Hola, dear authors! AlphaNovel introduced its Spanish vertical last year, and now we’re gearing up to give it a significant boost. Here’s why this should catch your interest.

With over 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide, our goal is to reach them all and convert them into avid readers of your novels on the AlphaNovel app. Join us on this exciting journey.

Why should you do that?

• Since the launch of the Spanish vertical, our reader base has grown to tens of thousands of people who are eager to dive into new content and explore fresh stories!
• Your book has more chances of being discovered since the competition for promotion slots in the app is less than for English novels.
• Our creative laboratory is ramping up marketing efforts for Spanish books, increasing the likelihood of your book being promoted across our channels.

How can you apply and what should you know?

• If you already have a book in Spanish, simply visit your writer’s profile and apply for a contract for your novel. If you don’t have one yet, you can translate it using online tools and then have a native speaker proofread the novel.
• For now, Monthly Attendance Bonus is not available for books written in Spanish;
• All other bonuses and conditions remain the same as for English books.

If you are eager to showcase your novel written in Spanish on AlphaNovel – this is your chance to shine, don’t hesitate and submit it today! We can’t wait to read what you have to share with the world.

Have you ever pondered the question: “How can I establish a sense of suspense and captivate my readers in billionaire narratives or billionaire romance stories? Ensuring that my readers are captivated and are on the edge of their seats eagerly anticipating what will unfold from the very beginning until the very end”. Rest assured, we have the perfect solution for you.

Here, we will look at ways to create excitement in stories and build suspense in stories involving billionaire or CEO characters. We’ll give easy-to-understand tips and clear detailed explanations on how to do this effectively.

1. Introduce a mysterious past

One effective way to build suspense in billionaire or CEO romance stories is to give the main character a mysterious past. Unveiling fragments of their history throughout the narrative will create intrigue and keep readers engrossed adding depth and complexity to their portrayal.

Remember, in storytelling, a character’s warmth or coldness often stems from their internal struggles, past experiences, and hidden secrets. Let’s explore how a hidden secret or traumatic event could impact the warmth or coldness of a character, using an example for illustration.

Effect on Coldness

If a character’s hidden secret or traumatic event fundamentally alters their worldview, it may lead to a more guarded and cold demeanor. For example, a billionaire protagonist who discovers a betrayal by a trusted ally may become more distant and distrustful, leading to a colder overall portrayal as they struggle to come to terms with the betrayal and its impact on their life and business.

Example

In the TV series “Billions” the character Bobby Axelrod, a billionaire hedge fund manager, is initially portrayed as shrewd and calculating, with a seemingly warm exterior. However, as the series progresses, revelations about his past and personal betrayals lead to a gradual hardening of his character, resulting in a colder and more guarded portrayal. His past experiences and hidden secrets contribute to his increasingly ruthless and cold behavior.

Whether the revelation softens or hardens the character, it provides an opportunity for readers to delve into the intricacies of the protagonist’s psyche, creating a compelling and multi-dimensional narrative.

2. Develop complex characters

Building suspense requires well-developed and multifaceted characters. Delve into their motivations, desires, and fears, going beyond their wealth or status. Create internal conflicts that challenge their choices and relationships, keeping readers guessing about their true intentions. By making their personalities nuanced, readers will be invested in their journey and eager to uncover their true selves.

One way of developing complex characters is to challenge their choices and relationships. By introducing conflicting interests, rivalries, or unexpected alliances, you create a web of intrigue and uncertainty. The protagonist may be torn between their love interest and a business deal that could make or break their success. This conflict forces them to make difficult choices that not only impact their personal relationships but also keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the outcome.

NB: ‘By creating obstacles that seem unconquerable, you generate suspense and keep readers invested in the outcome.’

Furthermore, giving characters nuanced personalities adds layers to their development. They can have strengths and flaws, vulnerabilities and defenses, making them relatable and human. The billionaire or CEO character may appear cold and unfeeling on the surface, but beneath that facade, they may harbor deep-seated insecurities or a fear of being vulnerable. By gradually revealing these layers, readers become emotionally invested in their journey and are eager to witness their growth and transformation.

3. Employ a slow-burn romance

A slow-burn romance builds anticipation and suspense as the relationship between the billionaire or CEO character and their love interest unfolds gradually. By teasing readers with fleeting moments, stolen glances, and unresolved tension, you can create a magnetic pull that keeps them eagerly turning the pages. The slow development of the romance will heighten readers’ desire to see the characters finally come together.

NB: As the story progresses, there is an opportunity to cultivate a gradual and intense romantic connection between the characters. However, in the initial chapters, focus on captivating the readers by dropping hints of a potential romance between the main characters. This will keep the readers engaged and eager to see how their relationship progresses over time.

4. Incorporate atmospheric settings

The setting plays a crucial role in building suspense. Choose opulent and extravagant locations, such as luxurious mansions, high-end hotels, or exclusive parties, to emphasize the billionaire or CEO lifestyle. Use vivid descriptions to transport readers into these atmospheric settings, heightening the anticipation and creating an immersive experience.

Additionally, atmospheric settings can create a sense of isolation or confinement, amplifying the tension. A remote private island, a secluded mansion nestled in the mountains, or a high-security underground bunker all provide a sense of seclusion and create a feeling of being trapped or cut off from the outside world. This isolation intensifies the stakes and leaves readers wondering what dangers or secrets lie in wait.

Furthermore, incorporating atmospheric elements such as inclement weather, eerie sounds, or unusual occurrences adds another layer of suspense. A thunderstorm raging outside the protagonist’s lavish estate, strange noises echoing through the halls, or unexplained phenomena heighten the sense of unease and keep readers guessing about what will happen next.

5. Include elements of danger or mystery

Introducing elements of danger or mystery adds an extra layer of suspense. This could involve a threat to the protagonist’s life, a business deal with high stakes, or a mysterious stranger who seems to know more than they should. These elements will keep readers hooked and eager to discover the resolution of the danger or mystery.

In conclusion, creating suspense in romance stories involving billionaire or CEO characters requires careful planning and execution. By employing techniques such as introducing a mysterious past, developing complex characters, utilizing unexpected twists, and incorporating atmospheric settings, you can keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the story.

We eagerly await the opportunity to dive into the worlds you create, eager to see how you will mesmerize your readers with your storytelling prowess🥰.

Parting ways with a story or its characters can be a challenging experience for any writer. The emotional attachment to the world and the people created through writing can often hinder them from progressing to new ideas and projects. However, it’s essential to learn how to deal with these parting thoughts in a healthy and productive manner. 

Here, we’ve compiled some strategies to help writers guide this process and move forward with their creative journey:

1. Acknowledge and Accept Emotions

It’s important for writers to recognize and accept the emotions that come with parting from a story or its characters.

Allowing yourself to experience these emotions is crucial because it helps you progress. By acknowledging your feelings, you are giving yourself the opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow from the experience. Instead of suppressing or ignoring these emotions, it’s healthier to give yourself permission to feel them and understand why they are present. So, whether it’s nostalgia, reluctance, or even sadness, permitting oneself to experience these emotions is the first step in dealing with them.

2. Closure Rituals

Writing a story can be an intense and emotional journey, filled with ups and downs as we delve into the lives of our characters and create intricate narratives. However, just as in real life, every story must come to an end. In order to find emotional closure and transition smoothly into new writing projects, it can be helpful to engage in closure rituals. These rituals provide a symbolic way of saying goodbye to the world we’ve created and the characters we’ve grown to love.

Here is some examples to consider:

Sharing with Trusted Friends or Fellow Writers. Sharing your story with trusted friends or fellow writers can be a powerful way to find closure. By reading your work aloud or discussing it with others, you invite external perspectives and gain a sense of validation for your efforts. This can also provide an opportunity for closure through feedback and discussions, allowing you to tie up loose ends and gain a fresh perspective on your work.

Example: Organize a small gathering (Could be a group chat) with fellow writers or close friends, where you can share excerpts from your story and engage in meaningful discussions. This shared experience will help you bid farewell to your story while celebrating the creative process.

Closure Rituals could also involve writing a farewell letter to the characters, or, creating a piece of art related to the story.

So consider creating closure rituals to symbolize the end of this chapter in your writing.

3. Engage in New Creative Activities

To overcome the hesitation of letting go, you can immerse yourself in new creative activities. Exploring different writing prompts, experimenting with new genres, or engaging in unrelated artistic pursuits can help shift focus away from the previous work. By embracing new challenges and exploring uncharted territories, you can open yourself up to fresh inspiration and creative growth.

Here are a few examples of how writers can engage in new creative activities to overcome the hesitation of letting go:

Exploring Different Writing Prompts:

One effective way to transition from a completed work is to explore different writing prompts. These prompts can be found in writing books, or even by creating your own. By challenging yourself to write in response to these prompts, you can discover new themes, characters, and storylines that provoke your imagination. This exploration allows you to detach from your previous work and embrace the excitement of new possibilities.

Example: If you’ve just finished writing a dark and intense mystery novel, try a writing prompt that focuses on humor or romance. This shift in tone and genre can help you break away from the previous work’s mood and immerse yourself in a fresh creative experience.

Engaging in Unrelated Artistic Pursuits:

Sometimes, the best way to overcome hesitation and find closure is to immerse yourself in unrelated artistic pursuits. Engaging in activities such as painting, photography, music, or even dance can provide a new outlet for creativity. These pursuits allow you to explore different forms of expression and tap into your artistic instincts from a different angle.

Example: If you’ve just completed a novel, consider taking up painting as a new artistic outlet. Experiment with colors, shapes, and textures as you create visual representations of emotions or scenes from your story. This new artistic endeavor can provide a refreshing change of pace and help you release any lingering attachment to your previous work.

Set Clear Goals for Future Projects:

Setting clear goals and objectives for new writing endeavors can be a motivating factor in moving forward. Whether it’s outlining a new story, setting deadlines, or planning a writing schedule, having a clear direction can help writers transition from the old to the new.

Embrace the Learning Experience:

Recognize that every story and character created is part of the writer’s learning journey. Embrace the lessons learned from the past work and carry them forward into future projects.

Note that, it’s important for you to understand that parting thoughts are a natural aspect of the creative process, as this article aims more to provide assistance in overcoming parting thoughts and reigniting your creative flow. 

We hope that the suggestions mentioned here can help you move forward and inspire you to produce more exceptional works. We look forward to witnessing your future creations as you continue to develop your writing journey 📖🖋

Ever picked up a book and found yourself suddenly face-to-face with heavy stuff that left you feeling uneasy? That’s where trigger warnings swoop in like literary superheroes, giving you a heads-up about potentially tough content. While there is a fat list of trigger warnings, here are the most common and examples of their implementations:

1. Graphic Violence

This chapter contains graphic violence, including detailed descriptions of intense physical harm. Reader discretion is advised.

2. Sexual Assault or Abuse

This section discusses non-consensual sexual acts. Take care while reading.

4. Mental Health Challenges

The following chapters delve into mental health challenges, portraying characters navigating psychological struggles.

5. Substance Abuse

This section contains depictions of drug and alcohol abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

6. Explicit Sexual Content

Detailed descriptions of sexual acts is included in this chapter. Reader discretion is recommended.

7. Racism or Discrimination

This chapter addresses racial and discriminatory themes. Please be aware of potential emotional impact.

8. Child Abuse

This section includes depictions of harm or neglect towards children. Approach with sensitivity.

Why should authors use trigger warnings?

Reader Well-being

Each reader has their own sensitive spot, a personal ‘taboo.’ Picture speeding towards your destination, full of excitement, only to encounter a roadblock after investing hours – all because a warning sign that could have guided you onto a smoother path wasn’t put up.

It could potentially ruin your day. 

Trigger warnings are there to say, “Hey, look out! We’re about to talk about something heavy.”

Empathy and Understanding

Authors who use trigger warnings are basically saying, “I get it, readers. Let’s go on this journey together, and I want you to feel safe.” It’s like having a storyteller who cares about your feelings and wants you to enjoy the ride without unexpected bumps.

Informed Choices

Ever wish you had a spoiler alert for your emotions? Trigger warnings do just that! They give you a sneak peek so you can decide if you’re up for the emotional rollercoaster or if you need to take a breather.

Trauma Sensitivity

Acknowledging the potential triggering effect certain content may have on individuals with past traumatic experiences, provides a more compassionate reading experience for any such individuals. They’re like a virtual nod saying, “We know this might hit close to home, so you can decide if you’re ready for it.”

Taking The State Of Mind Into Consideration

People have different reactions to the books they read, and as such, there will be several reactions to triggers. Telling the readers what they’re getting into beforehand helps give a kickstart into preparing, all the while maintaining the safe place that they have found in the books they read.

Controversies!

Not everyone is on board with trigger warnings. Some worry about how it might take away from the surprise of the story, give away too much, desensitization, the balance between over protection and consideration, the artistic freedom of writers to truly express themselves, and the reaction of readers to consistent warnings across every book.

It is important to note that trigger warnings are not spoilers, and they do not share the twists or turns of events in the story. More importantly,  the benefits of promoting mental well-being and inclusivity of readers far outweigh these concerns.

How To Implement?

Authors can seamlessly integrate trigger warnings into their work by placing them at the beginning of chapters or sections containing potentially sensitive content. This ensures readers are adequately prepared without revealing specific plot details.

Conclusion

If you strongly believe a warning could save your readers from stress or harm, go for it. Books are every reader’s safe space. Help them feel that way. Walk them through it, if need be.

There’s nothing as jarring as getting ejected from a book you love because you can’t seem to get over a scene that’s too much for you to handle or reading things that cannot be unseen.

When it comes to getting your book published, one crucial step in the process is the contract review. The contract review involves various aspects, such as KYC checks (Know Your Customer) and content review. This guide aims to provide an overview of the contract review process for books, including the importance of clear document information, and content review. Additionally, we will discuss tips on how to pass the book review successfully, with a focus on fast-paced books, cliffhangers, and attractive beginning chapters, which have a higher possibility of passing the review. Let’s dive in!

Verification

Prior to the contract application, you need to verify your identity by uploading the necessary data in your account and submitting the verification request. Please, note that there is a list of data that must be clearly visible on the ID you upload, and it should match with the info you enter in the application as it would be used for contract signing:

• Full legal name;
• Date of birth;
• Citizenship (Name of the country);
• Document number;
• Expiration date (if available);
• Your photo;

The KYC (Know Your Customer) check is a standard procedure to verify the author’s identity and validate the legal ownership of the book. Here’s what you should consider:

a. Verify Documentation: Provide the required documents, such as a valid ID, and any other relevant legal documents. Make sure the copies are legible and meet the submission requirements.

b. Review any licensing agreements: If your book incorporates licensed or copyrighted material, ensure that you have valid and legal agreements in place, permitting the use of such content.

Please note: We have zero tolerance for plagiarism.

Content Review

Content review is a crucial aspect of the contract review process. It involves assessing the book’s content, writing style, marketability, and potential for success. Here are some tips to help you pass the content review successfully:

1. Engaging and fast-paced narrative

Consider writing a book that captivates readers with a fast-paced, compelling narrative. This involves focusing on creating tension, conflict, and constant progression of the story. Avoid excessive background information or slow narrative pacing that may lose readers’ interest.

2. Well-developed characters

Create characters that are relatable, three-dimensional, and have clear motivations. Readers should connect with and become emotionally invested in your characters, driving them to continue reading.

3. Cliffhangers and suspense

Incorporate cliffhangers at the end of chapters or sections to keep readers engaged and eager to continue reading. Utilize suspense and mystery to create anticipation, making readers unable to put the book down.

4. Start with an attractive beginning

The first few chapters of your book play a significant role in capturing readers’ attention. Craft a powerful opening that sets the tone, establishes the conflict, and introduces the main characters effectively.

5. Thorough Editing

Ensure your book is well-edited for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and overall coherence. Mistakes and inconsistencies may negatively impact the review process.

6. Professional Formatting

Professionally present your book. Pay attention to paragraphs, line spacing, chapter breaks, and overall readability.

7. Include a Strong Synopsis

Craft a compelling and concise synopsis that effectively conveys the essence of your book. Highlight its unique selling points and leave the reviewer eager to explore further.

The contract review process plays a pivotal role in determining the fate of your book. By understanding the KYC check and implementing tips for content review, such as focusing on fast-paced storytelling, cliffhangers, and attractive beginnings, you can ensure a smoother contract review experience. Remember to always stay true to your writing style and vision, while also considering reader preferences and market trends.

Good luck! 🍀