to the final confrontation with the culprit? How do they gather their allies and prepare for the showdown?
  • Finale: What dramatic confrontation takes place between the protagonist and the villain? How is the mystery finally solved, and justice served?
  • Final Image: What is the closing scene or image that leaves readers with a sense of closure and satisfaction? How does it reflect the protagonist’s growth and the resolution of the central conflict?
  • Closing Credits: Are there any loose ends or subplots that need to be tied up in the final scenes? How do the characters move forward after the mystery is solved?
  • Tag: What final twist or revelation occurs in the closing moments of the story? How does it leave readers eager for the next installment in the series?

Having ChatGPt ask questions is really helpful, as it is much easier to answer a question about the story you’re envisioning than trying to pluck each of the details of it out of your imagination.

Likewise, being able to customize the genre and type of story structure is really powerful, and helps make it much easier for pantser authors to squeeze their story ideas (and let’s face it, pantsers often start with little more than ideas) into a structure that will be satisfying for readers to experience. That should help with avoiding traditional pantser problems (like Stephen King’s reputation for “not being able to write endings.)

For me, though, the best part is that it helps me plan out the actual writing process. Often I find myself struggling to sit down and write every day because I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to write. I’ve abandoned countless stories after getting to a point at which I’m “not sure what happens next.” 

By using AI to help me plan out the structure of the story, it makes breaking a novel down into chunks much easier; and it’s always easier to write clearly defined chunks than hammer away at a keyboard trying to reach an ending that you haven’t even figured out yet.

Conclusion

It seems like everybody is talking about how AI will disrupt the writing industry, and Amazon and other book retailers are already struggling with a bombardment of AI-written books and stories.

However, I don’t think you’ll ever be able to fully remove the human element to good writing. Writing is, after all, our way of making sense of the human experience – and that’s the one thing AI will never be able to replicate.

But as a tool, AI can be a powerful ally for self-published authors – especially those who struggle with getting a book finished, or find themselves written into a corner or experiencing writer’s block. Using ChatGPT (or Google Gemini, or Claude, etc) to help produce a customized plotting plan is really powerful – so powerful that I think it might even convert some hardline pantsers.

But this is just my opinion. What do you think? Are AI-written plot structures useful? Have you ever used them yourself? Are you going to after reading this blog? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Many non-authors believe that writing a book is as straightforward as jotting down a lengthy email or drafting a report. Yet, as any author who has actually written a novel can attest, there is a big difference between everyday writing and crafting narratives that captivate and entertain readers for hundreds of pages. Perhaps the misconception comes because, unlike the specialized skills required for performing surgery or practicing law, writing seems accessible to everyone and a part of our daily lives. However, this perception ignores the artistry and dedication that goes into weaving compelling stories from the simple thread of imagination.

That’s why today, Ginger is shining a spotlight on the scaffolding behind the scenes of great storytelling—the story structures. Structures are the story frameworks that can help guide an author from the germ of an idea to a fully fleshed-out narrative. And just as there are many different ways to tell a story, there are many different story structures to help guide the way, with Ginger digging into five of the more popular ones: “The Hero’s Journey,” “The Three-Act Structure,” “The Story Circle,” “Save the Cat,” and “The Snowflake Method.” Each structure offers a unique framework to build your story around, and can be a useful tool in the writer’s arsenal to help them go from a simple idea to a finished book, without missing any important stops along the way.

One source of frustration that many self-published authors have is the perception of how “easy” writing is – with a lot of friends and family musing openly that “I should write a book one of these days.” 

This impression comes from the fact that writing is, on the surface, something most of us can do once we’ve graduated middle school – but there’s a great deal of difference between being able to write an email or a shopping list, and crafting a full-length, satisfying novel.

As anybody who’s studied the craft knows, writing involves a lot more than just putting words on a page. The story that you write has to take the reader on a journey, with emotional ups and downs and a final, satisfying conclusion. This requires not just understanding the structure of storytelling, but also figuring out a way to fit your narrative – what happens in your story – into a framework that makes it compelling to read about and experience.

What elevates a successful self-published author above somebody who just “thinks they should write a book one of these days” is understanding and implementing effective story structures – and in this week’s blog post, I wanted to explore some of the most popular and well-known story structures, including what makes each of them unique and how self-published authors can choose between them to craft more effective stories.

The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell’s Timeless Template

Even casual writers who think “I should write a story one of these days” are probably familiar with one of the most famous story structures: Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey. It’s a structure that can be identified in classic tales ranging from Lord of the Rings to the original Star Wars movies, and continues to influence fantasy and adventure authors worldwide.

The reason The Hero’s Journey is so wide-spread and well known is because Joseph Campbell didn’t actually invent it himself. Born in 1904, Campbell was an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer who became known for his work in comparative mythology. His groundbreaking book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, published in 1949, explored the concept of “the hero’s journey” and the common elements found in myths, legends, and religious stories from various cultures around the world. It was from this exploration that he isolated what many authors today call “the monomyth” or the hero’s journey: a narrative pattern that he believed was present in the mythology of countless different cultures all throughout history. 

According to Campbell, the hero’s journey consists of several key stages:

• The Call to Adventure: The hero receives a call to leave their ordinary world and embark on a quest or adventure.
• Refusal of the Call: Initially, the hero may be hesitant or reluctant to accept the call.
• Supernatural Aid: The hero often receives assistance or guidance from a mentor figure or a supernatural force.
• The Crossing of the First Threshold: The hero leaves their ordinary world and enters the unknown or a new, challenging realm.
• Belly of the Whale: The hero faces a significant ordeal or crisis that marks their symbolic death and rebirth.
• The Road of Trials: The hero encounters a series of challenges and tests that contribute to their personal growth and transformation.
• Meeting with the Goddess/Atonement with the Father: The hero experiences a profound connection with a feminine or maternal figure, and they reconcile with their paternal or authoritative figure.
• Apotheosis: The hero achieves a higher state of being or understanding, often transcending their previous limitations.
• The Ultimate Boon: The hero attains the ultimate goal of their quest, whether it be knowledge, power, or an object of great importance.
• Refusal of the Return: The hero may be reluctant to return to the ordinary world, having found a new sense of purpose or enlightenment.
• The Magic Flight: The hero faces challenges as they return to the ordinary world, often with the newfound boon.
• Rescue from Without: The hero receives external help or assistance during the final stages of their journey.
• The Crossing of the Return Threshold: The hero returns to the ordinary world, bringing back the wisdom or gifts acquired during their journey.
• Master of Two Worlds: The hero has integrated the lessons learned during their journey into both the ordinary and the extraordinary realms.

Although Campbell didn’t invent the monomyth, his work was perhaps the first time it had been deconstructed so directly, and has since had a profound influence on storytelling, literature, and filmmaking, with many writers and filmmakers adopting and adapting the hero’s journey as a fundamental structure for their narratives. The concept continues to be taught as a valuable tool for understanding the universal elements of storytelling and character development.

For example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series wouldn’t exist without The Hero’s Journey. Young Harry, the eponymous hero, starts his saga by hearing “the call to adventure” when he discovers he’s a wizard, and then he continues through the other stages of Campbell’s monomyth as he faces various challenges at Hogwarts. Harry undergoes significant personal growth through the seven-book saga, and the climax of the series sees him sending his own kids back to Hogwarts as a true “master of two worlds.”

Dan Harmon’s Story Circle: The Eight Steps of Emotional Arc

If the fourteen steps of Joseph Cambell’s The Hero’s Journey seem a bit unwieldy, I’ve got a trimmed down version that has become wildly popular in recent years (and I should know, I’ve written enough blog posts about it.) It’s known as the Story Circle, and it’s generally credited to Dan Harmon – an American writer, producer, and performer best known for creating the popular animated TV series Rick and Morty and for co-creating the sitcom Community. 

The Story Circle is a narrative structure adapted from Joseph Campbell’s monomyth. Harmon’s Story Circle simplifies the hero’s journey into eight distinct steps arranged in a circular pattern. This structure is designed to help writers conceptualize and develop the arc of their characters and stories in a more succinct and streamlined way.

Here are the eight steps of Dan Harmon’s Story Circle:

• A character is in a zone of comfort: The story begins with the main character in a familiar and comfortable situation.
• But they want something: The protagonist desires something more or something different from their current situation.
• They enter an unfamiliar situation: The character decides to leave their comfort zone and embark on a journey or face a new challenge.
• Adapt to it: The character confronts and adapts to the new circumstances or challenges they encounter.
• Get what they wanted: The protagonist achieves or acquires the object of their desire.
• Pay a heavy price for it: Despite getting what they wanted, the character faces consequences or sacrifices as a result.
• Return to their familiar situation: The character returns to their initial comfort zone but with a changed perspective or having learned something valuable.
• Having changed, now capable of change: The character has undergone personal growth or transformation and is now capable of making positive changes in their life or the lives of others.

Harmon’s Story Circle is a flexible tool that writers can use to outline character arcs and plot progression. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a popular choice for both experienced and aspiring storytellers in various mediums, including television, film, and literature.

A popular example of the Story Circle in action is The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie follows Dan Harmon’s Story Circle structure pretty tightly, providing a compelling narrative arc for Bruce Wayne as he begins the story in his comfort zone, fighting crime in Gotham City as The Batman. However, he desires a resolution to the rising chaos brought about by the Joker, which leads him into an unfamiliar situation when he confronts the Joker and attempts to bring order to the city. As the story unfolds, Batman achieves his initial goal of capturing the Joker but pays a heavy price with the death of his friend and rival Harvey Dent. The film then sees Batman returning to his familiar role as Gotham’s hero, but with a tarnished reputation, and ultimately faces the consequences of his actions.

Save the Cat: Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet for Screenwriting

Blake Snyder (1957–2009) was an American screenwriter, consultant, and author best known for his influential work in the field of screenwriting. He wrote successful screenplays and later shared his insights with aspiring writers through his book Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need, published in 2005. This book has become a widely recognized and fluently used (potentially even over-used) resource in the world of screenwriting and storytelling.

The term “Save the Cat” refers to one of the key concepts in Snyder’s book, where he emphasizes the importance of creating an early, likable moment for the protagonist. According to Snyder, having the main character perform a selfless or endearing act early in the story, such as saving a cat, helps to establish a connection between the audience and the character. This connection is crucial for viewers to invest emotionally in the protagonist’s journey.

In addition to the Save the Cat concept, Blake Snyder’s book introduces a beat sheet, a structural guide outlining key story beats and plot points that should be present in a successful screenplay. The beat sheet is designed to help writers develop a compelling narrative with well-defined acts, turning points, and character arcs. Snyder’s approach provides a practical and accessible framework for writers, offering guidance on everything from character development to pacing and genre-specific considerations.

Save the Cat has gained widespread popularity not only in the realm of screenwriting but also among novelists and storytellers in various mediums. It’s become an incredibly  valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of effective storytelling and creating. That being said, I’d argue that Save the Cat has become so ubiquitous in Hollywood that once you’ve studied it, it’ll ruin many of the cinematic blockbusters that you go and see, since their plots become predictable and formulaic. 

Three-Act Structure: A Classic Blueprint

Since we’re talking about story structures that have become ubiquitous in Hollywood, it’s time to look at the three-act structure – a very traditional and widely employed model in storytelling that will be familiar to anybody who’s watched episodes of Star Trek, The A-Team, or any other popular hour-long television show.

The three-act structure divides a narrative into (unsurprisingly) three acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. This structure provides a clear framework for introducing characters, building tension, and resolving conflicts in a tightly condensed format. Each act serves a specific purpose in advancing the plot and character development.

• Act I – Setup:
  • Introduction of the main characters, setting, and initial situation.
  • Establishment of the story’s central conflict or goal.
  • Introduction of key themes and motifs.
  • The end of Act I typically involves a turning point or an inciting incident that propels the story forward.
• Act II – Confrontation (Rising Action):
  • The protagonist faces a series of obstacles, challenges, and conflicts.
  • Character development and relationships are explored.
  • The story builds tension and raises the stakes.
  • Midpoint: A significant turning point that often shifts the direction of the story.
  • The end of Act II usually involves a low point or a major setback for the protagonist.
• Act III – Resolution (Conclusion or Crisis and Resolution):
  • The climax: The highest point of tension where the main conflict reaches its peak.
  • Resolution of the central conflict or goal.
  • Tying up loose ends and providing closure for the characters and the story.
  • The denouement: A brief segment that concludes the narrative and shows the aftermath of the events.

A solid example of the three act structure being used in literature is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, with the setup introducing Nick Carraway and the wealthy Jay Gatsby, the confrontation involving Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, and the resolution exploring the consequences of their actions.

We also discussed the three act structure in more detail in this recent episode of the Fully Booked author podcast.

The Snowflake Method: Randy Ingermanson’s Incremental Approach

Randy Ingermanson is an American physicist and author who is perhaps best known for his work in the field of fiction writing – specifically the Snowflake Method, which is a popular approach to novel outlining and story development. Ingermanson’s background in science and engineering influenced the structured and systematic nature of the Snowflake Method, which is a step-by-step process that guides writers through the creation of a novel, starting with a single sentence and gradually expanding it into a detailed and well-structured outline. The method is named after the fractal-like progression of a snowflake, where complexity emerges from simplicity. The key steps of the Snowflake Method include:

• One-sentence summary: Write a single sentence that encapsulates the essence of your novel, focusing on the main character, their goal, the conflict, and the resolution.
• One-paragraph summary: Expand the sentence into a full paragraph, providing more details about the characters, setting, and major plot points.
• Character summaries: Develop detailed character profiles for the main characters, including their motivations, goals, conflicts, and arcs.
• One-page summary: Expand the paragraph into a one-page summary, delving deeper into the major plot points, character developments, and key events.
• Character charts: Create detailed charts or spreadsheets for each major character, tracking their actions and changes throughout the story.
• Scene list: Develop a list of scenes, briefly describing each one and ensuring a logical and compelling progression of events.
• Write a first draft: With the comprehensive outline in hand, start writing the first draft of the novel.
• Revise and expand: Revise and expand the draft, refining the writing, adding details, and addressing any issues that arise.

Although her 100 novels predate the official invention of the Snowflake Method, it could be argued that Agatha Christie, known for her meticulous plotting, was a practitioner of the technique. In novels like Murder on the Orient Express, she carefully constructs intricate plots and character relationships which build on each other and provide a surprising twist on the traditional “whodunnit” formula without feeling forced or gimmicky. 

Conclusion

Anybody can become a successful self-published author, but doing so involves more than just the ability to put words on a page. It’s important to learn and understand the craft of storytelling so that the tales you tell are satisfying and feel complete. Fortunately, as I’ve outlined in this article, self-published authors have a wealth of story structures to choose from, each offering a unique approach to crafting compelling narratives. 

Whether drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat, the classic three-act structure, or Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method, understanding and implementing these structures can significantly enhance the storytelling experience for both authors and readers.

Which framework you embrace depends on your writing style and goals as an author – but whichever method you choose, it will allow you to create narratives that resonate with universal themes, engage readers emotionally, and stand out in the competitive marketplace of self-published fiction. 

I recommend that aspiring writers experiment with the different structures, trying them each on for size and adapting your favorites to suit the stories you’re trying to tell.

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If you’ve been sitting on the fence about publishing because you’ve been battling insecurities about whether or not your voice is important enough to be heard, fear not: You’re not alone.  Self doubt can be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome in your self-publishing journey, and some of the greatest and most influential authors that have ever put pen to paper are known to have struggled with that same lack of confidence.

Yet they somehow managed to push through and the world is better for it. 

Today, Ginger shares a personal story that illustrates how this issue hit very close to home with him. This experience impacted him so deeply that he felt compelled to write this article, stressing the importance for authors to push past these fears and just hit publish.

Recently, I’ve been spending time with my 86-year old father, talking about his life. I felt it was important to have some accurate records for future generations and it’s much more valuable to hear them directly from the source than try to piece them together after the fact, using half-remembered anecdotes or bits of data cobbled together through Ancestry.com and other services.

But what I found remarkable was that the things my father told me that really stood out weren’t necessarily the “important” things he’d done – like serving with the Royal Air Force, driving to Pakistan in a Land Rover, or helping to build a nuclear power station in the UK. 

Instead, it was the human stories that I found most valuable – like how he’d only gone to Pakistan because he’d failed his accountancy exams, or that while he’d helped build a nuclear power station, the experience had led him on a path away from engineering and into finance.

Perhaps most remarkable of all was the story of how he’d almost been a writer, once. Here was a man who’d undeniably shaped my path into becoming a published author through his love of books and passion for classic science fiction. However, until we’d had the first of our talks together, I never realized that he, too, had once thought about becoming an author.

But the story he tells isn’t a happy one. He used to commute to London every morning, and loved to read the science fiction short stories published in The Daily Express newspaper. Each week, they’d print an address to submit your own short stories to. My father had been so inspired, he’d once actually written one himself.

But unfortunately, he’d had a moment of doubt before putting the story into an envelope. He wondered why anybody would read his story. He doubted that anybody would have any interest in reading a young man’s science fiction scribbles during the age of science fiction juggernauts like Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Ray Bradbury.

My father tore up his story, and it was never spoken of again – at least until he finally shared the anecdote with me nearly seventy years later.

For some reason, out of all his stories, that was the one that hit the hardest. Here I am, having dedicated my life to writing, and it would never have happened without my father. It was his library of science fiction paperbacks that got me inspired to read. It was his dutiful compliance in reading my early stories that encouraged me to keep going. Today, I’ve sold over 69,000 copies of my books – and I’d have never shifted a single copy without my father.

So, of course, I was gutted that I never got to read his story. I was sad that nobody else got a chance to, either – and it got me thinking about the importance of writing in a way that not many of us talk about. 

I’ve always been very focused on the business of writing – how to make a living from writing and self-publishing books. However, books are far more than just a business. They’re a testament. Each one marks a moment in time in which an author poured themselves onto the page, and those pages are then available for anybody to read in the future – and even if it’s not enough to make a living from what you write, that doesn’t stop the very existence of those pages being important.

Take my father’s ill-fated story, for example. Of course I’d have loved to have read it. Not just because it was written by my father – a young, brash version of my father I never got to meet. I also feel like it would have been a fascinating science fiction story because I knew how passionate my father was about science fiction, and how he’d have been inspired by some of the greatest names in sci-fi writing while they were publishing at their peak.

But alas, I’ll never get to read that story – and the sadness of that loss inspired me to write this article. In it, I want to talk about how the writing that you’re just about ready to give up on – the stuff you don’t feel is good enough to publish – might just be some of the most important writing you’ve ever done; and the world deserves to read it.

The Courage to Create

Traditional publishers often complain that self-publishing lets anybody get published. However, advocates for indie-publishing argue the same: Self-publishing is great because it lets anybody get published.

Self-publishing has become an easier, more powerful avenue for any writer to share their creativity, stories, and perspectives with a broader audience – without having to jump through hoops to find an agency or publisher first. However, just because self-publishing is easier doesn’t make it easy. The journey from manuscript to published work can be daunting, filled with self-doubt and fear of judgment. 

However, there’s something noble in finding the courage to bring your work into the world. It’s a courage I wish I could go back in time and inspire in my father, just like he inspired me. In finding the courage to publish your work, you not only embark on a personal journey of growth and development, but you also contribute to the rich tapestry of literature. 

And even if you only ever get a few sales, there’s still a profound importance in realizing that there are readers out there who will value and connect with the stories you tell them, even if you can’t imagine that right now! Whatever it is you write about, the very act of doing so validates the existence of those who see the world through the same lens as you do. That’s why you have to do it.

Finding the Audacity to Write

But of course, it’s not as easy as just saying “do it.” One of the major mental obstacles authors come up with when thinking about publishing their work is: “Who’d ever read this?”

But that’s an important question all authors should ask themselves. Everything that gets written should have a purpose. Non-fiction books educate. Fiction books entertain. Sometimes, books from either category can do both. There’s a reason you were inspired to write in the first place – and understanding what that “why” is remains the quickest way to uncover your purpose as a writer.

Because only you can write what you write. Only you have the personal experiences and passions that justify putting your pen to paper. One of the key challenges for self-published authors is overcoming the fear of exposing those personal experiences and vulnerabilities in their work. However, history has shown that some of the most impactful and resonant pieces of literature have been born from an author’s willingness to do exactly that. In fact, I even wrote a blog post about how important it is for authors to share intimate aspects of their lives because of how important some readers might find them. 

I thought a great way to encourage writers suffering from that self doubt would be to look into the past and see how some of the greatest writers of our time struggled with those same issues. Just like listening to how my father’s failures was often more important to me than hearing about his successes, I think it’s inspiring to see how some of the greatest writers of our age nearly quit the business too.

How H.G. Wells Almost Didn’t Become the Father of Science Fiction

One great example that might have inspired my father to publish his short science fiction story, had he known about it, comes from H.G. Wells. Often considered one of the greatest and most influential science fiction writers of all time, H.G. Wells actually fought bitterly with his family when it came to his attempts to become a writer – with them disapproving of his ambitions in the same way that the families of many aspiring writers do today.

Fortunately, Wells’ passion for writing was stronger than his desire to appease his family – and soon the critical acclaim received for the early stories he had the courage to publish helped prove that he was right in pursuing his passion. Yet at times, he’d experienced the same self-doubt that my father had; and I wonder if Dad would never have torn up his manuscript if he’d been aware that H.G. Wells faced the same struggles as he did.

How Ernest Hemingway Wrote by Example

Another example of a writer struggling with self-doubt is Ernest Hemingway – something that might seem impossible given the impact Hemingway had on modern literature.

However, as a young man, he faced intense struggle when writing his novel The Sun Also Rises.

Published in 1926, The Sun Also Rises is now considered an iconic novel that explores the experiences of the “Lost Generation” following World War I. 

Hemingway, a decorated war veteran himself, drew deeply from his personal struggles when writing the book, including a temporary state of impotence he experienced resulting from injuries sustained in the conflict. 

His own experiences were hoisted upon the protagonist of the novel, Jake Barnes, who also grappled with sexual impotence, mirroring Hemingway’s challenges. By weaving his own experiences into the narrative, Hemingway created a work that exposed how deeply intertwined sexual virility is with a man’s self-worth, and that resonated with countless readers on a deeply personal level. 

It was only by having the courage to share such a vulnerable aspect of his life that Hemingway’s book had the impact that it did; and perhaps his career would never had taken off otherwise. However, it’s important to appreciate just how much pressure the hyper-masculine Hemingway must have felt about whether or not to share the humiliating details of his own personal injury.

How Sylvia Plath Wrote about Depression

Similarly, Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is another example of how important it was for an author to bare her soul in literature. Plath, known for her confessional style of writing, delved into the struggles of mental illness and societal expectations in her semi-autobiographical novel, and the world would have been worse off if she hadn’t had the courage to publish it.

The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, grapples with her own mental health issues, paralleling Plath’s real-life battle with depression. Because she wrote so authentically about the subject, millions of readers saw themselves in the story and that’s why it’s become so highly regarded.

Only by laying bare her innermost thoughts and struggles could Plath create a work that resonated with readers and also served as a powerful reflection of the human condition – but the decision to do so was not one she made lightly.

How Amanda Hocking Had the Courage to Pursue Self-Publishing Success

Most of the authors reading this blog post are self-published, and therefore another great example I’d like to highlight comes from one of the most successful self-published authors of our time; the iconic Amanda Hocking.

Amanda Hocking is an American author many of us know best for her incredible success as a self-published writer in the paranormal romance genre. Today, Hocking has gained widespread recognition for her ability to connect with readers and achieve remarkable success through self-publishing platforms; but it took some real courage for that to happen.

In the early 2010s, Amanda Hocking took the risk of independently publishing her novels, targeting the young adult paranormal romance category. She soon become known for her Trylle Trilogy series, Watersong series, and the My Blood Approves series. These novels often feature elements of fantasy, romance, and supernatural themes woven together in a way most traditional publishers weren’t comfortable publishing.

So Amanda Hocking had to find the courage to embrace self-publishing at a time when it wasn’t as mainstream as it is today. She used platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to release her books directly to readers, bypassing traditional publishing routes – and was rewarded when her success in the self-publishing arena garnered attention from both the media and the traditional publishing industry.

Hocking’s ability to tap into the digital market and connect with a global audience was a game-changer for many aspiring authors. Her novels resonated with readers who were looking for fresh and engaging stories outside the traditional publishing channels. The success of her self-published works eventually led to traditional publishing deals, further solidifying her impact on the literary world – and all of it demonstrates incredible courage in her convictions.

Hocking could very easily never have attempted to share her work with a wider audience – but literature is better because she did so. Her willingness to embrace unconventional themes and explore the depths of human emotions resonated with readers who were seeking an authenticity in storytelling that traditional publishing just couldn’t provide at the time. Hocking’s journey from self-published pariah to mainstream success showcases the importance of staying true to one’s voice and having the courage to share stories that might not have conformed to the arbitrary expectations of traditional publishing.

Her courage rewarded a legion of eager readers; and also helped pave the way for the thousands of successful self-published authors who followed in her wake.

Conclusion

The act of publishing, especially for self-published authors, goes beyond the mere sharing of words on paper. It’s an act of vulnerability, a declaration that one’s thoughts and experiences are worthy of being heard. The fear of judgment and rejection can be paralyzing, but overcoming that paralysis is essential to reach a greater audience; and if self-publishing has proven anything, it’s that an audience probably does exist; and it’s practically crying out for more diverse voices and narratives in publishing. 

Every author – including you – possesses such a unique perspective. By embracing your individuality and finding the courage to share it with the world, you too can make your own contribution to the richness and diversity of literature (and perhaps inspire other authors to follow in your footsteps.)

The journey of self-publishing is not without its obstacles. Rejections, negative reviews, and the uncertainty of success can be discouraging. However, it’s crucial to understand that the value of your writing extends far beyond conventional measures of success. Even if a book doesn’t become a bestseller, the impact it can have on an individual reader should never be underestimated; and that can only happen if you find the courage to push past your self doubt and just hit “publish.”

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If you’re a regular on the Hidden Gems blog, you’ll know that romance is the most popular genre in our ARC program. Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up sizzling romance novels like the ones on this list every chance they get. So if you’re looking for a new hot read to chase away the winter chill, there’s something for every romance reader on this list!

Quiet by Clarissa Bright

With over 125 ratings and a 4.3 star average, Quiet is the first in the Mercy Blades series, which plunges readers into the bloody, dangerous, dark side of Orlando.

LadyCait raves in her five star Amazon review, “Great murder mystery with plenty of spicy mafia. While this book isn’t loaded down with spice the scenes that do exist are incredibly hot and well written. I also enjoyed trying to figure out the ‘who done it’ aspect of the story. Lots of perspectives and information for an overall entertaining read.”

“This was a great first story in this series. It was a mystery suspense and romance that had me hooked from the very beginning,” Ash J. concurs in their five star Amazon review. “…Definitely a recommended read!”

Reckless Deal by Maxine Henri

With over 160 ratings and a 4.4 star average, Reckless Deal is book four of the Reckless Billionaires series.

“A down on her luck woman taking care of everyone else besides herself, enter in Gio. He’s protective, he’s obsessive; honestly he’s kinda a brute but a big softy on the inside; if she said jump he’d say how high,” Shannon G. explains in her five star Amazon review. “…There’s a perfect balance of plot, romance and spice.If you are looking to dip your toe into romance this is a great start.”

RomanceReader1492 raves in their five star Amazon review, “Intense! This well-written book and the characters who want so badly to be together in spite of their internal obstacles, really got me churned up. The chemistry is off the charts, and the evolution of their growth was masterly handled. Highly recommend for an engaging ride.”

Merciless Vows by Aidee Jaimes

With over 800 ratings and a 4.4 star average, Merciless Vows is the first in The Seven Deadly Sinacores dark mafia series.

“Merciless Vows is an awesome beginning to the Seven Deadly Sinacores series. It is a well written, steamy mafia romance. I was hooked from the first chapter of this dark, intriguing, suspenseful story. It’s a captivating story full of twists, mystery, ruthlessness, violence, and revenge. The sexual tension between Luca and Carina was on fire!…” Sammye writes in their five star Amazon review.

“…Someone is murdering the heads of the local families as a vendetta for one of his that was killed. Can [Luca and Carina] stop this killer by forming an alliance with the other families? Will [they] realize the feelings they have towards one another?” Carmella S. further explains in her five star review, “The story is good, the writing also as well as the flow of the story. This couple drew you into their life and you can’t help but root for them! I enjoyed their story so much that I started reading the rest of the series. These are standalone books, each focusing on other members of the ‘alliance’ that was formed.”

Life Is Better With You by Shannon Paige

With 40+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Life is Better with You is the fake romance story of Luke and Aspen.

“This book was so so good such an easy read! Luke and Aspen are really good together. This book has everything: romance, spice, angst, tension and meaningful lessons about self love. I cannot wait to read more by Shannon Paige and Aspen’s friends!!” Rebecca B. raves in her five star Amazon review.

Steph N. concurs in her five star Amazon review, “I loved this book! It’s the perfect blend of adorableness and spice, and I loved how the author built Aspen and Luke’s love connection slowly, but still made it absolutely unputdownable. Aspen is funny and so relatable too, and I actually laughed out loud a few times, which I rarely do, even with rom-coms. Actually, I found Luke relatable as well, but in a different way. I just loved these two. I can’t wait to see what Paige writes next! Definitely an author to watch.”

The Nephilim’s Finesse by Eliza Hampstead

With 15+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Nelphilim’s Finesse is book three of the four book War of the Nephilim series.

“A world set in constant power struggles between vampires, Nephilim, Fae, and witches; Victorija has done terrible things to get into a powerful position in hopes that maybe the vampires can stop being hunted. Raph, a leader of the Nephilim, is determined to protect the world from the vampires and their wicked deeds. When Raph captures Victorija and holds her prisoner a deal is constructed to get answers. Their attraction to each other grows stronger each day but they cannot escape their roles in the world,” Adrianna explains in her five star Amazon review. “The Nephilim’s Finesse by Eliza Hampstead was so sexy…I loved romance and smut…”

Annie555 explains further in her five star review, “Victorija has been captured by the Nephilim and is being kept prisoner. To say that she is hated is putting it mildly as she has been responsible for truly awful things and because of that she is really easy to dislike. But as soon as you start learning her backstory your heart breaks for her. Talk about having it rough. She has been used and taken advantage of in ways that would make most people curl up into a ball and waste away. After her capture Raph takes over as leader of the Nephilim with two others and he undertakes the task of making her talk but insists that they are better than that and he comes up with a plan that is… unique to say the least. I really liked the characters, I thought they were well-rounded and real in their emotions and reactions to certain traumas and stimuli. The story itself was quite dark but thoroughly entertaining.”

Hidden Gems readers got to read these hot and sizzling romance novels first, so if you want more happily- ever-afters to read poolside, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review once they’re done.

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Each and every week, subscribers to Hidden Gems are offered FREE books to download, read, and review – from any or all of over 15 different genres. Today, we’re going to look at some of the recent kids books that our ARC readers loved.

Harvest Dreams by Heidi Rauld

Two sisters, Adelina and Alessandra, are journeying through colorful autumn trees, a pumpkin patch, and an apple orchard in search of a missing pumpkin. The girls follow the thief’s trail into a forest, only to find that the culprit is a horse and is in deep trouble. She has to choose between saving the majestic horse, or her beloved pumpkin.

“My daughter enjoyed this book so much, she just had to sleep with it in her bed! She would not let me put it away. It’s such a sweet adventure of two sisters with a message of good at the end when they help the horse. My daughter loved the majestic horse and the sister’s pretty dresses, especially the festival dresses,” writes Scott M. in their 5-star review. “The imagery is just stunning and brings the magic in the story to real life, even for the adults. My daughter was asking to read Nutcracker Dreams again, but that will have to be done tomorrow because it was time for bed.”

Debbie M. writes in their 5-star review, “Enjoyed the storyline, the compassion the sister’s display for each other, the visuals are breathtaking and grab the reader’s attention with each turn of the page.”

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids Around the World by Teresa Anne Power

Take a fun-filled tour of over 30 countries that will introduce your children to yoga along with more about different areas around the world. The book includes simple yoga poses suitable for children and adults of all abilities.

“This is an awesome book, and the concept is very interesting! The illustrations are very colorful and enhance the text. The pairing of each letter of the alphabet with a country and yoga pose makes learning fun and exciting,” writes Anonymous in their 5-star review. “The book is laid out in a way that allows the reader to just choose a few of the yoga poses while reading or do all of the poses included in the book, which I think is great! I would definitely recommend this book!”

“I’m a “grown up” and still loved this book,” writes RC H. in their 5-star review. “Very well done, great art, lotsa fun!”

How To Fix the Smile of a Crocodile by Rebecca Kurien

Barry, the Australian saltwater crocodile is in desperate need of help. He has a terrible toothache, and it won’t go away, so he sets out to see who can help him with his sore tooth. You and your children will learn amazing things about sea creatures, and the value of kindness and friendship.

Tamara B. writes in their 5-star review, “This is a cute children’s story. I very much enjoyed reading it to my kiddos and the pictures are wonderful.”

“What a fantastic and exciting children’s book! It’s by far one of the sweetest, feel-good books that I have read in a long while. My grandkids are going to love this delightful book and I can’t wait to read it to them. What I love most about this book besides the sweet story and the awesome illustrations, is that it also sends out so many lovely messages to young ones reading it-to be kind and helpful, not be judgemental and most of all, that we don’t always have to look far for help when help could be just around the corner,” writes Anita in their 5-star review. “So many wonderful facts about sea creatures for kids to learn about in such a fascinating way.”

The Dragon Flyers Series: Books 1-3 by Cynthia Star

David wants to join his friends Joe and Calli as a member of the Dragon Flyers Team. Follow David on his journey in becoming a Dragon Flyer, and the action and obstacles that come afterwards in this three book series.

“In Cynthia Star’s Dragon Flyers Series, the magic lies in its exceptional portrayal of character values and its ability to ignite the wildest of imaginations! Encouraging young readers to immerse themselves in a book can be quite the challenge. However, the brilliance of the Dragon Dynasty concept, complete with a lovable Drog (a Dragon dog) and fascinating elements like ‘Dragon drool,’ makes it effortlessly captivating!” writes D.L. H. in their 5-star review. “With the thoughtful inclusion of illustrations and beautifully crafted maps, the books take readers on a visual journey that further fuels their imagination. One can easily envision these tales evolving into an animated series, given their immense potential for captivating visual storytelling.”

“My boys loved reading it and so did I. If you like the Netflix series How to Train Your Dragon, You will love this. The way the kids interact and work on solving a problem was a great lesson for my kids to take away from reading the books. How David had to overcome his fear to conquer the black dragon by recalling what he read was a great example too,” writes Lorie E. in their 5-star review. “You will want to add The Dragon Flyers Series to your home library.”

Little Aiden: A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi

Little Aiden is exploring his different feelings and emotions, and wants to show other toddlers in his own way the importance of expressing your feelings. This book uses simple, repetitive style to teach your toddler that their emotions and feelings are okay, positive or negative.

Janna raves in their 5-star review, “My grandchild just loved it, we spent a lot of time together discussing the different feelings people are experiencing.”

“Little Aiden: A Feelings Book for Toddlers is a wonderful story that explores the many emotions toddlers experience throughout the day. The book’s message is clear: it’s okay to have feelings,” writes Gina M. in their 5-star review. “As we all experience emotions constantly, it’s refreshing to see them discussed and explained in a delightful way. Toddlers are in the early learning phase of emotions, so this book is particularly helpful for them. The vivid illustrations make it easy to explore the different feelings depicted on each page. I highly recommend this book to all parents, teachers, and caregivers.”

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