TCK Publishing https://www.tckpublishing.com/ Non-Traditional Book Publishing for Independent Authors Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:07:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.tckpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TCKFavicon.ico TCK Publishing https://www.tckpublishing.com/ 32 32 We believe authors change the world by sharing important stories and ideas. Let us help you get your story out to more people and make the world a better place. We interview authors who are self-published, indie published, and traditionally published to find out what’s working right now to help you grow your career and sell more books.<br /> <br /> On The Publishing Profits Podcast show, international bestselling author and publisher Tom Corson-Knowles interviews the publishing industry's best authors, publishers, editors, literary agents, marketers, and attorneys to share inspiration, education and best practices. Our mission is to help authors and publishers succeed in the new era of publishing.<br /> <br /> Ebooks didn't even exist 15 years ago. Today, readers spend more than $6 billion each year on ebooks in the United States alone. Are you taking advantage of this huge shift in reader purchasing habits? Tune in and learn how to build a full-time career and income as an author by proactively responding to the huge changes in the industry.<br /> <br /> Whether you're just thinking about writing your first book or you're a multi-published author, you'll find new ideas to help you take your career to the next level.<br /> <br /> The show's audience includes writers, new and experienced authors, publishers, literary agents, editors, graphic designers, bloggers, content creators, marketing professionals, public relations and PR experts, and publishing attorneys.<br /> <br /> Learn more at http://www.PublishingProfitsPodcast.com TCK Publishing false TCK Publishing tom@tckpublishing.com Copyright 2017 by The Publishing Profits Podcast Copyright 2017 by The Publishing Profits Podcast podcast The #1 Show for Writers, Authors and Publishers TCK Publishing https://www.tckpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Publishing-Profits-Podcast-Cover-Image.jpg https://www.tckpublishing.com/blog/ Weekly What Is Head Hopping? (And Why It Hurts Your Writing) https://www.tckpublishing.com/what-is-head-hopping-and-why-it-hurts-your-writing/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66327 Think of a time when you’re in the midst of a gripping scene. Suddenly, you’re confused. Whose thoughts are these? Whose emotions are those? Things keep jumping around, and you’ve lost track of the story. This is called head hopping. It’s a jarring habit that confuses readers and might get them to abandon your work. […]

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Head Hopping blog post image

Think of a time when you’re in the midst of a gripping scene. Suddenly, you’re confused. Whose thoughts are these? Whose emotions are those? Things keep jumping around, and you’ve lost track of the story.

This is called head hopping. It’s a jarring habit that confuses readers and might get them to abandon your work.

What Is Head Hopping?

Head hopping happens when the story quickly switches between different characters’ thoughts or feelings without warning. It’s like jumping from one person’s brain to another without warning your readers.

Here’s an example:

Patricia stared at Chris across the coffee shop, her heart pounding. Will he finally ask me out? she wondered. Chris noticed her nervous smile and thought, “She looks pretty today. I hope she likes my outfit. “Hi Patricia,” he said, sweating. Patricia assumed from the tone of his voice that he thought she looked terrible.

Notice how there are frequent jumps between Patricia’s and Chris’s thoughts. That’s head hopping in action. Your readers get dizzy trying to follow along.

Head hopping is different from writing multiple points of view correctly. Good writers usually stick to one perspective at a time.

It helps readers identify a character’s particular blend of thoughts and emotions. If it’s time for a switch, writers use chapter breaks or clear dividers to signal the change. Head hopping does it randomly, and often within the same paragraph.

Why Head Hopping Hurts Your Writing

Switching viewpoints without warning pulls readers out of the story. Instead of getting lost in your plot, they waste energy figuring out whose thoughts they’re reading. That ruins the magic where reading feels like living the story.

Readers also need time to bond with characters. When you jump around too often, you interrupt that connection. It’s hard to care deeply about anyone when the focus keeps shifting.

Each character has a unique voice—how they think, feel, and see the world. You need space to show that. Jumping between heads too quickly blends those voices and makes them less distinct.

And finally, head hopping kills tension. The drama often lies in what one character doesn’t know. If you reveal everyone’s thoughts at once, there’s no mystery, no surprise, and no emotional punch.

When Head Hopping Might Work 

Head hopping isn’t always wrong, but it’s rarely the best choice. Some classic novels use omniscient narration, where a god-like narrator knows everyone’s thoughts. But it does require a strong narrative voice.

However, modern readers expect tighter POV control. What worked in the 1800s often feels outdated today. If you want to use multiple perspectives, you’ll need to signal the changes clearly and that you have a strong handle on pacing and voice.

How to Identify Head Hopping in Your Writing

Sometimes you don’t realize you’re head hopping until someone else points it out. The shifts can be sneaky, especially in early drafts. Here are some common signs to watch for:

  • You’re inside more than one character’s mind in a scene.
  • A sudden change in tone, vocabulary, or emotional focus might mean getting into another character’s head.
  • Readers get confused about who’s thinking what. If someone has to reread a line to figure out whose head they’re in, the POV isn’t clear.
  • Emotions and motivations seem to appear out of nowhere. If a character reacts strongly without any internal build-up, you might have made an unintentional switch.
  • You use internal cues like “he thought” or “she felt” for multiple characters.

Read each paragraph and ask, “Whose head am I in?” If you can’t answer clearly, you’re probably head hopping.

How to Avoid or Fix Head Hopping

Here are some quick tips to remove head hopping from your writing.

Choose One POV Per Scene or Chapter

This is the simplest and most effective rule. Choose one character to be the “lens” of the scene. All thoughts, feelings, and sensory details should come from their perspective.

Show other characters’ emotions through dialogue, actions, and body language instead of their thoughts. Don’t reveal what they think, unless your POV character can guess or infer it.

Use Deep POV to Stay Anchored

Deep POV puts the reader inside your character’s head. It removes filter words like she thought, he felt, or they saw, and instead dives straight into the experience. This keeps the viewpoint tight and personal.

Instead of:

She thought the room looked gloomy.

Try:

The room pressed in—gray walls, dim light, and a smell like wet paper.

Signal All POV Shifts Clearly

If you need to switch perspectives, do it at a clear break. Use spacing, chapter titles, or a visual cue (centered asterisks to signal a scene shift) so readers know a shift is coming. Even extra white space can work. Never shift in the middle of a paragraph.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of telling readers what everyone thinks, show their emotions through body language, tone, and expressions. This lets readers guess what they’re feeling without breaking POV.

Instead of:

Chris wanted to leave. He hated this party.

Try:

Chris stood in a corner of the kitchen. “Let me know when we can go”, he muttered.

Color-Code Your Draft

Use different colors to highlight each character’s POV in your manuscript. If you see a rainbow of colors in one scene, you’re probably head hopping. Each scene should be mostly one color.

Read Your Scenes Out Loud

Reading out loud helps you catch shifts in voice or tone that may feel unnatural. Any chaotic bits in your writing could mean head hopping.

Conclusion

Head hopping is one of writing’s most common and damaging mistakes. It breaks immersion, weakens character depth, and kills tension. The good news? It’s completely fixable once you know what to look for.

Most of the time, your writing will be stronger if you stick to one point of view per scene or chapter. Head hopping could work, but it often limits how you can present your story to your audience.

Keep your writing focused by sticking to one POV per scene. Think of it as giving your characters moments to shine as individuals. This lets you dive deeper into their thoughts, emotions, and voice. And your readers can connect with characters who are better fleshed out.

How do you deal with head hopping in your writing? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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Vacation Thrillers: 12 Books That Turn Paradise Into a Nightmare https://www.tckpublishing.com/vacation-thrillers-12-books-that-turn-paradise-into-a-nightmare/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66324 Vacations usually promise freedom. Not in some stories, though, because the fun turns fast. The drinks may be cold and the views breathtaking, but something is very wrong. This is the magic of vacation thrillers. They take everything you love about getaways and flip it upside down. Now you’re in a fight for survival. Vacation […]

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Vacation Thrillers blog post image

Vacations usually promise freedom. Not in some stories, though, because the fun turns fast. The drinks may be cold and the views breathtaking, but something is very wrong.

This is the magic of vacation thrillers. They take everything you love about getaways and flip it upside down. Now you’re in a fight for survival.

Vacation Thrillers

Here is a list of books that turn paradise into a nightmare.

The Beach by Alex Garland

Richard discovers a map to a secret paradise in Thailand. There, he joins a hidden community of travelers who’ve created their own utopia. But paradise has rules, and breaking them has deadly consequences.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Ten strangers receive invitations to a private island. Their mysterious host never shows. Things turn deadly when, one by one, they start dying in ways that match a sinister nursery rhyme.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

A wedding on a remote Irish island brings together friends harboring dark secrets. When a body is discovered, everyone becomes a suspect. What is supposed to be a celebration turns into a nightmare as past betrayals surface.

We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

Two best friends meet yearly for an adventure trip. But this trip ends in violence, eerily similar to the last one. Paranoia grows, and one is forced to confront their shared history.

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

Detective Elin Warner arrives at a luxury Swiss resort built in a former sanatorium. A storm cuts everyone off, and people begin to vanish. The resort’s dark history seems to be repeating itself, and Elin must solve the case.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

When Adam and Amelia win a getaway to Scotland, they see it as the perfect chance to save their crumbling marriage. But they’re not alone, and someone knows their secrets. Soon, their anniversary trip turns into a twisted game of survival.

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

Six strangers sail to Meroe Island, off in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Things take a turn when one goes missing and another turns up dead. Not everyone is telling the truth, and soon trust breaks down among the group.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Travel journalist Lo Blacklock boards a luxury cruise for what should be a career-making assignment. She witnesses what appears to be a woman being thrown overboard from the cabin next door. The problem? According to the passenger list, all guests are accounted for.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Every year, ex-movie star Lana Farrar invites her closest friends to her private Greek island. But this time, things go horribly wrong. What starts as a peaceful retreat quickly turns tense as jealousy, secrets, and long-standing rivalries bubble to the surface.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Nine guests arrive at a remote wellness resort, seeking transformation. They are promised rest, healing, and self-discovery. But the resort’s reader has her own, extreme methods. Strange things start happening, and the line between therapy and manipulation blurs.

Sunburn by Laura Lippman

Two strangers meet in a small beach town, both running away from something. Their affair grows, but so do their secrets. Then someone dies. Now, they must choose whether to come apart or risk the truth.

The Hike by Lucy Clarke

Liz needs an escape from her marriage and work, so she organizes a hiking trip to Norway with her three best friends. But their relaxation ends when one of them goes missing. As the search begins, tensions rise and secrets unravel, revealing cracks in their friendship.

Why Vacation Thrillers Hook You

When you travel, you leave your comfort zone behind. You don’t know the area. You can’t call your usual friends for help. Your phone might not even work properly.

Thriller writers know this and put their characters in the same situation. It becomes uncomfortable, but mesmerizing, to see how they think and react. Because it could happen to you too.

Worse, you can’t even leave. Help is out of reach. You’re on your own, and danger is close. This trapped feeling cranks up the tension.

And there’s something deeply unsettling about danger in paradise. When these places turn sinister, what else is safe? The more beautiful the setting, the more shocking the horror becomes.

What’s your favorite vacation thriller? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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Is Rereading a Book Worth Your Time? https://www.tckpublishing.com/is-rereading-a-book-worth-your-time/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66321 You’ve finished a book. You know how it ends. You remember the twist. Yet, something pulls you back. But with millions of books waiting for you, why would you spend time on something you’ve already read? Why You Might Want to Reread a Book Not every book is worth rereading (at least, depending on your […]

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Rereading a Book blog post image

You’ve finished a book. You know how it ends. You remember the twist. Yet, something pulls you back. But with millions of books waiting for you, why would you spend time on something you’ve already read?

Why You Might Want to Reread a Book

Not every book is worth rereading (at least, depending on your personal metrics). But some books speak to you. They linger in your mind long after you’ve finished them.

Here are a few reasons you may feel the urge to read them again:

Your life changes, so does your reading.

Think about who you were five years ago. Your experiences, relationships, and worldview have all evolved. When you reread a book, you bring this new version of yourself to the story.

You feel nostalgic.

Some books are like food. They bring you comfort and warmth. And when life feels chaotic, returning to a trusted story offers stability and peace.

You want to learn.

Most of the books you want to reread are ones where you admire the writer’s craft. If writing is something you’re serious about, it makes sense to study the work of authors you consider the best.

You didn’t catch everything.

Good books have layers. Sometimes one reading barely scratches the surface. Rereading lets you catch details you missed the first time. You understand connections that flew over your head initially.

Professional and academic reasons.

Teachers, researchers, and other professionals need a deep understanding of certain texts. If you’re discussing a book with others or using it for research, you need to read it more than once. This is especially true when the subject is complex.

The Benefits of Rereading a Book

There’s more to rereading than remembering the plot:

You’ll understand more than you think.

First readings are often about plot. What happens next? How does it end?

Second readings let you focus on how the author crafts the story. You notice foreshadowing you missed. You spot clever word choices and structural decisions.

Your emotional connection deepens.

Characters become more real with each reading. You feel their emotions more. You recognize the heartbreak before it hits. You see the growth before the character does. That awareness makes the story hit harder.

Your brain connects more dots.

Rereading builds stronger memory. It transforms you from a passive consumer into an active analyzer. It helps you remember characters, themes, and messages.

Repetition strengthens neural pathways in your brain. You start recognizing patterns across different parts of the story. You make connections between themes and symbols. These critical thinking skills transfer to other areas of your life.

You discover new things.

You change over time, and so does your view of the book. What felt like a simple story five years ago may feel layered and complex today. A character you disliked might now make perfect sense.

You want comfort.

Sometimes, you just want a story that feels safe. You know the ending. There’s no anxiety. Just the joy of returning to something familiar.

It becomes a meditative experience. Your mind can focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about the destination.

You want to be inspired.

If you write, rereading your favorite books can reignite your creative spark. It reminds you why you love stories in the first place.

What to Focus on When Rereading a Book

To get the most out of rereading, shift your focus a little. Here’s what to look for:

Pay attention to the craft.

Look at how the author builds sentences and paragraphs. Notice their word choices and writing style. Observe how they develop characters and advance the plot. Look at how their world works.

Emulate their style and voice. Eventually, you’ll absorb their techniques and make it your own.

Dig into themes and symbols.

First readings often miss deeper meanings. Look for recurring images, ideas, and motifs. Consider what the author is really saying about life, relationships, or society.

What’s the big message? How does the author explore it? Think about how these themes apply to your own experiences.

Reflect on your reactions.

Notice what affects you differently this time around. That tells you something about how you’ve grown, too.

What scenes hit harder or softer than before? What characters do you view differently?

Make connections.

Think about how this book relates to other works you’ve read. Look for references to other authors or historical events. Consider how the themes connect to current events or your personal life.

When and How to Reread a Book

You don’t need a schedule. But some moments are perfect for rereading:

  • Before a sequel or movie adaptation.
  • When you’re feeling stuck or stressed.
  • After a major life event that changes your outlook.
  • When you need creative fuel.

Avoid jumping back in right after finishing a book. Give yourself some time to forget details and live a little. New experiences can give the story fresh meaning when you return.

You also don’t have to reread cover to cover. Skim. Revisit favorite chapters. Read aloud if that helps you slow down and soak in the words. Make the experience your own.

Different genres scratch different itches. You might crave the immersive world-building of fantasy or the layered themes of literary fiction. Let your mood guide you.

If you want to go deeper, keep a reading journal. Take notes on what stands out this time. Compare your thoughts with your last read.

You can also try reading through different lenses—social, cultural, or gender-focused. This opens up new ways to interpret scenes and spot things you missed before.

That said, not every book deserves a reread. Focus on the ones that moved you, challenged you, or left something unfinished in your mind. Mix rereads with new discoveries to keep your reading life fresh and exciting.

Your Next Steps

Choose one book that genuinely impacted you during your first reading. Set it aside for now if you’ve read it recently. When enough time has passed, pick it up again with fresh eyes and an open mind.

Don’t worry about analyzing everything perfectly. Focus on enjoying the experience of rediscovering a story you love.

Which books do you often reread? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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How to Master Indirect Characterization: Show Don’t Tell Your Characters https://www.tckpublishing.com/how-to-master-indirect-characterization-show-dont-tell-your-characters/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66318 Picture this: A woman enters a coffee shop and orders a large black coffee. She checks her phone twice while waiting. When the barista accidentally gives her a medium instead of a large, she simply smiles and says, “No problem.” What do you know about this character? You probably think she’s busy but polite, maybe […]

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Indirect Characterization blog post image

Picture this: A woman enters a coffee shop and orders a large black coffee. She checks her phone twice while waiting. When the barista accidentally gives her a medium instead of a large, she simply smiles and says, “No problem.”

What do you know about this character? You probably think she’s busy but polite, maybe a bit tired but not demanding.

That’s indirect characterization at work.

What Is Indirect Characterization?

Indirect characterization shows a character’s personality through context clues and evidence rather than direct statements. You don’t tell the reader what the character is like. You let them see it for themselves.

Indirect characterization sounds like this:

Cedric always brought extra lunch. “In case someone forgets theirs”, he tells his wife.

While direct characterization sounds like this:

Cedric was a generous man.

Why It’s a Big Part of “Show, Don’t Tell”

“Show, don’t tell” is one of the first things you learn as a writer. Indirect characterization makes that possible.

When you show your character’s traits, you create space for the reader to experience them instead of just reading about them. It makes your audience an active participant in the story.

That builds a stronger connection. It makes the story feel alive by creating vivid and realistic characters your audience wants to discover. And when they figure things out themselves, they care more.

Think about meeting people in real life. You don’t learn about someone because they announce their personality traits. You discover their nature by watching how they behave, listening to what they say, and noticing how others respond to them.

Indirect characterization also adds subtlety to your writing. Real people are complex and contradictory. Someone might be generous with money but stingy with time. These nuances make characters feel authentic rather than flat.

Why Your Writing Needs Indirect Characterization

People reveal themselves through behavior, not announcements. When your characters do the same, they feel genuine.

Character development also happens more naturally. You don’t have to pause the story to explain who someone is. You also avoid pushing readers into a fixed opinion. Instead, you let them draw their own conclusions.

This shows you trust your readers. You believe they can pick up on the clues and read between the lines. That kind of respect builds a stronger connection. It also helps character traits stick because readers discover them on their own.

How to Use Indirect Characterization

You can use five ways to show character traits indirectly:

Through Speech

What a character says, and what they don’t, can show a lot. Pay attention to word choice, tone, and speaking patterns.

Let characters speak in a way that fits their personality. Nervous people ramble. Confident people stay calm.

Listen for what characters don’t say, too. Meaningful silences often reveal more than words. A character who changes the subject when family comes up might have a painful history there.

Example:

“I didn’t ask for help,” she snapped. “I’ve got it under control.”

This line hints at pride, independence, and maybe some anger. You never had to say she’s stubborn. Her words did the work.

Through Thoughts

With internal narration, you can reveal things about your character while hiding them from other characters. What occupies your character’s mental space? How do they react when it comes to outside stimuli? Their response shows their moral compass.

Use it to reveal what your character really thinks but won’t say out loud.

Example:

“Of course they picked her,” I thought. “It’s always her!”

You didn’t tell us the narrator is jealous. You showed us their thoughts.

Through Actions

Small actions often reveal big personality traits. A character’s behavior in tough or quiet moments tells you who they are.

How does your character treat someone else? What do their habits say about them? These details show values and character.

Watch for contradictions between what characters say and do. A character who claims to care about the environment but throws trash out of car windows reveals hypocrisy or self-deception.

Small choices matter. Even simple actions can hint at deeper traits, especially if they’re often repeated.

Example:

He watched the rain-soaked cat. Then, without a word, he opened the door and let it in.

You can guess he’s kind, even if no one says so.

Through Other Characters’ Reactions

Sometimes, the way others treat a character says more than the character does.

If everyone interrupts a character, that person probably lacks authority or confidence. If people seek someone’s advice, that character likely has wisdom or experience.

Use group dynamics, body language, and dialogue to show how people respond to one another.

Example:

Everyone went quiet when James walked in. They avoided his gaze, pretending to be occupied with something else.

The silence and awkwardness suggest something about James’ past. You didn’t have to spell it out.

Through Appearance and Environment

What characters wear and how they wear it tells stories. Perfectly pressed clothes suggest attention to detail or concern about image. Mismatched socks might indicate creativity or distraction.

A character’s space says a lot, too. A cluttered desk with family photos shows different traits than a sterile, organized workspace. Look at what characters choose to display, hide, or keep close.

Even body language matters. Crossing arms can signal defensiveness. Constant eye contact might show confidence.

Use sensory details, what readers see, hear, and smell in a space, to reflect their personality.

Example:

She sat on her bed, staring at the wall across the room. It was covered in so many travel maps and postcards, you could barely see a spot of paint.

Now you know she’s adventurous.

Direct vs. Indirect: When to Use Each

Indirect characterization is great, but it’s not always the best option.

Use direct characterization when:

  • You want to establish a trait quickly.
  • The trait isn’t central to the story.
  • You’re introducing a side character.

Use indirect characterization when:

  • The trait is important to the story or theme.
  • You want to create mystery or surprise.
  • You want to make the reader feel more involved.

Example:

She was stubborn, and everyone knew it. But it wasn’t until she stood up in that courtroom—alone, trembling, and angry—that I truly understood how deep it ran.

Of course, these aren’t hard rules. Use your creative judgment.

How POV Affects Indirect Characterization

Point of view changes how you reveal character traits.

In first person, you’re inside the character’s mind. You can show what they think, notice, and feel—plus what they ignore or avoid. This helps readers understand them on a deeper level.

Third-person limited is similar. You still follow one character closely, but with a bit more distance. You control what readers know and when they know it.

Omniscient POV is broader. You can jump between characters and get a wide view of the story. However, it creates more distance between the reader and each character. To show traits, you’ll need to rely more on what characters do, say, and how others react to them.

Use the POV that best matches the depth and style of characterization you want to achieve.

How do you use indirect characterization? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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Endings: Death or Redemption for Your Villains? https://www.tckpublishing.com/endings-death-or-redemption-for-your-villains/ Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66315 Your villain stands at the crossroads. You hold their fate in your hands. Do they die for their crimes, or do they find a path to redemption? It’s a choice that shapes everything about your story. How will your readers feel when they close the book? What happens to the story after this critical choice? […]

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Death or Redemption blog post image

Your villain stands at the crossroads. You hold their fate in your hands. Do they die for their crimes, or do they find a path to redemption?

It’s a choice that shapes everything about your story. How will your readers feel when they close the book? What happens to the story after this critical choice? Will your themes and message land or fall flat?

Why Your Villain’s Fate Matters More Than You Think

Every story needs an ending that feels earned. That’s especially true for your villain. They’ve been a major force in the story. Maybe they’re even the reason the plot exists at all. How you end their arc tells the reader what your story is really about.

Your villain’s exit is a message. Are you writing about justice? Mercy? The power of change? Second chances? And it helps your readers feel something strong: relief, sorrow, or even hope.

Both choices work because they serve their stories’ deeper purposes.

Killing Your Villain

Sometimes your villain needs to die. Here’s when death works best for your story:

Your villain has gone too far. Serial killers, genocidal maniacs, and characters who torture innocents for fun rarely deserve second chances. If your villain was evil to the core, it may feel right to see them fall. Readers want justice for these monsters.

You want clean and clear closure. When your villain dies, the threat ends completely. No worries about sequels or future problems. The survivors can finally rest.

There is a need for consequences. Actions have results. When someone causes massive harm, death shows that choices matter.

You want powerful emotions. The final confrontation between hero and villain often becomes the story’s climax. Speculating who survives can leave your readers breathless. And when readers know that characters can die, every moment feels sharper.

But death isn’t always perfect. It can feel too simple. It might seem like you’re taking the easy way out of complex moral questions. Some readers will always wonder if the villain could have changed.

A death that feels too easy can undercut the emotional weight of the story.

Voldemort in Harry Potter dies as a symbol of evil defeated. His death ends a long fight between good and evil.

Redeeming Your Villain

Redemption is harder to write, but it can lead to a more compelling story. Here’s when to consider giving your antagonist a second chance:

Your villain has sympathetic reasons. Maybe they’re trying to save their family. Perhaps they believe they’re doing the right thing. Villains like these have can grow.

You want to emphasize hope and forgiveness. Depending on your themes and message, you might want to show the possibility of change. That even the worst person can find a better path.

You want deeper characters. What made your villain a villain? Or are their reasons justified? You can dive into their backstories and how they change after being forgiven.

But redemption is hard to earn. If it happens too fast, it feels fake. You also risk angering readers. Some actions feel unforgivable, and if you treat them lightly, your story loses weight.

It works best with villains who were misguided rather than purely evil. Done well, you can catch your audience off guard while making events inevitable.

Zuko in Avatar starts as an enemy but chooses a better path. His slow and believable growth makes him one of the most loved characters in fiction.

Which to Choose: Death or Redemption?

Before you choose your villain’s fate, answer these five questions:

What crimes has your villain committed? Small-scale bullying differs from mass murder. The worse the crimes, the harder redemption becomes to justify.

What motivates your villains? Characters driven by misguided love or desperate circumstances have better redemption potential than those who simply enjoy causing pain.

What is your story really about? A story about justice calls for different endings than one about mercy. Your villain’s fate should reinforce your main themes.

Can your villain actually change? Look at their actions throughout your story. Do they show moments of doubt? Regret? Capacity for growth? Or do they double down on evil every time?

What would satisfy your readers? Consider your genre and audience. Horror readers might expect villain death. Romance readers might prefer redemption.

These questions will point you toward the right choice for your specific story.

When Death Is Redemption

Sometimes you don’t have to choose. A villain’s death can be their redemption.

They pay the ultimate price to make up for past wrongs. They act to protect someone else, stop something worse, or make up for their past.

It’s a bittersweet ending. You show that change is possible, but it often comes with a cost. This kind of arc only works if the villain has shown some humanity along the way. Pure evil can’t pull a sudden 180. That just feels fake.

Darth Vader dies saving Luke. He finds redemption through sacrifice.

Boromir wasn’t a true villain, but he was tempted by the ring and tried to take it. In the end, he gives his life to protect the hobbits. That’s redemption, too.

This option gives you the emotional power of redemption without the complications of keeping an ex-villain alive. But be careful not to glorify suicide. The death should feel like a choice made to save others, not self-punishment.

Know Your Genre and Audience

Different types of stories call for different villain fates. Horror stories often end with the villain’s death. Romance novels frequently feature redemption arcs.

But you can subvert expectations if you do it skillfully. A horror story where the monster finds redemption can be powerful if it fits your themes.

Consider your readers’ cultural backgrounds, too. Some cultures emphasize justice and punishment, while others focus on forgiveness and second chances.

Stay true to your story’s tone and message. A light-hearted adventure story probably shouldn’t end with graphic villain torture. A gritty crime thriller might not suit a feel-good redemption arc.

Your Story Knows the Answer

Don’t kill just for shock value. And don’t hand out undeserved redemption. Both options need consequences. Choose based on what your story needs, not what’s popular right now.

Ask what your villain’s end says about the world you’ve built. Ask what it means to your hero. And make sure the ending leaves your readers feeling something real.

The right choice for your villain should feel inevitable once you make it. Readers should think, “Of course that’s how it should end.”

How did you choose your villain’s end? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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Content Repurposing for Writers: How To Turn One Piece Into Many https://www.tckpublishing.com/content-repurposing-for-writers-how-to-turn-one-piece-into-many/ Sat, 21 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66312 You spend hours writing a blog post, crafting the perfect newsletter, or polishing a social media caption. Then it’s done, posted, and slowly fades away. That’s a waste. And it’s only one piece of content. Most writers today need to show up on multiple platforms to build their audience. But creating content that works for […]

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Content Repurposing blog post image

You spend hours writing a blog post, crafting the perfect newsletter, or polishing a social media caption. Then it’s done, posted, and slowly fades away.

That’s a waste.

And it’s only one piece of content. Most writers today need to show up on multiple platforms to build their audience. But creating content that works for each one can take hours and energy you don’t have.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to start from scratch every time. You can repurpose your content instead!

What Is Content Repurposing?

Content repurposing means taking something you’ve already created and turning it into something new. Think of it like cooking. You buy meat once, but turn it into different dishes.

The same works for your writing. One blog article can become ten social media posts. A newsletter can turn into a YouTube video script. Your book chapter can become a podcast episode.

You’re not copying and pasting. You’re reshaping the content so it fits a different format or reaches a different audience. You already did the hard part. Now it’s time to stretch your content further.

Why Content Repurposing Is Essential for Writers

If you’re building a platform, you’re marketing. Even if you don’t like the word “marketing,” getting your writing in front of people is part of the job.

And your readers are all over the internet. Some people read blogs. Others scroll social media. Some like to listen. Repurposing content means delivering your message in the format they want. More types of content mean more chances to be found.

Each platform also has its own algorithm and rules. What works for one won’t work for the other. Repurposing keeps your content consistent, both in format and schedule. Platforms reward that consistency.

You also save time and energy. Writing takes a lot of both, and starting over each time can quickly lead to burnout.

Why start from zero every time? Stretch what you’ve already created. It’s not a copout. You’re multiplying the value of your work.

Smart Ways to Repurpose Your Content

Look at your content with fresh eyes. Here are simple, clever ways to repurpose what you already have.

Turn long-form content into bite-sized pieces.

The easiest way to repurpose content is to break down long pieces into short ones. Take a 1,500-word blog post about self-improvement as an example. You can:

  • Pull out each tip and turn it into its own short-form post. One blog post with five tips becomes five separate posts for social media, Threads, or LinkedIn.
  • Turn strong sentences into quote graphics. Share it on Instagram, Pinterest, or in your newsletter to give it more life.
  • Use your key points as newsletter sections. Take your blog’s structure and split it into a 3-part email series. Or grab the strongest point and turn it into a lead-in for a newsletter that links back to the full article.
  • Expand one idea into a new piece. Maybe one tip in your post deserves its own deep dive.

This creates an ecosystem of related pieces. Each piece can go deeper into specific subtopics and link back to your original content.

Convert into a different format.

Different formats can transform your content:

  • Break your content into bullet points. Each bullet point can be turned into a short video for TikTok or YouTube shorts.
  • Turn a blog post into a loose script for your podcast.
  • Use data to create visuals. These work well on their own, or to complement your posts on LinkedIn, Pinterest, or your website.
  • Combine several posts into a downloadable mini-ebook. Use it as bonus content for new sign-ups to your newsletter.

Changing the format doesn’t change the message. But it does multiply your reach and open doors for new income streams.

Use seasons and trends.

Seasons and trends are a great way to refresh old content. Your original post doesn’t have to change much, just given new context.

For example, let’s say you wrote an article about productivity. Around New Year’s, you can reframe it for goal setting. In September, you can tie it to back-to-school energy. In summer, it might shift to staying focused during slower months.

You can also tap into trends in your niche. If something new is making waves, update your old content to include your thoughts on the trend. Reshare it as a “new take” angle. This gives your old content relevance by adding seasonal twists and fresh commentary.

Create collections and series.

Group individual pieces into something bigger and more cohesive. It lets you direct attention to older posts and make them feel more valuable and intentional.

You can group blog posts, videos, or social media threads that cover similar topics and present them as a single resource. For example, if you’ve written several posts on character development, combine them into a “Character Building Toolkit” on your blog.

Or you can turn posts into sequential pieces that build on each other. A blog series like “30 Days of Dialogue Work” keeps people returning for new entries. New visitors who find it later will naturally start at the beginning.

Why You Should Repurpose Your Content

If you’re not repurposing, you’re missing out. Here is why:

Get more value out of your work.

Writing good content takes time. Research, drafting, editing, and polishing require real effort. Repurposing ensures that effort pays off multiple times instead of just once.

The time you save on content creation can go toward other writing projects. If blogging is your main thing, great—keep at it. But if you’re using content to build an audience for your novel, repurposing lets you stay visible while making time to actually write that book.

Reduce your stress.

You’ll never run out of content ideas when you repurpose strategically. Instead of panicking about what to post today, you’ll have a system that generates content automatically.

Create an ecosystem.

When your content links together, explores related ideas, or supports one core message, you’re building an ecosystem. It makes your work easier to navigate and more valuable to your audience. They can go deeper, stay longer, and find exactly what they need.

Search engines reward this too. Interlinked, updated content boosts your topical authority and gives you more chances to rank for keywords in your niche. It shows you’re offering a connected, useful experience.

Be known for your expertise.

Repetition builds authority. When people see you regularly putting out content on the same stuff, they start thinking you’re an expert.

It also lets you reinforce your ideas without sounding repetitive. Each new format or angle shows what you’re about and keeps your message front and center.

Build your audience faster.

When you show up consistently across platforms, you grow your following faster. People start recognizing your name and style.

They begin to trust you as a source of valuable information. It happens faster when you repurpose content than when you only post occasionally.

Building Your Repurposing System

Repurposing helps you work efficiently, stay visible, and grow faster without constantly burning out. But you shouldn’t mindlessly cut up your content to make it look like you’re providing more value. Always reshape it with intention.

Start small. Pick one piece of content you’re proud of. List five different ways you could share it across your platforms. Then do it.

Create templates for different types of repurposed content. This makes the process faster and easier each time. It also makes your content feel and look consistent. That goes a long way in building your brand.

And set up a simple schedule. Maybe write new content on Monday, repurpose older pieces on Tuesday, create graphics on Wednesday, and so on. It keeps you organized and prevents content from piling up or getting forgotten.

You’re not being lazy here. You’re being smart with your hard work and maximizing its impact. Your future self will thank you for starting today.

How do you repurpose your content? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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Books About Hiking: 10 Must-Reads for Trail Lovers https://www.tckpublishing.com/books-about-hiking-10-must-reads-for-trail-lovers/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66309 Through forests or over mountains, hiking speaks to your sense of adventure. You feel more connected to the natural world and have a rare moment of quiet in this busy world. Books about hiking provide that peace during times you can’t hit the trail yourself. You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy these […]

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Books About Hiking blog post image

Through forests or over mountains, hiking speaks to your sense of adventure. You feel more connected to the natural world and have a rare moment of quiet in this busy world.

Books about hiking provide that peace during times you can’t hit the trail yourself. You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy these stories. You just have to love a good journey.

Books About Hiking

Here is a list of books where hiking is the heart of the story.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

After losing her mother and watching her life fall apart, Cheryl Strayed decides to hike over 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. No experience, no training, no plan. Along the way, she faces hunger, blisters, wildlife, and her past.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson decides to hike the Appalachian Trail with a friend, despite being middle-aged and out of shape. Their adventure quickly becomes a comedy of errors filled with equipment disasters, bizarre encounters, and questionable wilderness skills. In all of it, Bryson confronts certain truths about himself.

The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen

Peter Matthiessen joins biologist George Schaller on a trek through Nepal’s remote mountains to hopefully spot the rare snow leopard. The journey becomes spiritual, as Matthiessen comes to terms with his inner and outer worlds.

Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart by Carrot Quinn

Carrot Quinn is tired of the city, where life is always in front of screens and everyone is disconnected from each other. To escape, she takes on the Pacific Crest Trail, where she meets new people, faces loneliness, and rediscovers purpose.

Mountains of the Mind by Robert Macfarlane

Robert Macfarlane explores why humans feel compelled to climb dangerous mountains, combining history with his own climbing experiences. He traces how, over the centuries, our relationship with mountains changed from fear to fascination.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

After losing their home and learning her husband is ill, Raynor Winn and her husband walk the South West Coast Path in England. They carry little and live on the edge. As they walk, they face storms, hunger, and doubt.

Tracks by Robyn Davidson

Robyn Davidson plans on walking the 1,700 miles from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean. With her are her dog, Diggitty, and four camels, Bub, Dookie, Goliath, and Zeleika. Along the way, she must battle the fierce heat, isolation, wild animals, and self-doubt.

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery

Ben Montgomery tells the remarkable story of Emma Gatewood, who became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone at age 67. She did it in canvas shoes with a homemade bag. She found freedom and healing through walking, inspiring countless other women to pursue the outdoors.

On Trails by Robert Moor

Robert Moor takes every hiker’s love of trails to the next level. Why do they exist? How do they form? What do they reveal about humanity? Seeking answers, he follows paths made by insects, animals, and humans, traveling across different landscapes and time periods.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer explores the story of Chris McCandless, a young man who gave up a comfortable life to live alone in the Alaskan wilderness, where he eventually died of starvation. Krakauer uses McCandless’s journal, interviews, and his own time in the wild to understand what led him to take such a risky path.

Why People Love Books About Hiking

Hiking books tap into something deep and timeless. They show ordinary people doing brave, bold things with nothing more than a backpack and their will to keep going. They are proof that you don’t need special skills to transform your life. Sometimes, you just have to take the next step.

These stories aren’t only about walking through nature. They’re about emotional journeys, too. Every trail has ups and downs. Every journey tests your limits. Every step forward teaches you something new about yourself.

When you follow someone up a mountain in a book, you’re also walking beside them through their transformation.

What’s your favorite book about hiking? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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Are You Too Old to Write a Book? Here’s the Truth. https://www.tckpublishing.com/are-you-too-old-to-write-a-book-heres-the-truth/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66306 You’ve probably asked yourself this question before: Am I too old to write a book? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of writing, but life got in the way. But is age that big of a factor when it comes to writing? What if it’s not a weakness, but a secret weapon? Why People Think Age Matters […]

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Too Old To Write blog post image

You’ve probably asked yourself this question before: Am I too old to write a book? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of writing, but life got in the way.

But is age that big of a factor when it comes to writing? What if it’s not a weakness, but a secret weapon?

Why People Think Age Matters in Writing

Let’s start with the fear itself. Why do so many people feel like they’ve missed their chance?

Some writers worry about physical stamina. Writing a book takes time and energy. Promoting it means learning social media and attending events. These concerns feel real when you’re over 50.

Priorities and responsibilities also change. You may be busier with family or health issues. You may also feel out of touch with new trends or technology. Publishing has gone digital. Authors need websites, social media presence, and marketing skills.

Then there’s the pressure from the outside world. Social media and the news often celebrate young authors. You see people under 30 landing book deals, going on tours, and building big followings. It can make you feel invisible.

But here’s the thing: writing doesn’t care how old you are. Readers don’t either. If you’ve got a story, your age only adds weight to your words.

Why You Should Write Anyway

There are some strong reasons to write, especially as you get older.

You’ve lived. You’ve loved. You’ve lost. You’ve watched relationships bloom and crumble. You’ve seen trends come and go. All of that gives your writing depth.

And with age comes perspective and emotional maturity. You understand human nature better now than you did at 25. You see the complexity in people’s motivations. You can write characters with depth because you’ve lived long enough to understand contradictions.

Younger writers might imagine certain emotions, but you’ve felt them. That kind of experience is gold in fiction and nonfiction.

You also have freedom that younger writers lack. You’re not desperate to impress anyone or build a career from scratch. You can write what matters to you, not what you think will sell. You leave something that is genuinely you.

Writers Who Published Later in Life

The publishing world is full of late bloomers. Here are a few.

  • Laura Ingalls Wilder started publishing the Little House series at 65. The series has since become an iconic piece of children’s literature.
  • Raymond Chandler didn’t publish his first novel, The Big Sleep, until he was 51. He became one of the most influential crime writers in history.
  • Frank McCourt wrote Angela’s Ashes when he was 66. It became a global bestseller and won him a Pulitzer.
  • Richard Adams wrote Watership Down at 52. That story, originally told to his daughters during a car trip, is now a classic.
  • Harriet Doerr published her first novel, Stones for Ibarra, at 74. It won a National Book Award.
  • Ian Fleming published Casino Royale at 45. It spawned the James Bond franchise.
  • Alexander McCall Smith was 50 when his first book, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, came out.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien was 45 when he published The Hobbit. It, and his later work, The Lord of the Rings, have since shaped modern fantasy.

That’s just a few of them. Truthfully, there might be more late bloomers than young writers in the publishing world.

What Age Is “Too Old” to Write?

Some people say 50 is too late. Others say 60. But these are just numbers. There’s no real rule.

The idea of being “too old” comes from fear, not fact. People worry they won’t get published or be taken seriously, but publishing is full of surprises.

One survey shows that the average age of writers who publish their first book is 36. That’s a median, which means many authors are older when they debut.

Another study found the average age of first-time authors is 42. So if you’re past your 30s or 40s, you’re right in the mix.

Does the Publishing Industry Prefer Younger Writers?

It’s fair to say that some parts of the industry favor youth. But honestly, find any industry that doesn’t worship it.

Publishers love promoting young debut authors. They see potential for long careers and marketability. A fresh face with a good story sells well in headlines.

But quality beats hype. A strong voice, a compelling story, and solid craft always matter. Publishers care most about one thing: books that sell. If your book connects with readers, your age becomes irrelevant.

Self-publishing has also changed everything. You don’t need a publisher’s approval anymore. You can publish your work, reach readers directly, and grow your audience on your terms. Age discrimination disappears when you control the process.

You also see more young writers today because writing tools are more accessible. Anyone can open a laptop, type out a story, and share it with the world. Even reading is easier now. Digital books, audiobooks, and mobile apps have made stories more available than ever.

Write Because You Want To

Stop asking if you’re too old to write. Start asking what unique story you can tell.

Your life experience gives you material that younger writers can’t access. Your perspective offers something fresh to readers. Literature needs diverse voices and stories from every stage of life. Yours might be what many readers crave.

The age bar is an illusion. Publishers will consider any story, regardless of the author’s age, as long as they see it is marketable and profitable.

That said, getting published is never easy. If you want to get there, prepare to invest a lot of time and effort.

Don’t waste time comparing yourself to 25-year-old debut novelists. They can’t write your story. Only you can do that.

At what age did you start writing? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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14 Books Where The Games Turn Deadly https://www.tckpublishing.com/14-books-where-the-games-turn-deadly/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66303 Games are supposed to be fun. Innocent. Harmless. And then writers twist them into something perverse. Now, a mistake means death. A wrong answer means danger. A childhood memory becomes a nightmare. It hits hard because it messes with your expectations. Now that a safe space is no longer that, what else has been corrupted? […]

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Deadly Game Books blog post image

Games are supposed to be fun. Innocent. Harmless. And then writers twist them into something perverse.

Now, a mistake means death. A wrong answer means danger. A childhood memory becomes a nightmare.

It hits hard because it messes with your expectations. Now that a safe space is no longer that, what else has been corrupted?

Books About Deadly Games

Here is a list of books where competition becomes deadly, in more ways than physical danger.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

As punishment for rebellion, two teens, from 12 districts, are put into a televised deathmatch. And when her sister gets picked as tribute, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Throughout the game, she must struggle with her morals as she’s forced to kill or be killed.

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

A class of Japanese students gets kidnapped and forced to kill each other on a remote island until only one remains. Each student receives a random weapon and an explosive collar that will detonate if they try to escape.

The Long Walk by Stephen King

One hundred teenage boys start walking at four miles per hour in a brutal competition. If they slow down or stop, they get shot.

The walk continues day and night without breaks for food, sleep, or rest. There is no finish line; the only way to win is be the last man standing.

Warcross by Marie Lu

Warcross is a game that has taken hold of society. Millions play every day, whether to escape or to profit. After a desperate move, hacker Emika Chen suddenly finds herself navigating a darker part of the game. Fame and fortune may have found her, but is it worth the deadly secrets she’s uncovered?

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

The world is an ugly place, and most people escape to the OASIS, a massive virtual world. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a hidden Easter egg that promises his fortune and control of the OASIS to whoever finds it.

Wade Watts, a poor teenager with nothing to lose, becomes the first to find a clue. But the quest turns deadly when a powerful corporation tries to win at any cost.

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan

Vee signs up for Nerve, an online game where players complete dares for money and fame. The dares start small but quickly become dangerous and illegal as watchers vote for more extreme challenges. Anyone who quits or fails will face serious consequences.

Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

Six friends strike up a game of dares and consequences. But slowly, it changed. What starts as an innocent way to test their nerves slowly turns cruel. Rules spiral out of control, pushing each one to betrayal and humiliation.

The Crimson Labyrinth by Yusuke Kishi

Fujiki wakes up with no memory and finds himself among nine strangers. They are in a desert, with only a game console as a clue. The group must choose between betrayal and cooperation as they follow different paths, each leading to dangerous outcomes.

The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi

12-year-old Farah and friends are sucked into a mysterious board game named “The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand.” The world inside is full of shifting cities, tricky puzzles, and deadly creatures. To escape, they must find and defeat the Architect, hidden within.

Hide by Kiersten White

The challenge is simple: hide in an abandoned amusement park and don’t get caught. Win and you’ll have all the money you can dream of.

It seems harmless enough until the contestants realize there are guards at every exit. They’re not allowed to leave. It’s not hide-and-seek but a hunt, and they’re the prey.

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

A novelist gets engaged to her partner, who happens to be the heir to a wildly wealthy family. When she meets his eccentric relatives, she’s pulled into their bizarre family traditions.

At first, it all feels like harmless fun. And then secrets start coming to light. Now she has to ask herself: Are they testing her, or warning her?

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery suddenly receives a massive fortune from a billionaire she’s never met. To claim it, she must move into his mansion—along with his bitter, suspicious family. The catch? The will is packed with riddles, puzzles, and games designed to reveal the truth behind her unexpected inheritance.

The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

Rainsford, a skilled hunter, ends up stranded on a remote island owned by the mysterious General Zaroff. At first, he seems like a gracious host, until he reveals his twisted hobby— hunting humans for sport. And Rainsford must decide: will he be hunter or prey?

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Four colleagues—Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam—stand at the top of the ruthless world of Wall Street. They are invited to what they believe is a team-building escape room challenge. Instead, they find themselves locked in a dark elevator, forced to confront their darkest secrets.

How Writers Turn Play Into Terror

You’re trapped. There are rules. Break them and you die. Follow them and you still might not survive. That’s the heart of deadly game stories.

These plots work because they flip your expectations upside down. Games are safe spaces where the worst thing that happens is losing. When authors break that rule, there’s an immediate sense of urgency and horror.

The clock is ticking. You see who cheats, who sacrifices, who turns ruthless, and who finds strength they never knew they had. Social niceties are stripped away, showing how far characters can go to survive.

You experience all that adrenaline from the comfort of your chair. It’s the perfect balance of fear and safety.

What’s your favorite book about deadly games? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

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14 Best Books About Starting Over: Your Guide to New Beginnings https://www.tckpublishing.com/14-best-books-about-starting-over-your-guide-to-new-beginnings/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.tckpublishing.com/?p=66300 Starting over feels scary. Your heart pounds when you think about leaving your job, ending a relationship, or moving to a new city. You’re not alone in feeling this dread. Millions of people face fresh starts every year. And many have found comfort and guidance in the pages of great books. They show how change, […]

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Books About Starting Over blog post image

Starting over feels scary. Your heart pounds when you think about leaving your job, ending a relationship, or moving to a new city.

You’re not alone in feeling this dread. Millions of people face fresh starts every year. And many have found comfort and guidance in the pages of great books. They show how change, even when painful, often leads to something better.

Books About Starting Over

Starting over is rarely simple. It’s messy, emotional, and often slow. Most days, you feel unsure and question your choices.

Here are a few books that can offer answers or, at least, remind you that you’re not alone in beginning anew.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor lives a quiet, lonely life with strict routines and little real connection. After a small act of kindness, her world begins to shift. She slowly opens up, faces her past, and begins to heal.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Nora Seed is given the chance to live all the lives she could have had. In a magical library between life and death, she explores paths not taken. Along the way, she learns that regrets don’t define her.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Bernadette Fox is a once-famous architect who abandons it all and hides from the world. After she disappears, her daughter digs through emails and letters to understand what happened.

The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman

Lili is a young widow struggling to raise her daughters and move forward. Three years and several breakdowns later, she’s still trying to figure things out. But a gardening class slowly brings her healing, friendship, and the small joys of life.

Great Teacher Onizuka by Toru Fujisawa

After a surprising incident, ex-gang member Eikichi Onizuka becomes a teacher. He realizes that if he’d had someone like himself back in school, things might have turned out differently. With that in mind, he sets out to become the greatest teacher Japan has ever seen.

Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella

25-year-old Lexi Smart wakes up in a hospital after a car accident—only to discover that three years have passed. She’s no longer a struggling, awkward girl with bad teeth and a boring job.

Now, she’s the sleek, successful director at her company, married to a wealthy and handsome man. But as Lexi tries to adjust to her glamorous new life, she realizes something feels off.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Dex is a tea monk who used to be a gardener, living on the moon of Panga in a peaceful, far-off future. Centuries ago, robots gained self-awareness and vanished into the wild. Now, one of them suddenly returns and turns Dex’s quiet life upside down.

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

Sam is overwhelmed by pressure at work and at home, barely holding things together. Nisha, once wealthy and put-together, suddenly finds herself broke and shut out of her old life. Everything changes when a mix-up leaves them wearing each other’s shoes—literally.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Joan Didion shares her raw and deeply personal experience of grief after the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne. As she tries to make sense of the loss, she also cares for their only daughter, who is critically ill.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Therapist Lori Gottlieb finds herself in therapy after a sudden breakup. She shares stories of her patients and her own pain, offering insight into how people change.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Former mommy blogger Glennon Doyle has always lived according to other people’s expectations. Here, she chronicles her journey of self-discovery after years of addiction, eating disorders, and an unhappy marriage. The catalyst comes when she meets and falls in love, forcing her to confront her sexuality and the life she’d built.

Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover tells the story of growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho. Her parents didn’t believe in formal education, doctors, or most of the outside world. But her hunger for knowledge pushes her towards a new life, one where she has the power to think for herself.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama shares the story of her life. from growing up in a working-class family to becoming the First Lady of the United States. Through it all, Michelle reflects on what it means to grow, lead, and stay true to yourself.

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

Social scientist Brené Brown looks at what it takes to get back up after failure, heartbreak, and disappointment. Using research and personal stories, she shares a clear process for “rising strong.” It starts with facing your emotions, exploring the stories you tell yourself, and changing how you live from that point on.

Why People Start Over

Life throws curveballs when you least expect them. Sometimes you choose to start fresh. Other times, circumstances force your hand.

Maybe you lost someone or something that meant a lot. Maybe you feel empty in a life that used to make sense. Or maybe something just broke inside, and now you need to build something new.

These journeys require you to rebuild from the ground up. It brings a mix of fear, hope, guilt, and growth. The scary unknown becomes an exciting adventure. You start to see possibilities instead of just problems.

Sometimes it feels like freedom; other times, survival. Whatever the reason, the you right now no longer fits the life you’ve built. 

What’s your favorite book about starting over? Share your thoughts below!

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