Hello writing friends!

My topic today is an important one. As writers, we have a big job to do. There's a lot of competition out there. We need to write books that stand out. What can we do to make our books a must-read or a must-buy book? When writing, one word comes to mind that will make a difference:

HEART

Use Your Passions

Have you heard the saying "write what you know?" Well, I think we are capable of writing beyond that. I do believe if we write what we feel—write from the heart, it will bring us great success. Delve into your passions. Do you adore reading mysteries? Or are you drawn to books that make you chuckle? How about historical fiction? Whatever piques your interest will most likely be the type of book you can write well.

Hooking Your Readers

Here is my three-step method for choosing books for little ones and for myself. First, I look at the cover and read the title. If I find both engaging, I read the premise of the book on the back of the dust jacket. If I like what I read there, my third step is the test supreme: I read the first page. The first page tells me whether I should buy the book or pass. As writers, we have a short number of words (usually 50 to 300) to hook our readers.

How to Hook

Thinking back to a writer's conference I attended, there was a wonderful piece of information that stayed with me. "Always start your book on a day where something unusual is happening." Starting your book in the middle of an interesting moment will hook your readers and make them want to continue reading. And, getting back to my main point, write that moment with heart, whether it be something funny, frightening, or touching.

When Books Become Favorites

You've just finished reading your toddler a picture book. As you close the book, you hear those magical words that every author dreams of hearing: "Again!" Now I know when this is the fifth time you've read this book, that word is not magical at all! But, if the author were there, they would be clapping. Funny phrases, engaging illustrations, endearing characters—all of these will cause your little, soon-to-be readers to ask for another read.

The Best Books

If you read book reviews, the books that are highly praised make people feel something. Have you read a book that caused you to grab a tissue? If so, you're in good company. That book was written with heart. Have you been working on your book and written a sentence that made you laugh out loud? That's excellent because if you're laughing, others will laugh, too! This is what it's all about. Emotions. Words that move us to tears or make us chuckle. That's writing at its best.

When you write from the heart, you will touch the hearts of readers. May your books happily make readers say "Again!" after finishing the last page.

Happy Heart writing!