About Build Better Books
I'm April, and I teach what works, not what sounds good.
Most writing advice falls into two camps: too precious ("follow your writing journey!") or too vague ("just write from the heart!"). I focus on practical techniques that make genre fiction stronger, with specific examples that prove the advice works.
What you'll get here:
Microcraft techniques that turn flat prose into memorable scenes
Macrocraft advice for stronger plot and character development
AI-assisted writing strategies that help you write better books faster
Before/after examples that show exactly what changed and why
No fluff, no gatekeeping, no get-rich-quick schemes
Who this is for: Genre fiction writers who want systematic improvement. People who want advice with substance, not filler written to hit a word count. Writers curious about AI tools and efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Who I am
I've been a lifelong reader of science fiction, fantasy, romance, and the occasional mystery, thriller and horror—I know what makes these stories work. I've also been writing for nearly 40 years (not well at first) with a few published works (better by then).
My original career? Web developer serving marketing departments, where I spend my time translating technical knowledge into tools and training that non-technical people can actually use. It turns out that's exactly the service writers need: taking what works and making it practical and actionable.
I've been on the internet since we called it the "world wide web," so I'm not scared of new tools or efficient processes. Good techniques are good techniques, whether they're time-tested or cutting-edge.
Why subscribe?
New posts go out weekly. Subscribe to get practical advice you can use immediately and the publication archives.
Questions? Send me a direct message on Substack.
