CJ Arlow

Every few days I’ll share writing activities I’ve actually used in writing #THEALGO. Low pressure. High curiosity. #WritingCommunity #Authors #amwriting

@AlexAndBooks_ Bookcapybara

We need to rebrand the term bookworm. It sounds weak and lame. Don't be a bookworm. Be a bookbeast or a bookbaddie.

@Pro__Author Yes

In your books, do you kill off characters you love?

@SOOPLLC My mom. She said I had weak gerunds. ✍️

Who was the first person to ever read your writing, and what did they say?

@tonyhenandez790 I use @AtticusWriter

Authors! What do you use to write your books?

@AlyssaMatesic Good editing is the essence of becoming. It helps authors see the cracks more clearly. Forest and Trees.

As a developmental book editor, I've never met an author who wrote a first draft that was absolutely perfect and error-free. Just like chefs trial dozens of recipes before they nail the perfect balance, making your book as strong as it can possibly be requires multiple drafts. So try to shift your mindset around the revision process:

@Kacey_Combs Christopher Buckley - a real gem of a writer.

Starting a new audiobook today. What are you reading (or listening too)? #writers #readers

@ElChandler Denver

For writers: where is your main character from?

Seeking ARC Readers... There's no law against thinking for yourself. Your efficiency score just makes sure you can't afford to. Find out where you'd land: score.jointnexus.com THE ALGO releases June 23, 2026. If the quiz unsettles you, that's the point. #WritingCommmunity

@Kacey_Combs Yes. First a developmental editor, which I rewrote the manuscript based on the input. Then a copy editor. Why? First novel and need all the help I can get. Both were immensely helpful to the process.

Controversial topic of the day: Did you hire an editor before publishing your book? What about before querying agents? Why or why not is this a good idea? #writers #authors #WritingCommmunity

@lhallwriter thealgobook.com

Authors, drop your book covers below and I will happily repost some 👇 Be sure to include links also

@averyt_214 When focus is hard, I stop trying to “work on the book” and give a character a strange problem to move through. Just to see what they do. It usually brings the story back with more texture. ie, What happens when they're trapped in a room with someone who sees right through them?

can you guys share your best lock-in techniques? i’ve been struggling with motivation and focus lately like never before (especially since a couple big life changes happened in jan/feb) but i really want to make headway on this WIP😬

@Kacey_Combs Totally relate to this. On 5th full edit and multiple layering edits. I have reached the point where removing is maybe more joyous than addimg.

Writers, how many edits did you complete before publishing? For those like me who haven’t published yet, what round of edits are you on? I think I’m on nine full edits and countless layering edits. #WritingCommunity

@lhallwriter Choice is engineered.

Authors, using just 3 words describe your book below 👇 Be sure to include a link and I will happily repost some :)

@writing_show THE ALGO Speculative Fiction In a world of straight lines a single curve can start a revolution.

Drop your WIP title, the genre, and the ONE sentence that makes it unique. I’m looking for new guests and inspiration for the show - show me what you’re working on! 📚👇 #Writingcommunity

@LaurenWise60128 Yes 💯 %

Do debut authors need a website? #WritingCommmunity #booktwt #litagents

@SDDonovan In a world of straight lines a single curve can start a revolution.

If you had to sum up your WIP in one sentence, what would it be? 👀

@AlyssaMatesic Helpful. Thanks for sharing! I call it context creep. For me, I catch/address it in an editing round.

One of the biggest issues I see in manuscripts creeps in without authors knowing. Too much narrative distance (the space between the reader and the characters/events of the story). The beauty of fiction is that we're brought close into the POV characters' minds and experiences, so don't keep them at arm's length from us! Here are the three biggest ways narrative distance manifests in your novel without you even noticing. 👇

“No, but” drill. Same setup as the "yes, and..." exercise. Responses must start with “No, but…” until someone admits what they actually want. #WritingCommunity #Authors #Imrprov

“Yes, and” drill. One character makes a demand. The other can only answer with “Yes, and…” until the power flips. #WritingCommunity #Authors #Improv

Therapy transcript. Write a session where the therapist keeps asking, “And how is that serving you.” Your character finally answers honestly. #WritingCommunity #Authors