Writing nonfiction is an art form unto itself, as I mentioned in a previous post on the subject, However, while that post was concerned primarily with the fundamentals of writing nonfiction, this one is concerned with another important aspect: making sure that the nonfiction you write is actually readable.
Category Archives: illustration
Plans for February
January was a pretty good month. Though not every goal was met, progress was nevertheless made across all fronts. For February, things should continue apace. I would like to continue my translation work, make some much-needed additions and corrections to this year’s Knights of Aralia books, and resume work on my long overdue rough draftContinue reading “Plans for February”
How to Look Professional as a Self-Published Author
Self-publishing still has quite a stigma attached to it, and not without reason. After all, it can be done by anyone who has the means and the time to put his or her work out there with a relative minimum of technical skill required. Hence, self-published books can and often do still turn out lookingContinue reading “How to Look Professional as a Self-Published Author”
Mapmaking, Part III
My last two posts have been concerned with how to make a map–real or fantastical–with which to enhance your book. In them, I was concerned primarily with the basic structural and creative elements necessary. In this final post on the topic, I will briefly go over some final points to keep in mind when drawingContinue reading “Mapmaking, Part III”
Mapmaking, Part II
Last week, I made my first in a three-part series about mapmaking for your books. In that post, I talked about the basics: things every map should have regardless of style or genre. In this one, I shall talk more about the creative side of things, and three important things you should consider before makingContinue reading “Mapmaking, Part II”
Mapmaking, Part I
Mapmaking is 90% art and 10% science. There are certain things that are required, certain conventions to be followed, it’s true. But for the most part, the effectiveness of a map, like any graphic in your book, comes from its design. While I cannot provide any definitive guide as to what your map ought toContinue reading “Mapmaking, Part I”
Illustrating Your Book
Last month, I elaborated on cover design, and how to go about finding someone who can help you out when it comes to making cover art for your book. But what about interior design? What happens when you write a book, but feel it could use a little extra something on the inside to grabContinue reading “Illustrating Your Book”
How to Find the Right Cover Artist
Some authors are blessed with talents in both written and visual arts. For such individuals, coming up with suitable cover art for their work can be easier than writing the book itself. However, for most authors, illustrating is at best a secondary endeavor, and so there is a need to find someone else who canContinue reading “How to Find the Right Cover Artist”
DIY: Designing Your Own Cover
Greetings, and welcome to my first proper post of 2022! This is going to be the first of several posts on Do-It-Yourself aspects of book design for self-publishing authors. All authors write their own books and do a bit of editing themselves, obviously. However, there are certain aspects that most either let their publishers takeContinue reading “DIY: Designing Your Own Cover”
Plans for December
November was, as expected, a mild month. I partly revised a novella for next year, continued my current rough draft, and completed yet another rough drawing. This month I hope to wrap up this year’s projects. I will make one final drawing, review an anthology I started last year (as well as a couple booksContinue reading “Plans for December”