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 >
The Pros and Cons of Writing Fan Fiction
By: Ginger | Posted on June 27, 2025
Fan fiction is everywhere, from the depths of online archives to the origin stories of bestselling authors. While it can be a powerful way to practice your craft and build a fanbase, it also exists in a legal and creative gray area that every writer should understand. Fair use protections only go so far, as shown by a recent case involving a James Bond tribute that attracted unwanted attention from the copyright holder. Still, many franchises embrace the passion of their fans, and some writers have even turned early fan fiction into full-fledged careers. Like most creative shortcuts, though, writing in someone else’s universe comes with both rewards and risks. This week, Ginger explores how fan fiction can sharpen your skills, grow your audience, and even serve as a stepping stone into self-publishing. But only if you navigate it wisely. It’s a been a while since I’ve written a post… Read More >
How Season 2 of 1923 Became a Masterclass in Audience Betrayal
By: Ginger | Posted on June 20, 2025
Warning: This blog contains major spoilers for season 2 of 1923 (and season 1, for that matter). The first season of the Yellowstone spinoff prequel 1923 was a hit that audiences fell in love with, building on plot points and unspoken promises that had fans eager for its return. Unfortunately, instead of delivering a sweeping reunion, a long-awaited victory, and the emotional payoff everyone was waiting for, season 2 of 1923 gave us a slow unraveling of its most beloved characters, disconnected subplots, and a final twist that felt more like betrayal than tragedy. For authors, this is more than just frustrating television. It is a cautionary tale about what happens when a story breaks faith with its audience. In this week’s blog, Ginger unpacks the show’s missteps and how they undermined the unspoken contract between storyteller and reader. Mistakes like these risk more than bad reviews. They risk losing… Read More >
Campfire Stories As a Blueprint for Unforgettable Books
By: Ginger | Posted on June 13, 2025
What makes campfire stories so captivating? Aside from the atmosphere created by crackling flames and darkness held at bay by firelight, these stories grab our attention right away, hold us spellbound, and linger long after the last log burns out. These timeless storytelling techniques have thrilled listeners for generations and continue to shape the novels readers love most. From gripping openings to unforgettable endings, campfire stories follow a structure that speaks to something deep within us. In this week’s blog, Ginger breaks down those core elements and shows how they can serve as a blueprint for crafting fiction that sticks. Whether you’re revising your first draft or starting something new, this is a reminder of how powerful your storytelling can be when you tap into what has always worked. The other weekend, my wife and I escaped the stifling grind of suburban life for the rolling beauty of Belvidere, New… Read More >
Turning Inspiration Into Original Writing
By: Ginger | Posted on June 6, 2025
Most writers walk a line between influence and invention. What we grew up on, whether books, movies, or television shows, serve as creative fuel for both our conscious and subconscious mind. Just because a new book is inspired by a story from the past doesn’t mean it is inferior, or that the new work lacks originality. In this week’s blog, Ginger shares how his son’s Dragon Ball obsession recently sparked conversations about storytelling, creative “fixes,” and why influence is not the same as imitation. As Ginger explains, many of his own novels have been shaped by the iconic favorites of his youth. From anime and space operas to sword-wielding brutes, these inspirations helped form some of his most original ideas. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a single story to inspire generations of new ones, so instead of shying away from the stories that led you to writing in the… Read More >
Video Game TV Adaptations: Balancing Fidelity and Creativity
By: Ginger | Posted on May 30, 2025
Every author dreams of seeing their stories brought to life on screen, but the journey from page to production is full of creative risks. This is true no matter the medium the story starts in, but some formats bring more complexity than others. Consider the recent video game TV adaptations of HBO’s The Last of Us and Prime Video’s Fallout. Converting the interactive nature of a game loved by millions into a television show that must appeal not only to diehard fans but also to viewers unfamiliar with the source material brings a unique set of challenges. In this week’s blog, Ginger explores those two adaptations to examine what each one got right, and where they may have gone wrong. There is a delicate balance between honoring an original story and reshaping it for a new format. When done well, it can strengthen your bond with existing fans and draw… Read More >
What Authors Can Learn From the Latest Hugo Awards/Worldcon Controversy
By: Ginger | Posted on May 23, 2025
What happens when one of the most respected institutions in sci-fi turns to AI to vet its potential panelists? You get another Hugo Awards and Worldcon controversy, one that has once again set the science fiction community ablaze. This time, the uproar could have been easily avoided if organizers had simply paid more attention to the audience they were supposed to serve. In this week’s blog, Ginger reflects on his own past missteps with AI (on this very topic) while exploring why the technology remains such a divisive issue among authors. Focusing on Worldcon’s latest blunder, he takes us through what went wrong, why it matters, and how writers can avoid making similar mistakes in their own careers. By understanding your readers, being transparent, and using tech responsibly, you can turn this year’s mess into a valuable lesson in building lasting trust with your audience. Even if Worldcon doesn’t learn… Read More >
Major Court Ruling Opens New Path for Mobile eBook Sales
By: Ginger | Posted on May 16, 2025
Trying to entice readers to buy more of your books through their mobile devices has been unnecessarily cumbersome for a long time, but we’re finally seeing a ray of hope. The battle between Epic Games and Apple has shaken the digital landscape, and the most recent ruling may have cracked open the paywall dead-ends and begun to loosen Apple’s grip on in-app purchases. It is already leading to meaningful changes that create a clearer path to smoother eBook sales and better returns for authors. As Ginger explains in this week’s blog, this is not just another tech industry headline. It is a glimmer of hope for authors struggling to simplify the buying process for readers, and Amazon has already pushed through an update to the iOS Kindle app to reflect these changes. Read on to understand what the court decisions mean, what has changed, and how these shifts might help… Read More >
Build a Book Sales Funnel That Converts
By: Ginger | Posted on May 9, 2025
Building a successful book sales funnel is not just about clever ads or a polished website. It’s about guiding your readers from curiosity to purchase in a smooth, reliable way. If you’re selling eBooks directly to readers, even small issues like a slow-loading page or a confusing checkout can cause them to drop off before they buy. In today’s blog, Ginger breaks down how to build a book sales funnel that truly converts. Drawing from his own direct sales experience and use of a variety of tools, he shares tips on writing effective Facebook ads, optimizing landing pages, and streamlining your checkout process. Any author looking to create a reliable sales funnel that leads readers straight from interest to purchase will find this guide indispensable. The fundamental goal of storytelling is to take your readers on a journey, leading them on a path that makes them feel one initial emotion,… Read More >
