Category: Writing

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Spin-Off Stories: What’s Hot, What’s Not, and When to Expand Your Universe

How to Know If Your Side Character Deserves a Spotlight—and If Readers Will Follow

Some stories don’t end when the final page turns. Sometimes, a side character lingers in your mind. A fictional world begs to be explored more deeply. Fans start asking, “Will there be more?” That’s when the question arises: Should I write a spin-off?

Spin-offs have become a popular trend in fiction—from extended fantasy universes to romantic series that follow different couples in the same friend group. But not every story is built to support one. And not every spin-off succeeds.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes a spin-off shine, when to leave well enough alone, and how to turn a background character into a bestselling headliner.

What is a Spin-Off?

A spin-off is a new story that grows out of an existing work—usually focused on a side character, subplot, or different corner of the same universe. Spin-offs can be:

  • A new POV from a supporting character
  • A prequel or sequel that shifts focus
  • A series continuation that follows a new arc in the same world
  • A standalone story that shares a timeline with the original work

Think:

  • The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (each book focuses on a new heroine in the same futuristic fairy tale world)
  • Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (a gritty spin-off of the Grisha universe)
  • The Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn (each sibling gets their own book)

Why Readers Love Spin-Offs

Done right, spin-offs deepen the reader’s emotional connection to your world. They offer:

  • Familiarity with something new
  • Exploration of unanswered questions
  • Emotional payoffs for beloved characters
  • The joy of staying in a world they already trust

Readers who love your first book are primed for more—but only if the new story brings something fresh to the table.

What’s Hot: Spin-Off Trends That Sell

  1. Romance Series with Rotating Leads

Each book follows a new couple, but the friend group or family remains consistent. Think of it like a TV ensemble cast where every character gets their episode.

Why it works: Readers fall in love with the entire cast. They don’t want to say goodbye—just shift the spotlight.

  1. Villain Origin Stories

Exploring the backstory of a well-known antagonist can flip a narrative and offer emotional depth.

Why it works: Readers crave moral complexity. A well-crafted redemption (or corruption) arc sells.

  1. Prequels Featuring Legacy Characters

Want to dive into your world’s past? Prequels allow exploration of legendary events, forgotten battles, or a hero’s origin.

Why it works: It adds mythology to your universe and satisfies curiosity about how things began.

  1. Spin-Offs That Cross Genres

Maybe your fantasy novel spawns a mystery set in the same world. Or your sci-fi saga spins off into a romance. Genre shifts can refresh your story and reach new readers.

Why it works: Genre-crossing opens doors for readers who might not have connected with the original theme.

What’s Not: Spin-Off Mistakes That Fall Flat

  1. Too Much Repetition

If your spin-off is just a rehash of the original plot with new names, readers will tune out. You need fresh stakes, new arcs, and a unique emotional journey.

  1. Unworthy Leads

Not every side character can carry a novel. Choose spin-off protagonists with inner conflict, clear goals, and untapped depth—not just fan-favorite status.

  1. Lack of Resolution

If your first story leaves too many loose ends in hopes of setting up a sequel or spin-off, readers may feel cheated. A great spin-off builds on a complete original.

  1. Ignoring the Core World Rules

Continuity matters. If you rewrite the rules of magic, geography, or character history, you risk alienating loyal fans. Respect the world you built.

When to Write a Spin-Off (and When Not To)

✅ DO Write a Spin-Off If:

  • Readers are asking for more of a specific character or arc
  • You feel creatively excited about a new angle in the same world
  • The original story’s world has room to grow
  • You can tell a different story with new emotional stakes

❌ DON’T Write a Spin-Off If:

  • You’re forcing it just to keep selling
  • The side character lacks depth or complexity
  • The original world was tightly wrapped and resolved
  • You’re burned out and hoping a new POV will reignite passion

Planning a Successful Spin-Off

If you’re ready to spin:

  • Map the connections. How does this story intersect with the original?
  • Create a self-contained arc. It should stand on its own, even if it enriches the original.
  • Balance nostalgia with novelty. Give fans callbacks and cameos—but make the new cast compelling in their own right.
  • Keep tone and voice consistent. A spin-off should feel like it belongs in the same universe.

Final Thoughts: The Spin-Off as Evolution

Spin-offs aren’t sequels—they’re opportunities to explore your world from a new perspective. They let readers linger in the magic a little longer, but only if there’s something real to discover.

So, ask yourself: Is there more story to tell? More emotion to explore? More character to uncover?

If the answer is yes—spin away.

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The Perfect Hero Must Bleed: Creating Characters with Impossible Struggles

Why Your Protagonist Needs More Than Just Strength to Win the Reader’s Heart

Readers don’t fall in love with perfection. They fall in love with struggle—with heroes who bleed, break, and keep going. A perfectly strong, flawless character might seem admirable on paper, but in fiction, perfection is boring. What makes a hero unforgettable isn’t their power—it’s what they have to overcome to become powerful.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your protagonist needs to face seemingly impossible struggles, how to craft those challenges in a way that deepens your plot and emotional resonance, and how to make your readers cheer, cry, and hold their breath until the very last page.

The Hero’s Journey: A Blueprint of Struggle

The Hero’s Journey is a classic storytelling structure for a reason—it centers on transformation. And transformation doesn’t happen without adversity. Your protagonist must be tested, stretched, and shattered before they can grow into the hero they were meant to be.

Struggle is the soul of story. Without it, there’s no suspense, no growth, and no reason for readers to care.

Think of:

  • Katniss Everdeen, who had to survive a brutal game while carrying the burden of a revolution.
  • Frodo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit tasked with destroying a ring that corrupts everything it touches.
  • Elizabeth Bennet, who had to confront her own pride and prejudices to find truth and love.

None of these characters are invincible. But their flaws and failures are what make them iconic.

Why Struggles Matter

Every great hero must:

  • Face internal and external challenges
  • Fail (yes, fail) before they succeed
  • Confront their darkest fears
  • Make impossible choices

Without these things, there’s no journey. Readers want to see characters earn their victories. When a hero conquers an impossible obstacle, it gives readers a sense of catharsis—and inspires them in their own lives.

Types of Struggles That Deepen Character

  1. Emotional Struggles

These often come from trauma, guilt, grief, or fear. Maybe your character can’t trust others because of a past betrayal. Maybe they feel unworthy of love or responsibility.

Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss’s fear isn’t just death—it’s failing to protect the people she loves.

  1. Moral Dilemmas

Great heroes are often torn between two painful choices. This builds depth, tension, and realism.

Example: In Game of Thrones, Jon Snow must constantly choose between honor and loyalty—both of which come at a high cost.

  1. Physical Struggles

Whether it’s surviving the wilderness, battling enemies, or enduring illness, physical trials test resilience and force characters to dig deep.

Example: In Unbroken, Louie Zamperini’s survival against all odds is as much mental as it is physical.

  1. Relational Struggles

Conflict with friends, mentors, or family adds complexity. Your hero should clash with allies or face betrayal from those they trust.

Example: Harry Potter’s relationships are often as dangerous as Voldemort himself—loyalty, love, and sacrifice are constantly tested.

How to Craft an Impossible Struggle

  1. Make the stakes personal.
    • What does your hero stand to lose?
    • What fear or flaw makes this challenge especially hard?
  2. Let them fail.
    • Real growth comes from falling down and getting back up. Give your protagonist a major loss that tests their will.
  3. Show internal conflict.
    • Struggles aren’t just about external enemies. Make your hero battle themselves—their fear, shame, or beliefs.
  4. Raise the stakes. Then raise them again.
    • Just when your hero thinks they’ve overcome the worst—make it worse. True strength is forged under pressure.

Avoid the Invincible Protagonist

Perfect characters are forgettable. If your hero always has the right answer, always wins the fight, and never doubts themselves—your reader will lose interest.

Instead, give them:

  • Flaws they have to confront
  • Fears they have to face
  • Weaknesses they have to overcome

The more they hurt, the more we care.

Redemption Arcs: The Struggle Within

Some of the most powerful heroes are those who begin their journey as flawed or broken people. Redemption arcs require enormous internal struggle—and offer satisfying, emotional payoffs.

Example: Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender begins as a villain, but his inner struggle and transformation make him one of the most beloved characters in fiction.

Final Thoughts: Struggle is the Heartbeat of the Hero

Readers don’t just want to see a character overcome—they want to feel it. They want the tears, the sweat, the moment where all hope seems lost—and then the triumph.

So don’t be afraid to hurt your characters. Challenge them. Break them. And let them rise again—not because they’re perfect, but because they fought their way there.

Because a perfect hero might look nice—but a hero who bleeds is unforgettable.

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Memoir vs. Autobiography: Which True Story Are You Telling?

Understanding the Subtle Yet Significant Differences That Define Your Narrative

Every person has a story. But when it comes to turning your life into a book, you’ll quickly find yourself facing a key question: Is it a memoir or an autobiography? Many people use the terms interchangeably—but they’re not the same. And choosing the right form for your story can make all the difference in how it connects with readers, how it’s marketed, and how publishers receive it.

In this detailed guide, we’ll unpack the core differences, similarities, and unique storytelling structures of memoirs and autobiographies so you can confidently decide which path your life story should take.

The Heart of the Matter: Intent and Focus

At its core, the difference between a memoir and an autobiography lies in intent.

  • Autobiography is a comprehensive timeline of your life, from birth to the present. It’s chronological, factual, and usually written to document a full legacy.
  • Memoir is a snapshot of a specific theme, period, or set of experiences. It’s emotional, introspective, and usually written to share a message or lesson with readers.

If your goal is to cover your entire life story with a focus on historical accuracy and documentation, you’re writing an autobiography. If you want to explore how one chapter of your life shaped who you are today, you’re writing a memoir.

Let’s Break It Down: Key Differences

  1. Structure
  • Autobiography: Linear, chronological timeline from early life to present
  • Memoir: Thematic structure, often non-linear, with flashbacks and reflection
  1. Scope
  • Autobiography: Entire life
  • Memoir: A slice of life (e.g., surviving cancer, military service, spiritual awakening)
  1. Tone and Style
  • Autobiography: More formal, factual, and historical
  • Memoir: Conversational, emotional, literary
  1. Purpose
  • Autobiography: To inform, preserve a legacy
  • Memoir: To connect, inspire, reflect, or explore a personal truth

Memoir: Writing Through the Lens of Meaning

Memoirs invite readers into your personal world—not to recount everything that’s ever happened to you, but to explore one meaningful journey. In memoir, emotion drives the narrative. It’s about what you felt, what you learned, and how you changed.

Memoirs are often written by people who may not be famous but have an extraordinary story, such as Cheryl Strayed (Wild) or Tara Westover (Educated). The power of a memoir lies in relatability and resonance. Your story becomes a mirror in which readers see pieces of their own lives.

Memoirs allow room for literary techniques—metaphors, internal monologues, sensory details—giving your life story the rhythm of a novel.

Autobiography: The Life Legacy Blueprint

Autobiographies are often reserved for public figures—presidents, celebrities, leaders—who have lived a life that is already of public interest. But anyone can write one, especially if the purpose is to preserve family history or pass wisdom down to future generations.

Think of The Story of My Life by Helen Keller or Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. These works focus on facts, chronology, and societal impact. They don’t dive as deeply into emotion, but they aim to inform and educate, often with exact dates, locations, and historical events.

Autobiographies also demand rigorous research, note-taking, and a meticulous timeline. If your focus is historical documentation, this is the path for you.

Gray Areas: The Memoir-Autobiography Hybrid

Some books blur the lines. They have memoir-style narration but follow an autobiographical timeline. When this happens, it’s often the marketing that defines how the book is positioned.

Ask yourself:

  • Is my book about my whole life or one part of it?
  • Do I want to tell the world about everything that’s ever happened—or one thing that changed me?
  • Am I writing to document or to explore?

These questions can guide your decision and help you structure your story accordingly.

What Readers Expect

Your readers come with certain expectations depending on the label:

  • Memoir readers expect vulnerability, honesty, and emotional resonance.
  • Autobiography readers expect detailed accounts, a clear timeline, and educational value.

Mislabeling your book can lead to confusion or disappointment—so choose carefully and deliver what your audience is looking for.

Final Thoughts: Your Story, Your Way

There’s no “better” option between memoir and autobiography—just what’s right for your story. Memoirs speak to the soul. Autobiographies stand the test of time. Both matter. Both have power.

When you understand the difference, you can approach your writing with clarity, focus, and purpose—giving your story the shape it deserves and the impact it’s meant to make.

So ask yourself: Are you capturing a life, or revealing a moment that defined it?

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The Ultimate Guide to Fiction Genres and Subgenres: Where Your Story Belongs

Unlocking the Genre That Will Elevate Your Book and Captivate Your Ideal Reader

Picture this: You’ve poured your heart into a story, every word carefully chosen, every character fully fleshed out. You finally finish your manuscript and begin to query publishers—or maybe you’re preparing to self-publish. One of the first questions you’ll face is deceptively simple: What genre is your book?

That single question can define your audience, marketing plan, book cover design, and even your voice. Yet many authors struggle to confidently answer it.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, we’re going to explore the wide world of fiction genres and subgenres so you can position your book with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re writing a post-apocalyptic romance, a cozy mystery with a magical twist, or a historical thriller, we’ll help you find your story’s literary home.

Why Genre Matters More Than You Think

Choosing the right genre isn’t just about organization—it’s about communication. Your genre tells bookstores where to shelve your book, signals to your audience what kind of experience they’ll have, and helps algorithms recommend your book to readers.

Mislabeling your genre can mislead readers and hurt reviews. But a spot-on genre match? It builds trust, attracts your ideal audience, and boosts your visibility in competitive markets.

The Big Five Fiction Genres

Let’s start by breaking down the five broad categories most fiction falls into:

  1. Literary Fiction

Keywords: literary fiction, character-driven novels, literary storytelling

These stories focus on character development, complex themes, and emotional resonance. Think “The Great Gatsby” or “A Man Called Ove.” Often described as “highbrow,” literary fiction prioritizes introspection and prose over plot-driven suspense.

Best for: Writers who love exploring the human condition, inner conflict, and language itself.

  1. Commercial Fiction

Keywords: commercial fiction, mass market novels, bestselling books

Designed for broad appeal, commercial fiction includes books that are entertaining, accessible, and fast-paced. Think Nicholas Sparks or John Grisham. These books often get picked up for movies and TV shows.

Best for: Authors aiming for the bestseller list who thrive on external conflict, twists, and pacing.

  1. Genre Fiction

Keywords: genre fiction categories, fiction subgenres, popular fiction types

This is where the fun really begins. Genre fiction includes mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and horror. These books follow certain tropes and conventions—and readers expect them!

Best for: Writers who love plotting within a specific framework and delivering a satisfying, predictable emotional payoff.

  1. Historical Fiction

Keywords: historical fiction, novels set in the past, writing historical fiction

These stories transport readers to a different era. Accuracy is key, but so is storytelling. Whether it’s World War II or the French Revolution, the time period is almost a character itself.

Best for: Authors passionate about research and bringing history to life through rich narratives.

  1. Speculative Fiction

Keywords: speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, alternate realities

A wide umbrella that includes sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, and magical realism. These genres often explore “what if” scenarios, bending the rules of reality to explore deep human truths.

Best for: Writers who love world-building and exploring new dimensions of existence.

Subgenres: Where Specificity Shines

Drilling down into subgenres helps define your niche and target the right readers. Let’s look at a few examples under some of the most popular genre categories.

🔍 Mystery Subgenres

  • Cozy Mysteries (think small towns and amateur sleuths)
  • Police Procedurals
  • Legal Thrillers
  • Historical Mysteries

💘 Romance Subgenres

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Historical Romance
  • Paranormal Romance
  • Romantic Suspense
  • LGBTQ+ Romance

🧙 Fantasy Subgenres

  • Epic Fantasy
  • Urban Fantasy
  • Sword and Sorcery
  • Dark Fantasy
  • Fairy Tale Retellings

👽 Sci-Fi Subgenres

  • Space Opera
  • Cyberpunk
  • Time Travel
  • Military Sci-Fi
  • Hard Science Fiction

😱 Horror Subgenres

  • Supernatural Horror
  • Psychological Horror
  • Gothic Horror
  • Body Horror
  • Paranormal Horror

How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Book

Still unsure? Ask yourself:

  • What emotional experience does your book deliver?
  • What tropes or story arcs do you follow?
  • Who are your comps (comparable titles)?
  • What’s the core conflict—internal, external, or both?

Readers want consistency. When they pick up a thriller, they want adrenaline. When they read a romance, they expect a happily-ever-after (or at least a satisfying romantic arc). Choosing the right genre sets those expectations—and allows you to deliver.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Genre, Own Your Audience

Don’t shy away from genre. Embrace it. It’s a roadmap for writing, marketing, and connecting with the readers who will love your book the most. When you know where your story fits, you can pitch it with power, sell it with strategy, and write it with purpose.

Stay tuned for more writing tips, genre deep-dives, and marketing insights here at Words Matter Publishing—because your words really do matter.

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10 Essential Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors

  1. Start with a Strong Concept: Your book’s concept is its foundation. Spend time brainstorming and refining your idea before diving into writing. A strong concept will guide your story and keep readers engaged.
  2. Develop Compelling Characters: Memorable characters are essential for a successful book. Take the time to flesh out your characters, giving them depth, flaws, and motivations that readers can relate to.
  3. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of telling readers what’s happening, show it through vivid descriptions, dialogue, and actions. This allows readers to immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters on a deeper level.
  4. Create Tension and Conflict: Tension and conflict drive the narrative forward and keep readers invested in the story. Whether it’s internal conflicts within characters or external challenges they face, make sure there’s always something at stake.
  5. Edit Ruthlessly: Writing is rewriting. Don’t be afraid to revise and edit your work multiple times to polish it to perfection. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, as well as the overall flow and coherence of your narrative.
  6. Read Widely: Reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills. Explore a variety of genres and styles to broaden your perspective and learn from other authors’ techniques.
  7. Find Your Voice: Your voice is what makes your writing unique. Experiment with different styles and techniques until you find the voice that best suits your story and resonates with readers.
  8. Stay Organized: Keep track of your ideas, outlines, and research notes to stay organized throughout the writing process. Whether you prefer digital tools or old-fashioned notebooks, find a system that works for you and stick to it.
  9. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to share your work with others and ask for feedback. Join a writing group, workshop your manuscript with beta readers, or hire a professional editor to help you identify areas for improvement.
  10. Persevere: Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be times when you feel stuck or discouraged, but don’t give up. Stay committed to your vision and keep pushing forward, knowing that every word you write brings you one step closer to achieving your goal.

Remember, writing is a journey, and each book you write is an opportunity to grow and improve as an author. Keep honing your craft, and don’t forget to enjoy the process along the way. Happy writing!

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GET THE STINGER OUT!

While mowing at my rental property I mowed into a hive that was in the ground hidden by tall grass. I was stung too many times to count. As I began to assess the stings, I noticed some hurt far more than others. Upon closer examination, I saw the ones that were hurting the most were the ones that still had the stinger in my skin. Slowly I began to remove the stingers but when I began to get ill from the stings, I knew that I had to get assistance fast.

After the emergency had passed, I began to learn the lesson from this horrible experience. You will get stung in life, by people, relationships, business deals, your own expectations, and yes…maybe even bees. The main thing to remember is to ALWAYS get the stinger out as soon as possible. Stingers left in will cause infections and extensive-lasting pain. When someone hurts you, get the stinger out immediately! Don’t let their words or actions stay injected into your heart or mind! Removing the stinger does not excuse the person it just means you will heal a little faster and endure less pain.

 

Writers…stingers will hurt your productivity and flavor your writing. Get those stingers out, heal your heart and then write from a position of power and experience.

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The Half-Filled Cup

Pretty sure most of you think I’m going to talk about which perspective you go through life with ½ full or ½ empty, but I’m not!!! So for those who take a moment actually to read this, I hope you make the mistake I did this morning.


I’m a three-cup girl…yep, every morning, it takes three cups to get me going at full speed. This morning I was half done with my first cup, and I mindlessly put it back on the coffee maker, put another k-cup in, and hit the button! Quickly I realized my mistake and grabbed an empty cup to swap with. As I looked at the half-full cup in my hand, I thought this is what life should be like every day….

We should get up and allow our half-filled life to be refilled before it is completely empty. If we did that, we would live the day in the OVERFLOW! Filled with so much energy, inspiration, and ability, nothing that happened to us during the day would be able to empty us because we are over-filled!

Apply that to writing, and you will churn out the books and articles bottled up inside you.

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Just Keep Writing

Just Keep Writing post wmp

This weekend I was mowing the lawn and I kept getting interrupted by neighbors who wanted to chat. Since I am relatively new to the area, I turned off the mower and took a few moments here and there to build ties with several in the neighborhood. Each time a chat ended I went back to mowing. 

I was happily mowing away when the sky began to darken, the wind picked up and thunder could be heard over the mower. Determined, I kept mowing. I just had one section of lawn left when the first few drops fell. I kept mowing and even appreciated the rain that was cooling me off. With just two rows of grass to go the mower ran out of gas. I sprinted to the garage to get the can as the rain was really coming down, but I was going to get that grass cut if it killed me! I filled the mower, but the rain was pounding so bad I could not see…I had to admit defeat as I ran to the garage with the gas can and pulled an old towel over my head to go back and get the mower. 

In a matter of minutes, a flash flood devastated portions of the town I lived in. Including my own basement. As I stood in the garage watching the deluge of water fill the streets overtaking the storm drainage system, I decided to grab my rake and head to the drains and remove the debris to keep the drains flowing as fast as possible. Homes and cars on our street depended on these drains to protect them and the drains were failing. I knew many of the men in the homes would come out in the rain to keep the drains clear, but I was already soaked and felt this was my way of helping the neighbors I had been chatting with a short time ago.

As the streets cleared and the rain slowed, I went inside feeling like I had accomplished something…except for those two rows of grass I still needed to mow. I would knock out those two rows tomorrow if it was dry enough to mow them.

As I pondered the day, I said to myself I wish authors I work with would just keep writing they way I kept mowing today. There will be interruptions or people wanting to chat or need your assistance, but immediately go back to writing. There will be storms in life…just keep writing. There will be times when you have two scenes left in a chapter and you must stop for the day but knock those out tomorrow. Don’t let the little distractions make you take a detour, don’t get irritated or frustrated get determined! Develop a determination to finish your book and don’t let people, storms or life stop you!