Wendy Spurlin

I am the founder of ArmLin House, as well as the Chief Editor and Creative Director. For over thirty-five year, I've worked in technology, business development, marketing, writing, and publishing jobs. In the last 5 years I've returned to school and have become a graphic designer and social media video editor. In general, I have A LOT of experience in A LOT of industries and I love to help people, which is one of our main missions as a company. Learn more about me on my LinkedIn page.

Why Authors Need A BookBub Account

Authors need BookBub accounts because the platform offers several valuable tools and opportunities that help boost a book’s visibility, generate sales, and build a loyal readership. Here’s why it’s beneficial: 1. Access to a Large Audience 2. BookBub Featured Deals 3. Reader Reviews and Recommendations 4. Follow and Engage with Readers 5. Advertising Options 6. Promotion of Discounted or Free Books 7. New Release Alerts 8. Visibility Beyond the Usual Platforms 9. Insight and Analytics … Read more

Structuring Your Nonfiction Book: Choosing the Right Framework for Your Message

When it comes to writing a nonfiction book, the content is only part of the equation. The way you organize that content can make or break the reader’s experience and understanding. Much like a well-constructed house, your book needs a solid foundation and a well-thought-out blueprint to guide readers through your ideas seamlessly. In this post, we’ll explore different organizational frameworks for nonfiction, such as chronological, thematic, and modular structures, to help you decide which … Read more

The Art of World-Building in Fiction: Tips for Constructing Immersive and Believable Worlds

World-building is one of the most exhilarating aspects of fiction writing. Whether you’re crafting a sprawling fantasy realm, a futuristic sci-fi universe, or a richly detailed contemporary setting, the world you create serves as the foundation of your story. A well-constructed world not only grounds your narrative but also captivates readers, drawing them deeper into the lives of your characters and the events that unfold. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for constructing … Read more

Author Interview with Hayde Romero, Author of an Upcoming Memoir & the Mimi and Lulu Adventures

I’d like to welcome Hayde Romero to our family of authors. While Hayde has written and published other books including the children’s book, The Adventures of Mimi and Lulu, she has joined us to help her write and publish her memoir. She answered a few questions for us so you can get to know her better. Q: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role … Read more

Structuring Your Nonfiction Book: Exploring Different Organizational Frameworks

Writing a nonfiction book is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but structuring your content in a clear and coherent way is crucial for engaging and informing your readers. A well-organized book not only enhances readability but also ensures that your message is delivered effectively. This blog post will explore different organizational frameworks for nonfiction writing and provide tips for outlining your book to achieve clarity and coherence. Different Organizational Frameworks for Nonfiction Choosing the right … Read more

5 Essential Techniques for Creating Complex, Relatable Characters That Readers Care About

Creating characters that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers is one of the most rewarding challenges in fiction writing. Characters drive the narrative, evoke emotions, and make stories memorable. Here are five essential techniques for crafting complex, relatable characters that readers will care about. 1. Give Your Characters Depth with Backstory A well-developed backstory can add layers to your characters, making them feel like real people with histories, experiences, and motivations. … Read more

Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Tips on Turning Personal Experiences into a Story That Captivates Readers

Memoir writing is a unique and rewarding endeavor that allows you to share your personal experiences with the world. However, turning your life story into a compelling narrative that captivates readers requires more than just recounting events. It involves crafting a story with a clear arc, relatable characters, and a deep emotional connection. Here are some tips to help you transform your personal experiences into a captivating memoir. 1. Find Your Story’s Core Message Every … Read more

Decoding Reader Assessments: How Nonfiction Authors Can Benefit

A reader assessment for nonfiction authors serves a similar purpose as it does for fiction authors, but it focuses on different aspects that are critical to nonfiction works. Here are the key components typically included in a reader assessment for nonfiction authors: Content Accuracy: Feedback on the accuracy and reliability of the information presented. Readers assess whether the facts, data, and references are correct and credible. Structure and Organization: Insights into how well the content … Read more

5 Essential Reasons Every Author Needs a Website

In the digital age, establishing an online presence is more important than ever, especially for authors looking to build their brand and connect with their audience. While social media platforms and online marketplaces offer avenues for engagement, nothing quite compares to the versatility and control provided by a personal website. For authors, a website serves as a central hub that not only showcases their work but also offers a platform to engage directly with readers, … Read more

Unlocking Your Audience: A Guide to Analyzing and Identifying Your Ideal Reader

How to Analyze and Identify Your Reader Step 1: Define Your Genre and Subgenre Step 2: Create a Reader Profile Step 3: Research Existing Readers Step 4: Use Social Media Step 5: Conduct Surveys and Polls Step 6: Engage with Online Communities Step 7: Analyze Sales Data and Reviews Step 8: Leverage Email Marketing Step 9: Utilize Book Promotion Platforms Step 10: Attend Genre-Specific Events By following these steps, you can develop a detailed understanding … Read more

Unlock Your Writing Potential: Top Tips to Sit Down and Start Your Manuscript

Finding time to sit down and write is difficult, but sometimes it’s more about procrastination. So, here are some tips to help you sit down and write your manuscript: Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each writing session. This could be a word count, a specific section, or a set amount of time spent writing. Create a Routine: Establish a regular writing schedule. Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch … Read more

Understanding Reader Assessments: A Crucial Tool for Fiction Authors

A reader assessment for authors is a tool or process used to gather feedback from readers about a manuscript or published work. It provides authors with insights into how readers perceive their storytelling, what aspects are engaging or need improvement, and how effectively they communicate their message to a reader. Here are some common components of a reader assessment: Plot and Structure: Feedback on the overall plot, pacing, and structure of the story. This includes … Read more

What to Expect from a Professional Editor

Publishing today is highly competitive. If your book isn’t nearly perfect, you risk readers trashing your story. Professional editors are one way to make sure you release the best product possible. But it’s not always easy to find the right editor, especially when you are trying to find one for the first time. When hiring a paid editor, a writer should expect several things: Professionalism: The editor should conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout … Read more

You Don’t Need an Agent to Publish

In the world of publishing, there has long been a common belief that to successfully navigate the complex and competitive industry, one needs to secure the services of a literary agent. While having an agent can certainly be beneficial, the notion that they are an absolute necessity for finding a publisher is not entirely accurate. In fact, in today’s digital age, there are numerous ways for writers to connect with publishers on their own, with … Read more

Is Your Life Story Worth Telling in a Memoir?

Writing a memoir is a deeply personal and often emotional journey that requires self-reflection, honesty, and vulnerability. Not everyone is suited for the task of writing a memoir, as it requires a certain level of introspection and courage to share one’s life story with the world. So, who should write a memoir and why? Anyone who has a compelling story to tell and feels a strong desire to share it with others should consider writing … Read more

Why Author’s Still Need an Email List and Newsletter

For authors to gain success, they must play many other roles besides writer of books and articles. To sell books, authors must build a strong online presence to connect with their readers directly. One of the most effective ways to do this is with a newsletter and email list. Newsletters and email lists allow authors to communicate with their audience, promote their work, and build a loyal fan base. Let’s explore the reasons an author … Read more

Why Every Story Needs a Little Humor

Humor adds depth, engagement, and charisma to any story, even if it’s a serious drama or an exciting thriller. Injecting an element of laughter into the narrative connects readers to the characters, creates a sense of realism, and provides a much-needed break from the seriousness of the plot. One of the main reasons every book needs humor is its ability to create a sense of relatability with the reader. Humor is a universal language that … Read more

Interview with Michele Emmy, Author of Pieces of Eight

A while back we published Pieces of Eight by Michele Emmy, and recently we unveiled the new cover for the book, shown to the right. So, it’s about time we post her interview. Michele lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband and son. A homeschool mom and tutor, she has written scores of parenting and education articles for newspapers and magazines, as well as fantasy and science fiction stories and novellas. A Clarion graduate, decades … Read more