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Martha L. Thurston
Martha L. Thurston
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Martha L. Thurston

Category: Writing

How to Gain Confidence as a New Writer

Posted on June 23, 2026June 22, 2026 By marthathurston

Starting out as a writer can feel exciting, intimidating, and overwhelming all at the same time. You may have story ideas, blog post topics, or book dreams sitting in your mind, but the moment you try to put them on the page, doubt creeps in. “What if this isn’t good…

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How to Create Characters Readers Actually Care About

Posted on June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 By marthathurston

A great plot may get readers to open a book, but great characters are what keep them turning pages. Readers do not need every character to be perfect. In fact, they usually prefer the opposite. They want characters who feel real, make mistakes, want something badly, and have something to…

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10 Romance Tropes Readers Never Get Tired Of

Posted on June 19, 2026June 18, 2026 By marthathurston

Romance readers may love fresh characters, unique settings, and unexpected twists, but there are certain tropes they return to again and again. A well-loved romance trope is not a shortcut or a cliché when it is written with heart. It is a promise. Readers know the emotional journey they are…

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What to Do When You Think Your Writing Isn’t Good Enough

Posted on June 16, 2026June 14, 2026 By marthathurston

Every writer has had the thought at some point: What if my writing just isn’t good enough? Maybe you reread a chapter and all you can see are awkward sentences. Maybe you compare your draft to a published book and feel like you will never measure up. Maybe you have…

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Writing person reading book on brown and beige textile

10 Ways to Make Your Opening Chapter More Compelling

Posted on June 15, 2026June 14, 2026 By marthathurston

Your opening chapter has one major job: make the reader want to turn the page. It does not have to explain everything. It does not have to introduce every character, every backstory detail, or every piece of worldbuilding. In fact, trying to do too much too soon can slow the…

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How to Write a Paranormal Romance Readers Will Love

Posted on June 12, 2026June 11, 2026 By marthathurston

Paranormal romance is one of those genres that gives writers the best of both worlds. You get the emotional pull of romance, the danger and mystery of fantasy, and the freedom to create a world where anything is possible. Werewolves, vampires, witches, ghosts, fae, demons, angels, shifters, psychics, cursed bloodlines,…

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How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Writers

Posted on June 9, 2026June 8, 2026 By marthathurston

Every writer has done it. You sit down to write, open your laptop, and promise yourself today will be productive. Then you see another writer celebrating a book deal, announcing a thousand new email subscribers, posting a perfect writing routine, or sharing a glowing review. Suddenly, your own progress feels…

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Writing

How to Balance Writing with Work Life Without Burning Out

Posted on June 5, 2026June 7, 2026 By marthathurston

Balancing writing with work life can feel impossible when your calendar is already full. Between your job, family responsibilities, errands, appointments, and everyday exhaustion, writing often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But here is the good news: you do not need eight free hours a day to…

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