What Can Series Authors Learn From Gunn’s DC Universe Plans?
By: Ginger | Posted on July 25, 2025
If you’ve ever felt the weight of keeping your book series consistent, coherent, and compelling over multiple installments, you’re not alone. In fact, the challenges faced by authors of interconnected novels aren’t so different from those tackled by Hollywood studios trying to build a cinematic universe. That’s why this week’s blog dives into the ambitious plans of James Gunn, the new creative force behind the DC Universe, and what self-published authors like us can learn from the way he’s rebuilding a broken franchise into something fresh, focused, and full of promise. By comparing Gunn’s methodical, long-term vision for the DCU to the very real struggles of writing his own expansive romance series, Ginger explores how to balance plot, character, and worldbuilding across a sprawling narrative. Whether you’re just starting your first series or wrestling with the weight of a dozen interwoven books, there’s inspiration to be found in how Gunn… Read More >
What Authors Can Learn from the New Superman Movie
By: Ginger | Posted on July 18, 2025
Any author who has attempted to take on a beloved character or iconic franchise knows they’ll face intense pressure from existing fans to “get it right.” Perhaps no one understands this better than James Gunn, tasked recently with breathing fresh excitement into a superhero that’s been flying for nearly a century. Yet critics and audiences agree he has wildly succeeded in revitalizing Superman, transforming a familiar character into something vibrant and compellingly new. This week, Ginger explores exactly how Gunn pulled off this storytelling feat. Gunn’s Superman provides authors with a playbook filled with techniques worth studying, from plunging audiences straight into thrilling action to creating an ensemble cast that feels instantly authentic. His thoughtful, innovative approach proves that even the most well-worn tales can be turned into captivating narratives, offering valuable lessons authors can use to supercharge their own stories. A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article… Read More >
Do Men and Women Write Differently?
By: Ginger | Posted on July 11, 2025
As authors, we spend a lot of time thinking about plot, character, and craft, but how often do we stop to consider how our own perspective shapes the stories we tell? One of the more provocative questions in fiction is whether men and women write differently. Not better or worse, but with different instincts, patterns, and narrative focus. While discussions like this can sometimes feel uncomfortable, they can also lead to valuable insights, especially when it comes to understanding our readers and sharpening our own creative voice. That’s why this week, Ginger explores whether storytelling trends are influenced by gender. Do some writers naturally gravitate toward the classic hero’s journey built around struggle and transformation, while others lean more toward arcs of recognition, discovery, and reclaiming identity? Using examples, a bit of data, and personal observations, Ginger opens up a conversation that isn’t about taking sides, but about better understanding… Read More >
Would Writing a New James Bond Novel be a Dream or Nightmare?
By: Ginger | Posted on July 4, 2025
What author hasn’t dreamed of putting their own spin on a legendary franchise? For fans of James Bond, the idea of writing an official 007 novel feels like the ultimate honor—a chance to step into Ian Fleming’s iconic shoes and send Bond on a brand-new mission. But that dream might come with more pressure than perks. Between tangled timelines, sky-high reader expectations, and the weight of cultural legacy, writing a Bond novel becomes a creative challenge filled with potential pitfalls. That’s why, despite being a lifelong superfan, Ginger would hesitate to take on the task of writing a new James Bond novel. It’s a challenge that stretches far beyond plot or pacing. Working within such a well-established universe while staying true to your own voice comes with enormous roadblocks. Still, it’s a fascinating thought experiment for any writer to explore. What would it really take to craft a Bond story… Read More >
