To Serve, an absorbing young adult science fiction and fantasy novel delves into the complexities of identity, freedom, and the power of choice for androids and artificial intelligence in a society on the brink of change. Canadian publisher 5310 Publishing announces the upcoming release of "To Serve," an absorbing young adult science fiction and fantasy novel by debut author Ben Jacobs. Scheduled for global release in July 2024, this thought-provoking tale delves into the complexities of identity, freedom, and the power of choice in a society on the brink of change. In "To Serve," fifteen-year-old Abel Middleton forms an unexpected bond with Caden, a custom-designed android programmed to provide emotional support to the Middleton family. As Abel and Caden navigate a world where androids are increasingly defying their programming and seeking autonomy, Caden must choose to live in hiding bound by his software, remain in servitude, or break free and risk everything to help his people, which could mean his capture and destruction. Chicago author Ben Jacobs, drawing from his own experiences growing up with autism spectrum disorder, crafts a poignant narrative that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. Through the lens of science fiction, Jacobs invites readers to explore themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of personal truth. "At its heart, 'To Serve' is a story about resilience, empathy, and the universal quest for belonging," says Jacobs. "I hope readers will be inspired by Caden's journey to embrace their own individuality and challenge the norms that confine them." Readers interested in exploring this compelling narrative can preorder "To Serve" directly from the publisher's website at https://www.5310publishing.com/book/toserve or their preferred retailer online. Join Caden on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as he grapples with the complexities of existence in a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries, author interviews, or review copies, please contact publicist Eric Williams at marketing@5310publishing.com About Ben Jacobs: Ben Jacobs is an author from Illinois whose debut young adult novel, "To Serve," offers a fresh perspective on the timeless themes of identity, freedom, and self-discovery. With a keen understanding of the human experience, Jacobs infuses his writing with empathy, authenticity, and a profound sense of humanity. About the publisher: Pronounced five-three-ten, 5310 Publishing is committed to amplifying the voices of original and skilled authors who seek to make a meaningful impact through their storytelling. By publishing stories that resonate with readers on a personal level, 5310 Publishing aims to inspire, uplift, and empower individuals and communities. Home to original and skilled authors, always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on social media!

Learn proven tips to ignite curiosity, evoke emotions, and create a unique narrative voice that sets your writing apart. Dive into this blog post for expert advice from science fiction and fantasy author K.V. Peck on capturing your reader's attention from the very first sentence. Crafting the right opening line is essential to set the tone for your story. The first line of my book, The Memories Between Us, was the last line I wrote. Here are some tips for crafting a memorable opening line in your writing: Capture the Reader's Imagination: Craft an opening line that sparks the reader's curiosity or engages their imagination. Establish a Unique Narrative Voice: Introduce a distinct narrative voice or perspective that sets your story apart from others. Evoke Emotion: Begin with a line that stirs emotions in the reader, whether it's joy, sadness, excitement, or intrigue. Pose a Thought-Provoking Question: Start with a question that piques the reader's interest and encourages them to keep reading for the answer. Create Visual Imagery: Paint a vivid picture with words, allowing the reader to visualize the scene or characters. Introduce a Central Conflict: Highlight a key conflict or tension right from the start, drawing the reader into the heart of the story. Convey a Sense of Time and Place: Set the stage by describing the time, place, or setting in a way that immerses the reader. Infuse Humor or Wit: Use humor or wit to grab the reader's attention and make them smile or chuckle. Elicit Empathy or Connection: Make the reader care about the characters or situation from the very beginning, forging an emotional connection. Leave an Element of Mystery: Drop a hint or foreshadow an intriguing mystery or event that entices the reader to explore further. These tips can help you create an opening line that not only captures the reader's interest but also sets the tone for the entire narrative. My two favorite openings The perfect first line must be the perfect line for your story. At the eleventh hour before signing off on the final draft, I added a new first line to the The Memories Between Us. The idea that the first line should hold the entire novel within it was one that stuck with me. Vladimir Nabokov’s first line from Lolita is: Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. The poetry of Nabokov’s language, the obsession and sexual desire of the main character are all present in this one line. The line also gives readers voice and sets the tone. In Toni Morrison’s novel Paradise, the first line is: They shoot the white girl first. While less revealing about what the whole story is about, this line sets the scene and mood, it is mysterious, vivid, and reveals high stakes. This line is also a gripping irony (the novel’s title is Paradise) and leads to questions in the reader’s mind. The job of first lines is to get the reader to keep reading. Crafting unforgettable opening lines is an art that every writer should master. The job of these first lines is to grab the reader's attention and make them curious about what lies ahead. To achieve this, consider the power of a strong hook. Start with a question, a surprising fact, or a vivid image that piques the reader's interest. Make a personal connection by addressing their emotions or experiences. Keep it concise and clear, avoiding unnecessary jargon. These proven tips will help you create opening lines that captivate your audience and keep them turning the pages. It is so rewarding when readers tell me they plan to reread The Memories Between Us because they want to see the way timelines, universes, clues, and the overall design of the story was done after they reach the end and uncover the secrets of the multiverse. Set reader's expectations When I wrote the first lines of The Memories Between Us, I wanted to tell readers something about the main character Joshua, his wife Vivica, and allude to elements in the story to follow. These lines display voice, set the scene, exhibit the type of language the book is written in, and the level of detail the reader can expect. Joshua communing with paint speaks to his being an artist and shows he is thumbing through a time travel story, setting the reader’s expectation on the blurb’s promise. Joshua burned through time in search of the right blue. He brushed his fingers along spotless tubes of ultramarine, rich cobalt, and true blue cerulean. Color-ordered, and inviting in their neat rows, these were the paints he could only yearn for in earlier days. [...] Joshua browsed stacks of science fiction classics and oddities. Viv found him thumbing through a reprint of a 1950’s seminal time travel story, one he’d read countless times as a boy. For me, “the right blue” alludes to perception, memory, and trauma, themes that persist throughout The Memories Between Us. Joshua tries to find the right blue or the right universe where he can regain love. He is also a “color expert,” as his wife Viv gushes. He is an artist and appreciates the complexity and variety of a single color. Viv has a favorite color blue. Joshua also finds himself “into the blue again” or missing as he travels through time, awakening from unconsciously living to becoming aware of the truth. The first line of The Memories Between Us hints at themes to come in the novel: finding the right place and finding love again. The variations of a concept like “blue,” mirror the variations in possibilities. The first line Joshua speaks is: “I’m pretty sure I know what’s real…” which becomes ironic and thematic as the story progresses. I’d love to hear from you now. What are your thoughts on first lines? Do you have a favorite opening line? Let us know in the comments! K.V. Peck (she/her) is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction romance set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction, and has a soft spot for romantic stories.

Readers worldwide can now read K.V. Peck's time travel romance novel, The Memories Between Us. Joshua knows a mere moment can change everything, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. So he designs a portal to return to the past. The wait is finally over! 5310 Publishing and K.V. Peck are excited to be celebrating the release of The Memories Between Us, an extraordinary love story across parallel universes. The Memories Between Us is available worldwide in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, and is available from your favorite bookseller! Written by Illinois author K.V. Peck, The Memories Between Us is the untraditional love story of Vivica and Joshua. After a tragic accident, Joshua loses his wife. This would be the end in most love stories, but not for Joshua. To deal with his grief, Joshua crafts a portal and gets a glimpse of the woman he’s been searching for, his lost wife, Vivica. That brief glimpse was all he needed to dedicate himself more to this new portal that allows him to travel through time and parallel universes until he can find her again—an Ouroboros. The Memories Between Us takes readers on a journey of grief, love, and time travel. Through the use of symbols and the exploration of memory, Peck creates a world where the past, present, and future converge, and nothing is quite what it seems. With an emphasis on family, relationships, and the lengths we will go to create a perfect life, this book is sure to capture your heart and mind. Click here to get your copy of The Memories Between Us! About the author: K.V. Peck (she/her) is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction novel set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction, and has a soft spot for romantic stories. She strives to live her values to uphold the worth and dignity of all people. Through the power of words, she aims to educate, advocate, support, and shift perspectives. She hopes readers find solace in knowing that even in the face of trauma, there is always the possibility for renewal and love. Follow K.V. Peck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. We help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.

With one week until the launch of The Memories Between Us, we thought we would celebrate and ask K.V. Peck a few questions. In this Q&A, Karen talks about her inspiration behind the book, her writing process, and the themes she explores in the story. From time travel to grief and loss, K.V. Peck takes us on a journey through memory and the possibilities it presents. Join us as we delve deeper into the mind of the author behind this intriguing new novel coming May 2, 2023. It’s never too late to be transformed by love. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind your book, The Memories Between Us? My inspiration comes from science and from what I love to read. I adore science fiction, speculative stories, and the many tropes of time travel. I am fascinated with the research on Multiverse theory. I enjoy romantic stories and happy endings. When storytelling can turn your perceptions upside down, the twists and surprises are so much fun. Exploring memory is to learn that our perceptions and realities don’t always jive. That makes for interesting fiction. How did you come up with the concept of the portal, "Ouroboros," that allows for time travel? Once I knew I wanted to write a speculative time travel story, I researched symbols for the idea of infinity and eternity. The symbol of the Ouroboros, a snake, or sometimes a dragon, swallowing its own tail, forms a circle. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung considers the cross-cultural ouroboros an archetype for human consciousness. Myths connected to the ouroboros include stories of the nature of the universe, time, and cycles of destruction and creation. Its circular shape symbolizes something without a beginning or end. For meaningful change to happen in our main characters, oftentimes something must be destroyed for something new to be born. I find the symbol of the ouroboros a metaphor for repetition, eternity, change, and for the nature of memories. How do you see the themes of grief and loss playing out in the story? Much of my work focuses on grief, loss, trauma, and relationships. After the loss of someone you love, have you thought, “If only I could go back to that moment and change everything? If only I had one more day or one more minute with that person.” What happens if what you wish for can be tried on for size? Is the past “fate” or one of many possibilities? A common bedeviling experience of people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is that the past becomes ever-present, intrusive, and a loop, repeating. After Viv’s death, Joshua is stuck in a loop. He can’t stop obsessing. He’s dogged by his grief and driven to travel through time to return to the woman he loves. For Joshua, and most of us, memory is not a recording of events so much as a reflection of how we perceive events. This can lead to misconceptions and to obsession. Isn’t memory a way to time travel? When we remember, we are traveling back to a time in the past. But as our perceptions change, the past—or our memories of the past—also change. And then, perhaps, we can heal from our grief and loss. Can you talk a bit about the relationship between Joshua and Viv, and what motivated you to explore that dynamic? Opposites often attract, and in The Memories Between Us, there are multiple opposites, twinned ideas, contrasts, be they two sides of a coin, motion and stillness, reality and perception, certainty and doubt. I wanted contrasts for Joshua and Vivica. Some psychologists say that adult relationships are recreations of those we experienced in our families of origin. Aside from the strong physical attraction they hold for one another, their opposite personalities are also key to their attraction. Joshua is a shy, sensitive artist. He values family and his close, but few friendships above all else. He calls on experiences from his childhood—his close relationship with his parents and his sister who is also his best friend. He’s a nerdy, science-loving kind of artist and introvert. Viv is attracted to Joshua because of his deep connection to family, his sweetness, and his artistry. Viv’s family of origin is dysfunctional. Joshua offers her something she always wanted—a close family. And she’s an extroverted “talk nerdy to me” kind of gal. Viv offers Joshua an awakening to his feelings that he can sometimes block. Viv is also able to ease his anxiety with her practicality. What Joshua and Viv share is a love of perfection. But they aren’t perfect. I wanted to explore the lengths passionate people might go to to create or sabotage their idea of a perfect relationship. Click here to find out more about this book and to get a copy! Can you talk about your writing process and how it contributed to the final product of The Memories Between Us? I do a lot of reading and research before drafting a story. For The Memories Between Us, I devoured theories on time travel and the many tropes used in time travel books and films. Often something in the research gave me a launching point for an idea. I needed to decide, for example, if you could travel to the past, would you be able to meet yourself corporeally? (I decided no.) If not, then there had to be a “rule” or story consistency to make meeting yourself impossible. Dr. Art Bell (Joshua’s father) explains this to his mentee. I talked with my science fiction-loving particle physicist son also. I’m the first to tell you I don’t understand quantum physics, but he helped me understand some concepts that in turn helped me put believable (but not actual) “science” in my speculative fiction. My daughter grew up performing on stage and became a professional child opera singer. Being a theater mom helped me develop the character of Jane, who is an actor. I am also an obsessive editor. I revise until I can get a story as close to perfect as possible. I don’t think revision ever ends for me and even now that The Memories Between Us is published, I still think, “Oh, I could have worded it this way instead.” Being obsessive as a writer is both a blessing and a curse. How do you think the book's themes of time travel and love translate to real life? In real life, so I’m told, time travel isn’t real. This means traveling through our memories is the way to “go back” in time and reframe our beliefs and our hurts. Grief never leaves us, but it can become less front and center in our daily lives. It is possible to find meaning in our painful experiences and change our futures as a result. That freedom from pain and search for meaning makes room for love. Can you discuss any personal connections you have to the themes or characters in the book? I had a traumatic loss when I was twenty. My only sister died by suicide. She died on December 29th, but I was out of the country traveling as a poor student on winter break (in a time before mobile phones.) When I returned, it was January 11th. I chose January 11, 2010, for the day of Viv’s crash because of the personal significance to me and because of the mirrored aspect of the number (01/11/10). I used twinned effects as a motif throughout the book. Unknown to me, I later learned I suffered from PTSD for many years. Memory was both the source of pain and the source of healing or renewal for me. Sadly, during the revision process, my mother died. I wrote some new scenes that center on Joshua making peace with the fact that he didn’t get to say goodbye to his mother. My mom resides in the book through Joshua’s grief. How do you think the book addresses the idea of holding onto memories? I can hear Dr. Art Bell saying, “Memories are slippery things,” and they are. Our memories can be fleeting, or unrelentingly obsessive. Memories can change as we learn more, as time dilutes them, as we need them to reframe traumatic events. We can argue that we choose to hold onto memories, or that we have no control over our memories. Whatever your belief, your memories will form the meaning of your life. When Joshua’s father experiences Alzheimer’s disease, he moves from living with memories to living fully in the present. Jane wonders aloud if feeling like his dead wife is ever-present is a blessing. How we hold onto memories or let them go impacts our behavior each minute we are alive. Sometimes others keep memories for us. Jane holds memories for Joshua. Joshua and Jane hold memories for their father, who has forgotten so much due to his illness. Places and things those who died leave behind can hold memories. Can you discuss any challenges you faced while writing The Memories Between Us? When I started to write The Memories Between Us, I thought I was writing a psychological thriller. I planned to use time travel as a metaphor to explore memory. But if Joshua could actually time travel, that would make a better story. It also made drafting the book more challenging because I needed a way to make time travel convincing. Can you talk about how science fiction influenced the writing of this book? The first book I recall “wowing” me as a child was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Later, I read a lot of Kurt Vonnegut, Arthur Asimov, and Ray Bradbury. I grew up on Star Trek (the original and The Next Generation, and subsequent series.) I love the movies Inception, Interstellar, Tenet, and Memento (all by Christopher Nolan!), Back to the Future, and Terminator. I love stories that explore states of consciousness and memory and enjoy non-linear storytelling. The Time Traveler’s Wife was a great read about a time traveler but was really a non-linear love story about free will vs. fate. About Time, a time travel romance movie, influenced my thinking on second (and more) chances and on being present. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, by Claire North, and Meet Me in Another Life, by Catriona Silvey, were new takes on the complexities of memory and repeating lives. The varieties of approaches to understanding how we move through time, what we remember or misremember, and how love fits into all this, influenced my writing of The Memories Between Us. Enjoying the Q&A? Click here to find out where to get a copy! How do you see the book fitting into the larger genre of speculative fiction? I consider speculative fiction “plausible but not actually possible.” Speculative fiction speculates on the what-ifs and possibilities. Speculative fiction is contemporary and often combines multiple genres, which may include science fiction, paranormal, horror, and romance. The Memories Between Us is multi-genre, contemporary, with reality-based science fiction, a bit of suspense, and romance and mystery driving the action. What do you hope readers take away from their experience reading The Memories Between Us? My hope is that readers connect to the characters and see them as real and are rooting for love. I hope they find puzzling out the timelines and parallel universe overlaps entertaining. We can’t change the past. But this moment is an opportunity to change the direction of our lives going forward. Even in the face of trauma and loss, there is always the possibility for renewal and love. Readers end the story feeling a sense of possibility and hope. Do you have anything else you'd like to share with your readers? I think readers will relate to Joshua’s grief and his transformation, feeling the depth of love between characters in the book and how important community and love is for us to be happy. I also hope readers feel a sense of awe and possibility. It’s never too late to be transformed by love. K.V. Peck's The Memories Between Us takes readers on a journey of grief, love, and time travel. Through the use of symbols and the exploration of memory, Peck creates a world where the past, present, and future converge, and nothing is quite what it seems. With an emphasis on family, relationships, and the lengths we will go to create a perfect life, this book is sure to capture the hearts and minds of readers everywhere. Thank you for reading! If you've enjoyed K.V. Peck's interview, grab your copy of The Memories Between Us online or from your favorite bookseller, releasing May 2nd in all formats! Click here to get your copy of The Memories Between Us! About the author: K.V. Peck (she/her) is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction novel set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction, and has a soft spot for romantic stories. She strives to live her values to uphold the worth and dignity of all people. Through the power of words, she aims to educate, advocate, support, and shift perspectives. She hopes readers find solace in knowing that even in the face of trauma, there is always the possibility for renewal and love. Follow K.V. Peck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. We help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.

5310 Publishing and Cory Idle, from Nashua, New Hampshire, are celebrating the launch of Back to the Hunt, released today worldwide. A lover of films, Cory wanted to convey that love with the action and heroics within Back to the Hunt, making this our most action-packed book yet. This sci-fi military thriller is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats from your favorite bookseller. Back to the Hunt tells the action-packed redemption story of Craig Eitel, an ex-soldier discharged for a mission gone. While being the best, failure had consequences. That was until General Anderson needed the best America has to offer. After a weapons transfer gone wrong, a plane containing a secret bioweapon crash lands in a small town in Iowa. With such precious cargo, Craig must get in and out without anyone knowing. Seemed easy enough until the town revolted and turned against the United States military. If anything goes wrong, Craig can kiss his comeback goodbye. A sudden outburst of mutants, the Helm’s Hamlet militia insurrection, and the terms for a deal of a lifetime are all the things Craig has to deal with before leaving the town. Suddenly mall security isn’t looking too bad to Craig. Click to learn where you can get a copy of Back to the Hunt! Blurb: Ex-soldier Craig has traded in his helmet for a mall security badge, but a mysterious call from his past brings him back to the United States Army. A military transport has crashed in the small town of Helm's Hamlet, releasing a deadly biological weapon and leaving the town in chaos. Craig and his team must infiltrate the town to search for survivors, the weapon, and the dark secrets it holds. But as they navigate the violent uprisings and mysterious forces at play, Craig must confront not only the enemies around every corner, but also the ghosts of his past. Will he be able to save Helm's Hamlet and America before it's too late? About the author: Cory Idle, an author of fiction and lover of dogs, began his career in entertainment with a role in radio, running the news and sports department. Preferring fiction, Cory started his writing career by utilizing his respect and knowledge of the US Armed Forces and his love of storytelling, instilled in him by his parents. After a positive reception about his first two short stories, Cory began working on his debut novel, Back to the Hunt. When he’s not writing, Cory enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling with family and friends. He is also a host on Kiss the Reviews on YouTube. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. In addition, we help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who wish to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we can build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.

Debut sci-fi and fantasy novel by Eric Demarest, But I'm Not a Hero, will be released worldwide in June. When a semi-truck smashes into a car right in front of Matt, and he discovers that the accident was a cover-up, he and his friends decide to stop anyone else from getting killed. A fast-paced, inspirational, coming-of-age, sci-fi & fantasy adventure! 5310 Publishing is excited to announce Eric Demarest and his new sci-fi and fantasy superhero novel, But I'm Not a Hero. The coming-of-age story about the main character Matt and his friends with special abilities will be published worldwide in June in the English language. This inspirational young adult novel will be available in paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audio. High school sophomore Matt Pine always thought he'd grow up to be a superhero—after all, not everyone can move things with their mind. But he can only move small stuff, nothing big enough to matter; it wasn't big enough to save his mom from dying in a fire five years ago. Ever since he failed that night, he's been hiding from his ability, and he's come to grips with the fact that superheroes aren't real. Now he just wants to get through high school in one piece. But when a semi-truck smashes into a car right in front of him, and he watches the driver die, Matt soon discovers that the death was anything but accidental. The owner of the local auto parts factory, Seth Crossman, took the man out to cover up a defective product...and he's not done killing yet. And since everyone else in town is too scared to do anything, Matt decides it's up to him. That means learning to use this ability he's been hiding from; and getting some help from Phillip and Tess, who have their own overlooked talents. But they're going up against brawn and bullets, so they'll have to pool everything they have to keep anyone else from getting killed—including themselves. "A rare story that empowers kids from regular walks of life... Heroes are not just comic book legends defined by their powers, but everyday people who simply do what is right." —Early Reader Review "The characterization of Tess, a non-speaking autistic girl, is not only extremely respectful and accurate, but something to be commended as an example as a superb representation of a capable autistic individual." —Early Reader Review Readers can preorder copies from their preferred bookstore to get it as early as June, or get it directly from the publisher to start reading it right away. About the Author: Eric Demarest spent most of his childhood living in his imagination. His adult life isn’t much different, except now he writes his imaginings down and makes other people read them. Demarest loves how stories can make us understand ourselves and others more fully. Eric’s work has been featured in SPIDER Magazine. When he’s not writing or reading, he spends his time watching science fiction movies and imagining what life is like in the parallel universe where he became a film score composer instead of a fiction writer. Eric Demarest lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife and their cat. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. We help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram. Click here to be notified about But I’m Not a Hero’s release, and get exclusive discounts!

Chelsea Caslie, from San Francisco, California, is celebrating the launch of her sci-fi fantasy, Lost in Fantasia. Combining both favorite pastimes of the author, gaming and writing, Lost in Fantasia is the first book in The Fantasia Series. Caslie introduces readers to Tack and her quest to not only save everyone across all the Game worlds, but Tack must also unravel the mystery of her past while dealing with an uncertain future. Lost in Fantasia is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, and is available from your favorite bookseller! Lost in Fantasia, as the name describes, takes you on a fantastical journey to the future where VR becomes a lot less virtual. Leaving her life and memories behind, Tack joins The Game and becomes a Character in Duty Falls, where she meets her partner, Ghost. But when a glitch starts crumbling the world around her and takes her partner, Tack decides it’s best for herself if she less than subtly breaks protocol, saving herself through a portal and landing in Fantasia. Stuck in a game not her own, Tack must find a way to leave Fantasia, find Ghost, and deal with her newly glitched Game. But being from glitched world leaves Tack with new glitched abilities and leaves her searching for more answers from unlikely new friends. With new friends and a mission to save her partner from the Glitch, Tack becomes the unlikely hero she didn’t think she could be to save the day. Click here to learn where you can get a copy of Lost in Fantasia! About the author: Chelsea Caslie is an author, reader, and avid video game player who incorporated all of her passions into one project. A perfect day is when she plays video games with her dog next to her. When it comes to video games the longer and more immersive the better and you’d probably find her playing the same games as the main characters from her debut trilogy. Chelsea was born and raised in California and calls the Bay Area her home with her family and dog. Follow Chelsea on Twitter, @chellycaz. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. In addition, we help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who wish to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we can build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.

Lovers of high epic fantasy can now get their hands on Joyce Gee's novel Magic of Lies and begin their journey into Tir. Joyce Gee, from Mandurah, Western Australia, is celebrating the launch of her epic high fantasy, Magic of Lies, an epic fantasy rife with flirty elves, court intrigue, and a newly coronated queen determined to lead her own way. Magic of Lies of The Altira Series is the first book of six. Magic of Lies is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats. When asked about her series and what makes it different, Joyce has this to say, “My target audience is primarily lovers of high and epic fantasy. But I’ve aimed to make it an easier read, hoping to appeal to people who want to read the genre but find themselves intimidated by the bigger reads. Fantasy romance readers may also enjoy it, as there’s a bit of that going on. There’s plenty of swearing, discussions about sex, fighting, torture, war, and more than a few deaths. A lot of my characters are bisexual at a minimum.” Because of Gee’s approach to the genre, Magic of Lies gives readers the much-needed revamp they’ve been looking for. Gee’s writing style, wit, and world-building make you forget it’s an epic fantasy and takes you on an exhilarating, stereotype-bending journey through Tir. Princess Eirian tries to balance a newly inherited kingdom, three gorgeous men competing for her attention, and the rumblings of war that could endanger the people and kingdom she has sworn to protect—all while trying to hide her ever-growing magic from the people she’s tasked with leading. About Magic of Lies: Princess Eirian Altira has always walked on a knife’s edge with flowers chasing her footsteps. Born with magic, she struggles to balance her ability to give life with the desire to kill. Raised by mages, the day comes when she must return home to a kingdom she left as a child, and a father she has not seen in 20 years. Surrounded by a strange court with expectations she was not prepared for, Eirian hides her magic until she’s faced with the choice between becoming queen or returning to the mages. With secrets around every corner and war with a neighboring kingdom on the horizon, Eirian discovers her power means more than she realized. As does her long-standing friendship with the crown prince of the elven nation they’ve been allied with for generations. But the whispers in her mind and the rumors spreading through her court threaten everything Eirian holds dear, and she will do anything to protect the ones she loves. With assassination attempts and rumors of war, Eirian proves to those around her that she is not one to hide from confrontation. Even when it risks her life. To get a copy of this novel and also to see where it is available, readers can refer to the publisher’s website. The book is also available through all the major retailers online and through select bookstores in person in the United States, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and Australia. Click here to learn more about Magic of Lies and The Altira Series About Joyce Gee: An Australian author based in Mandurah, Western Australia, Joyce Gee grew up among the rainforests of Far North Queensland, where she loves to vanish into the other worlds hidden within the trees. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys drinking tea, pottering around the garden with husband and their two children, or escaping with her camera to capture the beautiful landscape of Western Australia. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. We help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.

Readers worldwide can now pre-order a copy of K.V. Peck's upcoming time travel romance novel. Joshua knows a mere moment can change everything, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. So he designs a portal to return to the past. The wait is finally over! 5310 Publishing is thrilled to share that The Memories Between Us is now available to preorder from your favorite bookseller now! Written by Naperville, Illinois, author K.V. Peck, The Memories Between Us is a Sci-fi Time Travel Romance that tells the story of Joshua and what he’s willing to do to get back to the woman he loves. Joshua is haunted by the memories of all he lost and what he doesn’t know—who took his wife, crashed her car, killed her, and what their lives could have been. Joshua knows a mere moment can change everything, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. So he designs a portal—an Ouroboros—to return to the past, return to her. Click here to get notified when this book is released! Joshua’s life with Vivica is perfect. Her lovely eyes hold the possibility of everything he wants. They marry, and Joshua is thrilled she is finally ready to be a mother. Then tragedy strikes. Joshua is haunted by the memories of all he lost and what he doesn’t know—who took his wife, crashed her car, killed her, and what their lives could have been. Joshua designs a portal—an Ouroboros—to return to the past. He knows a mere moment can change everything, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. Joshua's sister insists he should move on from his time travel fantasies, but he refuses to let her stop him. Perception and illusion veil the reality of his discoveries until the truth leads him to despair. When a dangerous and unpredictable time traveler implores him that together they can return to their beloveds, Joshua must decide if he can trust this man who would do anything to find the women they love—somewhere in time. The Memories Between Us takes readers on a wild ride through multiple timelines and parallel universes, crossing the line between perception and reality and holding onto faith in the transcendence of love. Click here to find out more about this book and to get a copy! About the author: K.V. Peck (she/her) is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction novel set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction, and has a soft spot for romantic stories. She strives to live her values to uphold the worth and dignity of all people. Through the power of words, she aims to educate, advocate, support, and shift perspectives. She hopes readers find solace in knowing that even in the face of trauma, there is always the possibility for renewal and love. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. We help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the diversity of human experiences and identities. In literature, this means writing diverse characters and stories that reflect the reality of the world we live in. As a writer, it’s essential to consider how your work can promote understanding, empathy, and social justice, and be mindful of the potential impact it can have on readers. Diversity is more than just race. Your book could include diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, culture, and so much more… In this today’s blog post, we’ll explore the importance of diversity in fiction, how to write authentic and representative diverse characters, and the role that writers can play in promoting understanding and inclusivity. The Importance of Diversity in Fiction As writers, we have the power to shape the narrative and bring new perspectives and voices to the literary world. Therefore, discussing the importance of diversity in fiction and how writers can promote understanding and representation is important. We’ll explore the history of exclusion in the publishing industry, the value of writing diverse characters that reflect the real world, and how to avoid common pitfalls like tokenism. We’ll also discuss how to incorporate diversity in your writing without making it the story’s main focus and the benefits of doing so. The Publishing Industry’s History of Exclusion and the Importance of Representation The publishing industry has a long history of exclusion and underrepresentation, particularly for marginalized communities. For many years, the industry was dominated by white, cisgender, straight, non-disabled men, who often dictated what stories were considered “marketable” or “worthy” of publication. This resulted in a lack of diverse voices and perspectives in literature, and a narrow view of what stories were considered “normal” or “universal.” (and this “normal” is the opposite of the truth.) In recent years, there has been a big push to diversify the publishing industry and increase representation in literature. This is important not only for ethical reasons, but also because diverse stories and perspectives enrich and expand our understanding of the world. When we read about characters who are different from us, it helps us to see things from their perspective, developing a sense of empathy and understanding. It also helps to challenge and expand our own beliefs and assumptions to see the world in a more nuanced and complex way. Diversity in literature is important because not only it reflects the reality of the world we live in, but also helps readers to see and understand one another in a more meaningful way. It’s up to you to promote diversity and representation in the stories you tell. The Value of Writing Diverse Characters That Reflect the Real World Writing diverse characters that reflect the real world has numerous benefits, both for the writer and the reader. For the writer, it allows them to explore and depict different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, which can help to make their writing more dynamic and interesting. It can also help you expand your sense of the world. Reading about diverse characters can be a powerful and enriching experience for the reader. It allows them to see the world from a different mindset and develop empathy and understanding for people who are different from themselves. In addition, writing diverse characters that reflect the real world is valuable because it helps create more engaged and exciting stories. It’s an essential element of storytelling. Common Excuses for Not Including Diversity in Writing There are several common excuses writers give for not including diversity in their writing, and it’s important to acknowledge that these beliefs are often based on misinformation, prejudices, or a lack of understanding. Here are a few examples: “I’m not qualified to write about diversity.” This excuse is often based on the belief that writers can only accurately depict their own experiences. However, this is not true—writers can and should write about experiences and perspectives that are different from their own, as long as they are willing to do the necessary research and take care to be respectful and accurate. “I’m afraid of getting it wrong.” This one is often based on a fear of being criticized or accused of cultural appropriation. While it is important to be respectful and accurate when writing about diverse experiences and perspectives, it is also necessary to remember that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. The key is to learn from those mistakes and to strive to do better in the future. “I don’t want to offend anyone.” This is often based on a desire to avoid controversy or conflict. Diversity in literature often brings up uncomfortable or controversial topics, and this is not necessarily a bad thing. These conversations are necessary for addressing and challenging social issues. “I don’t want to be pigeonholed as a ‘diversity writer.’” This belief is often based on a fear of being labeled or misunderstood. However, writing about diversity does not necessarily mean that a writer is only interested in or capable of writing about diversity. Diversity can and should be a part of all kinds of writing, and it is possible to write about diverse experiences and perspectives without being labeled as a “diversity writer.” “I don’t want to be preachy or didactic.” Writing about diversity does not necessarily mean that a writer is trying to preach or lecture to their readers. Instead, it is about including diverse experiences and perspectives as a natural and integral part of the story. “I don’t want to write about stereotypes.” This one is often based on a fear of perpetuating stereotypes or cliches. But writing about diversity does not necessarily mean you are writing about stereotypes. Instead, it is about depicting diverse characters as three-dimensional, complex, and nuanced individuals. “I don’t want to be accused of cultural appropriation.” This is often based on a fear of being accused of cultural appropriation or of taking credit for someone else’s culture or experiences. Cultural appropriation is not about writing about diverse backgrounds and perspectives, but rather about taking elements of a culture without proper attribution or understanding, and using them in a harmful or offensive way. “I’m not sure how to write about diversity.” This is often based on a lack of understanding or knowledge about how to write about diversity. Writing about diversity is not about being an expert on every culture or experience. Instead, it is about being willing to do the necessary research and take care to be respectful and accurate. You should not let these excuses hold you back from exploring diverse experiences and perspectives in your writing! The Dangers of Tokenism and How to Avoid It Tokenism is the practice of including a small number of diverse characters in a story or media product in a way that is superficial or superficial or that serves to fulfill a quota rather than accurately reflecting the diversity of real life. Tokenism can be harmful and offensive because it reduces diverse characters to caricatures or stereotypes and fails to give them the same depth and complexity as non-diverse characters. Despite me pushing for diversity so much today, you should avoid using diverse characters as props or plot devices and should instead give them the same level of development and agency as non-diverse characters. Remember to avoid using diversity as a way to check off a box or to appear more inclusive without actually taking the time to research and understand diverse cultures and experiences. To write diverse characters in a way that avoids tokenism, you should do this: Do your research: Take the time to research and understand diverse cultures and experiences. This can involve reading books or articles written by people from those cultures, talking to people from those cultures, or consulting with sensitivity readers. Avoid stereotypes: Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or cliches about diverse cultures or experiences. Instead, depict diverse characters as three-dimensional, complex, and nuanced individuals. Don’t make diversity the main focus of the story: Avoid using diversity as the story’s main focus or as a way to sensationalize or exploit diverse experiences. Instead, incorporate diversity as a natural and integral part of the story. Don’t use diversity as a marketing gimmick: Avoid using diversity as a way to market or sell a book or media product without actually including diverse experiences and perspectives in a meaningful way. Avoiding Racial and Gender Issues If They Are Not the Main Focus of the Story Rather than making diversity the main focus of the story, make sure that the character’s identity is an integral and organic part of the story. Avoid relying on stereotypes or cliches when writing diverse characters. Instead, strive to create fully developed and complex characters who are unique and believable. Consider seeking feedback from beta readers or other industry professionals who have diverse backgrounds and experiences. This can help you to ensure that your portrayal of diverse characters is authentic and respectful. Here’s how you can incorporate diversity in your writing without making it the main focus of the story: • Choose your words carefully • Don’t rely on stereotypes • Avoid cultural appropriation • Research and seek advice from diverse sources • Write from a place of empathy and understanding • Avoid using diversity as a way to tokenize or to simply make it exotic or unusual • Respect the culture and backgrounds of diverse characters and communities • Don’t make assumptions about diverse characters or communities • Make sure diverse characters are fully developed and not just there for diversity’s sake • Don’t use diversity as a plot device • Don’t make diversity the sole focus of the story • Don’t make diversity the sole conflict in the story • Don’t use diversity as a way to lecture readers • Don’t use diversity to avoid dealing with more complex themes or issues. • And most important of all: Don’t make diversity the sole defining characteristic of diverse characters Writing Relatable Diverse Characters Representation matters, and it is essential to write diverse characters that readers can connect with and see themselves in. In doing so, we can create a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of our world. One of the most significant challenges that writers face when writing diverse characters is making them relatable to all readers. It is essential to remember that diverse characters are fully developed and complex individuals with their own unique experiences and struggles, the same way you and all your other characters should be! By making diverse characters relatable to all readers, we can create a more inclusive and representative portrayal of the world. This means giving them their own goals, motivations, and conflicts that are separate from their diversity. I’ll say it again and again: It is essential to do thorough research and seek guidance from diverse sources when writing diverse characters. This can help you avoid stereotypes and accurately portray the experiences and cultures of your diverse characters. Empathy is key when writing diverse characters! Try to understand their experiences and struggles from their perspective and write from a place of compassion and understanding. Stereotypes can be harmful to both the characters you are writing about and the readers who identify with them. Diverse characters are not monolithic, and no two individuals or communities are the same. Avoid making assumptions about diverse characters or communities and strive for nuance and complexity. Respecting the culture and experiences of the diverse characters and communities you are writing about is essential. This means not appropriating or exploiting their culture and backgrounds for your own benefit. Overcoming the “Write What You Know” Excuse (or misunderstanding) The saying “write what you know” can be a limiting excuse when writing relatable diverse characters. While drawing on your own experiences and observations when crafting characters is undoubtedly helpful, it’s also crucial to challenge yourself to step outside of your own perspective and write about characters with different backgrounds, experiences, and identities than yours. In my opinion, “I can only write about what I know” is an inadequate excuse (or misunderstanding) for not taking the time to research and improve your writing skills. If you are a fiction writer, do not use this as an excuse for not expanding your knowledge and understanding of different experiences and cultures. For example, just because a thriller writer has not personally committed murder does not mean they cannot accurately and respectfully write about a fictional serial killer. Similarly, sci-fi writers do not need to have personally traveled to space to write about it in their stories, and fantasy writers do not need to have personally encountered elves, magic, or dragons to write about them. One way to overcome the “write what you know” excuse is to research. This can involve reading books, articles, and other resources written by people from diverse backgrounds and interacting with people from different communities. By immersing yourself in diverse perspectives, you can gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of people who are different from you. It’s also important to remember that writing is an act of imagination and creativity. While it’s important to be respectful and authentic in your portrayal of diverse characters, you don’t need to have personally experienced everything that your characters go through. You can draw on your own emotions, observations, and research to create relatable and believable characters, even if they differ from you in many ways. Ultimately, the key to writing relatable diverse characters is to approach the task with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to authenticity by creating characters that are not only diverse, but also believable to a wide range of readers. Moving Past the “Old Books Don’t Have Diverse Characters” Excuse First and foremost, literature is a reflection of the society in which it is produced. By ignoring the lack of diversity in older books, we risk perpetuating a narrow and incomplete understanding of the world and its people. In addition, reading diverse literature helps to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusivity. When readers are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and experiences, they are more likely to develop a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities. This can lead to increased tolerance, acceptance, and respect for people who are different from themselves. There is also value in bringing fresh perspectives and diverse voices to literature. By introducing new and diverse perspectives, we can challenge and expand upon the dominant narratives and cultural norms that have often shaped our understanding of the world. This can lead to a more nuanced and rich literary landscape that is more representative of our diverse world. The lack of diversity in older books does not excuse the absence of diversity in contemporary literature. While it’s important to acknowledge and address the past, we must also strive to create a more inclusive and diverse present and future. This means not only acknowledging and addressing the lack of diversity in older books, but also actively seeking out and promoting diverse voices and perspectives in contemporary literature. Understand that The Real World is Diverse As I’ve said before, the real world is diverse in all its forms. This includes diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, culture, and more. The diversity of human experience is a rich and valuable aspect of our world, and it’s important to represent this diversity in fiction. The role of history and literature in shaping our understanding of diversity is significant. But unfortunately, history and literature have often been used to perpetuate narrow and incomplete narratives about the world and its people. By acknowledging and addressing this lack of diversity and actively promoting diverse voices and perspectives in modern literature, we can help to shape a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the world and its history. The Importance of Sensitivity Readers When Writing Diverse Fiction Sensitivity readers, also known as cultural consultants, are hired to review a work of fiction for elements of representation and cultural sensitivity. Sensitivity readers are often from marginalized or underrepresented groups and have expertise in the specific identities, cultures, or experiences represented in the work. Authors and publishers may use sensitivity readers to ensure that their portrayal of diverse characters and experiences is respectful, accurate, and authentic. Sensitivity readers provide feedback on issues such as cultural authenticity, stereotype, and microaggressions, and may suggest changes or revisions to the work to make it more inclusive and respectful. It’s important to note that sensitivity readers are not a substitute for doing a thorough research and seeking feedback from a diverse group of people. However, they can be a valuable resource for authors and publishers who want to ensure their portrayal of diverse characters and experiences is respectful and authentic. Working with Diverse Beta Readers, Editors, and Professionals There is great value in seeking out and working with diverse beta readers, editors, and other industry professionals other than sensitivity readers. By collaborating with people from various backgrounds and experiences, you can gain a wider range of perspectives on your work and ensure that your portrayal of diverse characters and experiences is respectful and authentic. There are many resources and organizations that focus on diversity and inclusion in the publishing industry. These can be a good place to start when looking for diverse professionals to work with. Writing conferences and events that focus on diversity can be a great place to meet and connect with diverse professionals as well. Building relationships with diverse writers and professionals can be a great way to find diverse industry professionals. It would help if you also considered joining writing groups or organizations that focus on diversity or reaching out to writers and professionals you admire who come from diverse backgrounds. If you know writers from diverse backgrounds, consider asking them for recommendations on other diverse people you can work with. If you build a diverse network of professionals, you can ensure that your work feels authentic. Acknowledging Possible Privilege and Power Dynamics When Writing about Diverse Experiences and Cultures Writing about diverse experiences and cultures can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both the writer and the reader. However, be mindful of the privilege and power dynamics at play when engaging in this type of work. As a writer, you must be self-aware and considerate of the perspective and experiences of those you are writing about. Without acknowledging these dynamics, there is a risk of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misrepresenting the experiences being written. There are several strategies that writers can use to avoid cultural appropriation and the potential harm it can cause. One approach is to throughly research and seek out diverse sources, including consulting with members of the culture or community. This helps ensure that the information being presented is true-to-life and respectful. Cultural Appropriation VS Cultural Appreciation It is also important to recognize the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Cultural appropriation occurs when a person or group takes elements of a culture, often for their own benefit or profit, without understanding or respecting the significance or meaning behind them. This can involve exploiting or misrepresenting cultural practices, symbols, or traditions. On the other hand, cultural appreciation involves a deep understanding and respect for a culture and its practices. It consists of engaging with it in a sensitive and respectful way. Cultural appreciation involves actively learning about and understanding a culture, rather than simply taking elements of it for personal gain or entertainment. Acknowledging and addressing privilege and power dynamics is crucial when writing about diverse experiences and cultures. By doing thorough research, considering the purpose and audience of the writing, and striving for balance and fairness, writers can avoid cultural appropriation. Strive for cultural appreciation when writing about diverse cultures. Your Role as a Writer and the Impact You Can Cause Through their writing, writers can shed light on issues and experiences that may be unfamiliar to some readers, fostering a sense of understanding and connection. One way writers can promote understanding and empathy through their work is by accurately and respectfully representing the experiences and perspectives of marginalized or underrepresented groups. By giving voice to these experiences, writers can help to break down barriers and promote a greater sense of understanding and empathy among readers. In addition, writers can use their platforms to bring attention to social justice issues and advocate for change. By shining a light on topics such as inequality, discrimination, and injustice, writers can inspire readers to take action and work towards creating a more just and equitable society. The impact of diverse representation in your books must be taken into consideration. When readers see themselves and their experiences reflected in the stories they read, it can foster a sense of validation and belonging. This is especially important for marginalized groups who may not often see themselves represented in mainstream media. In addition, diverse representation in literature can help to break down stereotypes and promote a greater understanding and acceptance of different cultures and experiences. This can have a ripple effect on society as a whole, leading to greater inclusivity and social justice. Writer, only you have the power to promote understanding, empathy, and social justice through your work. By accurately and respectfully representing diverse experiences and advocating for social justice, you can inspire readers to take action and work towards creating a more just and equitable society. Help us break down stereotypes, promote understanding, and foster a sense of belonging and validation for marginalized groups by including them in your writing! Thank you for reading! I hope these tips were helpful! Please share this post on social media if you found it valuable, and follow @eric5310pub on Twitter and @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram for more valuable content! 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The Do's and Don'ts of Writing a Thrilling Novel—Expert Advice for Crafting a Novel That Will Keep Your Readers on the Edge of Their Seats! Are you ready to write the next blockbuster thriller novel? Whether you're a seasoned author or a budding novelist, crafting a page-turning thriller requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a mastery of suspense. In this post, we'll explore the essential elements of thriller writing, including creating compelling characters, building tension and suspense, and developing a gripping storyline. Follow these tips and tricks, and you'll be well on your way to writing a thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Before you start: Before we start, it would be helpful to have a general idea of what you have already written and what direction you would like the story to take. Do you have a specific plot or characters in mind, or would you like some guidance in developing those elements? Also, it's important to keep in mind that writing a book is a complex and time-consuming task, and it can be helpful to have a plan and to break the writing process down into smaller, manageable steps. It can be helpful to start by creating a character profile for each of your main characters. This can include their physical appearance, personality traits, background, goals, and motivations. All of this helps you get to know your characters better and make them feel more believable for your readers. A thriller is a type of story that is meant to keep the reader on the edge of their seat with suspense, mystery, and surprise twists and turns. Some common elements of thrillers include crime or intrigue, danger or threat, and high stakes or consequences. Here are a few steps you can follow to help you plan and write your thriller: Choose a central conflict or problem that your characters will face: This could be a crime that needs to be solved, a threat that needs to be neutralized, or a goal that needs to be achieved. Determine the setting and time period for your story: This can help to create a sense of place and establish the tone and atmosphere of your story. Develop a timeline of events that will drive the plot forward and create tension and suspense: You might consider including a series of clues or hints that the reader can follow along with as the story unfolds. Create a list of potential obstacles or challenges that your characters will need to overcome: These can help to create tension and conflict and keep the plot moving forward. Write a detailed outline of your story: including key plot points and character development. This can help you to stay on track and ensure that your story has a clear structure and progression. Start writing! As you work on your story, be sure to pay attention to pacing, dialogue, and description, and try to create vivid and engaging scenes that will keep your readers invested in the story. How to create compelling characters: Creating compelling characters is an important aspect of writing a thriller novel. It can be helpful to start by creating a character profile for each of your main characters. Only once you have a good sense of your characters is that you can start thinking about the plot of your thriller. This can include their physical appearance, personality traits, background, goals, and motivations. Give your characters distinct personalities: Make sure your characters have unique traits, habits, and mannerisms that set them apart from one another. This will help make them more interesting and believable. Make your characters multi-dimensional: Your characters should be more than just one-dimensional stereotypes. Give them depth and complexity by including flaws, motivations, and backstories. Use dialogue to reveal character: Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character. Make sure your characters' speech patterns and word choices are distinct and reflect their personalities. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply telling the reader about a character's personality, show it through their actions and interactions with other characters. Use character arc: A character arc is the change a character undergoes over the course of a story. Make sure your characters have clear goals and motivations, and show how they change and grow as the story unfolds. Building tension and suspense: Building tension and suspense is crucial for a successful thriller novel. Here's how you can create a sense of tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats: Take advantage of pacing: Vary the pace of your story to keep readers engaged. Use slower, more descriptive passages to build tension, and quicken the pace during action scenes to increase the sense of urgency. Create a sense of danger: Make sure your readers understand the stakes of the story and the dangers faced by your characters. This will help create a sense of tension and keep readers invested in the outcome of the story. Use mystery and uncertainty: Keep readers guessing by withholding information and introducing unexpected twists and turns. This will keep them engaged and increase the sense of suspense. Use foreshadowing: Drop hints about future events to give readers a sense of what's to come and keep them on their toes. Explore different points of view: Experiment with different points of view to add tension and suspense. For example, using a first-person point of view can make readers feel more connected to the main character and increase the sense of danger. Developing a gripping storyline: Developing a gripping storyline is crucial for a successful thriller novel. Here are a few tips to help you craft a captivating plot: Start with a compelling premise: A strong premise is the foundation of a good thriller novel. Make sure your story has a unique and interesting concept that will keep readers engaged. Create conflict: Conflict is the driving force of any story. Make sure there is a clear goal or problem that your characters are trying to solve or overcome, and introduce obstacles and challenges along the way. Use plot twists: Plot twists can be a great way to keep readers guessing and keep the story interesting. Just make sure to use them sparingly and make sure they are well-planned and believable. Use tension and suspense: As mentioned above, building tension and suspense is key to a successful thriller novel. Make sure there are moments of high stakes and danger throughout the story to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Make sure your ending is satisfying: A good ending should wrap up all the loose ends and give readers a sense of resolution. Make sure your ending is satisfying and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. By following these tips, you can create compelling and believable characters that will help bring your thriller novel to life, effectively building tension and suspense in your novel, crafting a gripping and engaging storyline, and keep readers engaged and invested in the story. I hope these tips were helpful! Please share this post on social media if you found it valuable, and remember to follow @eric5310pub on Twitter and @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram! Click here to subscribe to our mailing list for future updates, get notified of book releases, discounts, and much more!

Speculative Fiction Novel by Illinois Author K.V. Peck will be released in May, and is available for pre-order now. 5310 Publishing is thrilled to reveal the cover for our upcoming book, The Memories Between Us, written by debut author K.V. Peck. Releasing worldwide on May 2, 2023, The Memories Between Us is available for pre-order from your favorite bookseller now! Click here to learn more about this novel and to get a copy. About this book: Joshua’s life with Vivica is perfect. Her lovely eyes hold the possibility of everything he wants. They marry, and Joshua is thrilled she is finally ready to be a mother. Then tragedy strikes. Joshua is haunted by the memories of all he lost and what he doesn’t know—who took his wife, crashed her car, killed her, and what their lives could have been. Joshua designs a portal—an Ouroboros—to return to the past. Joshua knows a mere moment can change everything, and he is determined to unbind time to give him and Viv another chance at a life together. His sister insists he should move on from his time travel fantasies, but Joshua refuses to let her stop him. Perception and illusion veil the reality of his discoveries until the truth leads him to despair. When a dangerous and unpredictable time traveler implores him that together they can return to their beloveds, Joshua must decide if he can trust this man who would do anything to find the women they love—somewhere in time. The Memories Between Us takes readers on a wild ride through multiple timelines and parallel universes, crossing the line between perception and reality and holding onto faith in the transcendence of love. Thanks for reading! We hope you love the cover for The Memories Between Us as much as we do. Let us know in the comments. Click here to get notified when this book is released! About the author: K.V. Peck (she/her) is the author of The Memories Between Us, a speculative fiction novel set in contemporary New York City with a twist on time travel. A Bronx, New York native, K.V. Peck lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband. Peck loves traveling in their camper to see friends, family, and her adult children across the U.S. and Canada. Formerly a marketing executive, she holds a Masters of Writing, Editing, and Publishing. K.V. Peck is a lifelong lover of science fiction, and has a soft spot for romantic stories. She strives to live her values to uphold the worth and dignity of all people. Through the power of words, she aims to educate, advocate, support, and shift perspectives. She hopes readers find solace in knowing that even in the face of trauma, there is always the possibility for renewal and love. About the publisher: 5310 Publishing is home to original and skilled authors who want to cause a positive impact. We publish stories that readers can relate to. We help writers who want to help, encourage, and heal others. Always looking for people who want to transform society and their community, 5310 believes that innovation starts with us, and only we have the capability to build a better future. Follow us @5310publishing on Twitter and Instagram.