Ellen Buikema | Writers In The Storm

How to Use Dialogue Tags and Keep the Flow

Ellen Buikema — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:12:00 +0000

Well-written dialogue tags help our understanding of emotion and tone, not ruining the flow. Read on to learn effective uses of tags in dialogue.

The post How to Use Dialogue Tags and Keep the Flow first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

WITS Team Showcase – Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:09:00 +0000

Meet team member Ellen Buikema and learn her backstory that explains why she writes what she does. How time spent with a grandparent kindled the writing flame.

The post WITS Team Showcase – Ellen Buikema first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Identify & Avoid Author Scams

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:14:00 +0000

A scammer's flattery can short-circuit your ability to be cautious. This is psychological warfare. Read on to ID scams and avoid the headaches they can bring.

The post How to Identify & Avoid Author Scams first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Write Great Taglines in Seven Steps

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:34:00 +0000

A well-written tagline will cause a reader to stop while perusing books and say, "Oh! I must read this." Read on for tips to write great taglines.

The post How to Write Great Taglines in Seven Steps first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Ways to Make The Pitch, A Writer’s Selling Point

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:54:00 +0000

Having a well-written, to-the-point pitch is crucial to engage an agent or editor. Have a look at three methods: the query letter, elevator pitch, and Logline.

The post Ways to Make The Pitch, A Writer’s Selling Point first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

The Value of Writing Shock and Avoiding Valueless Trauma

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:22:00 +0000

Shock, surprise and unexpected twists and turns, can ramp up a narrative and leave a long-lasting impression. Here's how to craft the unpredictable organically.

The post The Value of Writing Shock and Avoiding Valueless Trauma first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Happy Holidays from Writers in the Storm

Jenny Hansen — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:11:00 +0000

The team at Writers in the Storm is saying THANK YOU, and encouraging you to share your favorite holiday tradition. For example, Jenny bakes...

The post Happy Holidays from Writers in the Storm first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Tips for Overcoming Writerly Self-doubt

Ellen Buikema — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:17:00 +0000

Self-doubt can stifle the creative process and block the ability to express oneself, causing real problems when writing a story. Read on for help.

The post Tips for Overcoming Writerly Self-doubt first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Waiting for Inspiration to Strike, a Writer's Dilemma

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:32:00 +0000

Have you ever put off starting a project because you didn’t feel creative and were waiting for your muse? Here are ways to find inspiration.

The post Waiting for Inspiration to Strike, a Writer's Dilemma first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Chasing Trends, A Writer’s Dilemma

Ellen Buikema — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:25:00 +0000

What’s popular this week may not be a few months from now. Should we chase trends? Ellen Buikema shares issues with chasing trends and experimenting with them.

The post Chasing Trends, A Writer’s Dilemma first appeared on Writers In The Storm.