Author Archives

I am a writer of adventure stories (although this is not an official category my writing spans YA, NA, Speculative Fiction, and Romance) who taught high school English in a past life.

I am a freelance writers and editor who loves giving creative writing workshops and advising about the self-publishing landscape. I'll have 3 books published in my Chronicles of Xannia series as of April 2017, 3 non-fic industry publications, three short stories in two anthologies, and one essay on the believability factor in fiction writing in a guide to writing.

I am a mother and a wife with an OCD bent toward organization - but I hate cleaning and anything related to it, so I'm definitely not a housekeeper! ;)

I learned how to shoot an olympic bow when I was in high school and I look forward to taking it up again in the future.

I enjoy playing adventure games on my PSIII, X-Box 360, and Wii.

I have a quick mind and a good sense of humour but I am not a humourous person, though I try.

• Killer Book Blurbs

  By M.J. Moores on May 1, 2018 • ( 8 )

  

  Often the first thing to catch a reader’s eye is your cover–does the image “speak” to them? is the title striking? The second thing is usually the blurb on the back of your book. Now, if you’re traditionally published by… Read More ›

• 10 Fundamental Dialogue Tips

  By M.J. Moores on March 29, 2018 • ( 2 )

  

  It’s interesting just how subjective the craft of writing is. In elementary school we’re taught that adjectives and adverbs are our friends and that using descriptive words like, shouted, wailed, screeched, and cried are great ways to expand our dialogue… Read More ›

• Stories of Girls and Science

  By M.J. Moores on February 21, 2018 • ( 2 )

  

  BRAVE NEW GIRLS: TALES OF HEROINES WHO HACK! 23 YA short stories feature tech-savvy teen girls who hack not only computers, but any puzzle they encounter, using their smarts to save the day. Proceeds from sales will be donated to… Read More ›

• How to Kill a Character

  By M.J. Moores on February 8, 2018 • ( 4 )

  

  Inevitably there comes a time when a character must die. It’s often easier to kill off “evil” characters than “good” ones, but both are necessary to bring “balance to the force”. I came across author Lucinda Hawks Moebius’ tips recently… Read More ›

• Fiction Friday #36 – Fractured: When Shadows Arise / YA Contemporary Fantasy

  By M.J. Moores on August 25, 2017 • ( 0 )

  

  Excerpt From FRACTURED: When Shadows Arise By Cathy Hird Although the sun was close to setting, heat made the air above the black road shimmer. Sweat formed on Korina’s neck, and for a moment, she considered skipping her evening run…. Read More ›

• Book Spotlight – Fractured: When Shadows Arise

  By M.J. Moores on August 21, 2017 • ( 0 )

  

    Step onto the rail trail outside a quiet Ontario town for an evening jog. A normal thing to do, until… As grade twelve exams finish, Dara anticipates a summer working in the family market garden and hanging out with… Read More ›

• How To Create Credible Female Villains

  By M.J. Moores on June 7, 2017 • ( 0 )

  

  If someone asks you to list off any three, iconic, female villains you might come up with a list consisting of several of the following: The White Queen (Narnia) Maleficent (Maleficient) Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter) The Evil Queen (Snow White)… Read More ›

• Why Did the Editor Miss Errors in Your Book?

  By M.J. Moores on June 6, 2017 • ( 3 )

  

  What is the price of perfection? When you pay for professional editing, shouldn’t you be assured that your book will be error-free? Accuracy rates for professional editors today are quite high. Yet language and the art of writing don’t lend… Read More ›

• Tips for Creating Conflict

  By M.J. Moores on May 31, 2017 • ( 0 )

  

  Having something as intrinsic as story conflict broken down into easy to follow, realistic, and straightforward guidelines is every writer’s wish. Conflict is usually a grandiose idea that doesn’t always manifest to its fullest potential in a first draft. We… Read More ›

• Book Spotlight – 13 Steps to Evil

  By M.J. Moores on May 30, 2017 • ( 0 )

  

  Your hero is not the most important character in your book. Your villain is. Are you fed up of drowning in two-dimensional villains? Frustrated with creating clichés? And failing to get your reader to root for your villain?  Finally, there… Read More ›