Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker best chance blog 2025, Craft

Writing Authentic Characters: Tips for Diverse Voices

By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

You’re staring at the page. Your character is taking shape. She could be a young Black woman in the 1940s or a Native teen today. He might be a transgender man in a small town.

Another possibility is an undocumented immigrant or an octogenarian Buddhist monk. And you? You’re none of those things.

Now what?

Writing across difference isn’t a literary crime, but doing it poorly might land you in stereotype prison.

Tokenism, or flattening a character’s identity to a label can sink your story and your credibility. There are ways to do it well, starting with craft.

Why “Show, Don’t Tell” Matters Here

“Show, don’t tell” isn’t just a workshop cliché. It’s a tool that helps writers step back and let the character live on the page. This avoids reducing them to what the writer says about them. For writers working outside their own identity or experience, this approach encourages depth, empathy, and individuality.

Tip 1: Let Identity Inform, Not Define the Character

Telling (weak):
Enrique was a fiery Mexican teenager who loved tacos and got into trouble at school.

Showing (stronger):
Enrique smoothed the foil around his mother’s tamales before shoving them into his backpack. Detention could wait. He wasn’t missing Mrs. Larsen’s pop quiz again.

Enrique’s cultural background shows up in specific details, like tamales and his family life, not broad generalizations. He’s a fully realized teen, not a cultural shorthand. His description moves the story forward.

Tip 2: Think “Person First, Context Always”

Build a whole person with desires, fears, and contradictions. Then think about how identity interacts with the setting. Determine how this person’s lived experience would affect how they move through the world.

Example (White writer writing a Black woman character): Rather than start with “she’s Black.” Start with: What does she want? What’s in her way? Now, how might her identity shape those obstacles or motivations in her world? Think about yourself. Show her neighborhood, places she shops, and the type of food she eats.

Tip 3: Dialogue Should Reveal, Not Reinforce

Avoid using dialogue to dump identity markers or, worse, exoticize. Instead, use tone, pacing, subtext, and conflict. Let dialogue express worldview, not stereotypes.

Bad:
I’m just a sassy Black woman. That’s how we are.

Better:
“You think I’m being loud? No, baby. I’m being heard.”

Tip 4: Use Specificity, Not Symbols

Instead of vague references like “traditional food” or “foreign dress,” use concrete sensory detail. That’s where lived humanity shows up.

Weak:
Josef wore tribal garb.

Stronger:
Josef adjusted the frayed kente sash around his shoulders, fingers brushing the embroidery his grandmother stitched before the War.

Tip 5: Research Isn’t Optional, but It’s Not the End

Read memoirs, essays, and novels by writers who share your character’s identity. Watch documentaries. You might want to visit places where you may feel uncomfortable. Talk to sensitivity readers. Remember, your goal isn’t to become that person, it’s to write one honestly and specifically.

Tip 6: Observe, Embed, and Be Introduced

Writing characters unlike yourself isn’t just about what you imagine. It’s also about what you witness.

  • Observe the real world: Listen to conversations in public spaces. Watch how people interact with their families, elders, and institutions. What are the unspoken rules? What’s considered rude, tender, or powerful?
  • Embed when you can: Attend community events. Be respectful. Volunteer. Sit in the back row of the church, the cultural festival, the open mic, to listen and watch.
  • Find a Cultural Broker: This is someone who’s part of the community you want to write about. They can help you understand the nuance behind what you see. A good broker doesn’t just answer questions; they offer perspective, correct your assumptions, and challenge your narrative where needed.

Quick “Show, Don’t Tell” Checklist

You can’t shortcut trust. You can’t Google your way to nuance. You can build it with time, humility, and intention.

  • Avoid generic labels (e.g., “Asian values,” “female intuition”).
  • Don’t make identity the only thing interesting about a character.
  • Let the character surprise you and your reader.

Writing Outside Your World Requires Courage, Craft, and Cultural Competency

Writing characters unlike yourself isn’t just an act of imagination. It’s an act of responsibility. It’s more than about checking a diversity box. It’s about deepening your empathy, expanding your narrative lens, and doing the labor to write truthfully, not just “accurately.” To do it well, you need more than facts and feedback. You need cultural humility.

That means:

  • Reflecting on your own socialization: What assumptions were you taught about other cultures, races, genders, or communities? What did your education, media, or upbringing fail to show you, or distort?
  • Unlearning harmful patterns: Even well-meaning writers carry unconscious bias. That doesn’t make you irredeemable. It makes you human. But it does mean that part of your job is to interrogate the lens you’re writing through.
  • Expanding your empathy: True cultural competency isn’t performative. It’s about developing the emotional and intellectual agility to fully imagine others. This includes considering them with nuance, contradiction, and depth.

Your Call to Action

The toughest character of all is yourself. You can’t write what you haven’t taken the time to understand. If you’re going to write across race, gender, or ability, start with your own identity.

  • Reflect deeply and be curious.
  • Undo what needs unlearning in addition to research.
  • Listen harder than you speak.
  • Write with humility, not authority, and earn the right to tell the story.

Great storytelling doesn’t just represent the world. It reimagines who belongs in it. Write boldly and responsibly. You can do it. But don’t expect it to be easy. The words you put on the page will shape how readers see the world and each other.

Ready to do the work? Your story deserves it. So do your characters.

Do you have questions or comments? Ask Besty Bot about the writing craft and how to publish your book with Best Chance Media!

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✍️ Writing characters unlike yourself? It’s not just about research. It’s about reflection. Undo bias. Observe deeply. Write with cultural humility. Representation starts with responsibility. #AmWriting #WritingTips #DiverseVoices #ShowDontTell #OwnVoices #CulturalCompetency #WritersLife #WriteResponsibly #EmpathyInWriting #WritingCommunity https://bestchancemedia.org/2025/10/01/writing-beyond-stereotypes-tips-for-authentic-character-voices/

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Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker best chance blog 2025, Craft

Float Smarter, Not Harder: Your insider guide to stress-free cruising

Are you ready to swap frequent flyer miles for deck-chair smiles?

By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

Let’s face it: winter is coming. Unless you love scraping windshields or fumbling with frozen car locks, you’re probably dreaming about warmer places. You might also wonder why your nose hairs are freezing.

That’s where cruising comes into your getaway plans. Cruises are the ultimate way to travel without security lines or suitcase-wrestling in overhead bins. Instead, you unpack once. Then, grab a fruity drink with an umbrella in it. Let the ship do all the work while you sail to the sunshine.

Here’s the catch: cruising looks easy, and it is… if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck in the dreaded interior cabin closet. You wanted to save a few bucks. You didn’t know that those savings would be offset by using your stateside cellphone service. This service doesn’t work at sea and is very costly.

The handbook can help you answer questions like, “When should I buy travel insurance?” and “Is the ‘all-inclusive’ food and drink package worth it? 

That’s why we’re recommending The Frequent Floater’s Handbook, your go-to guide for all things cruise. The handbook guides you in choosing the right cabin. It explains how to pick one that doesn’t make you feel like a sardine. It also helps you survive embarkation day. Pro tip: Don’t bother lugging a carry-on jam-packed with snacks.

The handbook walks you through the insider tips that keep your trip smooth sailing. You’ll even get a peek behind the curtain of ship life. You will learn what happens if you skip formal night. Discover why The Love Boat wasn’t just campy TV but the cultural gateway drug to modern cruising.

If you’re a first-time cruiser or someone who wants to cruise smarter and cheaper, this book’s for you. When you step on board, you don’t want to feel like a confused rookie. You don’t want to wander the decks in search of the pool. You want to feel like the savvy pro who knows where the hidden pizza station is at midnight.

Your winter escape plan is simple: stop shoveling, start sailing. Read the Frequent Floater’s Handbook before you plan your trip and get ready to swap snow boots for flip-flops. Life’s too short for bad vacations, and nobody ever framed a selfie in front of an airport TSA line.

Bon voyage, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Order wholesale from Ingram iPage, ISBN: 979-8-9894213-4-3, Retail Price $14.95 USD.

Order retail from Best Chance Media.

*******

If you have questions or comments, start a conversation with Besty Bot!

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🛳️✨ Ready to cruise like a pro (without rookie mistakes)?
📖 The Frequent Floater’s Handbook is here to make your first—or fiftieth—voyage smooth sailing. From cabins to cocktails, Wi-Fi hacks to shore excursions, this book’s got you covered. 🌴🍹 ❄️ Winter travelers: stop shoveling, start sailing. Grab your copy and get ready for sunshine + sea breeze! 🌊😎 👉 Buy now and set sail smarter! #CruiseLife #FrequentFloater #TravelTips #CruiseVacation #BonVoyage #WinterEscape #CruiseBook #SmoothSailing https://bestchancemedia.org/2025/10/01/float-smarter-not-harder-your-insider-guide-to-stress-free-cruising/

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Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker Craft, Marketing 2025, Uncategorized

Crafting an Irresistible First Page Hook

By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

There’s an old saying in publishing: Your first page sells the book. The last page sells your next book.

In an era where readers are bombarded with e-books, podcasts, and streaming shows, capturing attention is a challenge.

Social media and endless repeats further add to the clutter. You have only seconds to convince consumers that your story is worth their time.

Beginning your first page with a catchy first line is critically important.

Whether you’re writing a novel, a memoir, or a short story, the first line is your golden handshake. It’s your sales pitch and your mood-setter all in one.

“An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story,” is what Stephen King said. Your first line sets the tone for the first page that needs to glow like a tended ember.

Why the First Page Matters: A casual bookstore browser will flip open your book and read a paragraph. That’s when they decide whether to walk to the cash register or put it back on the shelf. Agents and editors? They’re more ruthless. They read so many bad stories that they know within a few sentences whether a manuscript is worth further reading.

The first page has a tall order to fill. Be sure you:

  • Grab attention immediately.
  • Establish tone and voice.
  • Offer a sense of the world or situation.
  • Make the reader curious enough to keep turning pages.

Done well, it’s like smoldering cedar. Readers can’t help but follow where you’re leading them.

The Anatomy of a First Page Hook: Think of the first page as having three layers.

First Line, The Spark: This is your ignition switch. It can be shocking, funny, mysterious, or emotionally intense. Its job is to make the reader think, I need to know more.

  • A startling statement: “The day my sister stopped speaking to me began like any other.”
  • A curious image: “By the time the cat arrived, the rain had already soaked the bread on the windowsill.”
  • A direct challenge: “Everything they told you about the fire was a lie.”

First Paragraph, The Tone-Setter: The first paragraph expands the spark into a flame. Here you introduce voice, hint at stakes, and begin to reveal the world your characters inhabit. It should answer at least one question: Who’s talking? Where are we? What’s happening right now? Leave enough mystery to keep readers moving forward.

First Page, The Invitation: By the end of page one, you want the reader emotionally invested in your bonfire. You also want them intellectually invested.

  • Introduce a compelling character, situation, or problem.
  • Show enough personality or atmosphere to suggest what kind of journey this will be.
  • End with momentum, like a small cliffhanger, a hint of danger, or a hanging question.

Novels vs. Memoirs Hooks: I write memoirs and historical fiction. I’m most familiar with those. Hooks are always similar.

Similarities:

  • Both need to hook readers quickly.
  • Both benefit from strong voice, vivid detail, and a clear emotional tone.

Differences:

  • Novels have total freedom to invent the most dramatic and intriguing moments. They can start even if it’s chronologically later in the story.
  • Memoirs are bound to truth, but that doesn’t mean you must start at the very beginning. You can still open in the middle of a pivotal moment in your life and then work backward or forward.
  • Memoirs rely heavily on voice. The reader needs to feel they are in good hands. The storyteller must know how to make even an ordinary moment compelling.

For a memoir, think of the first page as a promise to the reader: “Yes, this really happened. Yes, it matters. And yes, you’ll be glad you came along for the ride.”

Does Point of View Affect the Hook? Absolutely. Your POV choice shapes the intimacy, immediacy, and style of the hook.

First Person (“I”):

  • Pros: Instant intimacy. Great for memoirs and deeply character-driven fiction. Let’s readers step directly into the narrator’s mind.
  • Cons: Can feel claustrophobic if the narrator’s voice isn’t strong or likable.

Close Third Person (“he/she/they” with access to thoughts):

  • Pros: Offers intimacy with flexibility to move between inner thoughts and outward action.
  • Cons: Can be harder to establish a strong voice right away compared to first person.

Omniscient Third Person (all-knowing narrator):

  • Pros: Sweeping scope, ability to set a large stage, and add irony or commentary.
  • Cons: Can feel distant unless anchored in vivid, specific sensory details.

Is there a best POV for a hook? POV effectiveness depends on your story’s tone and emotional core. For maximum impact on page one, use a closer POV. A first or close third-person perspective helps the reader bond quickly with your narrator or main character. Here are examples of effective hooks.

Novel: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” (1984, George Orwell)

There’s an unsettling detail (clocks striking thirteen) that immediately signals that something is off in this world.

Memoir: “In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing.” (A River Runs Through It, Norman Maclean).

This works because the voice and juxtaposition make you want to know more about this family.

A First-Page Structure Template: Here’s a quick checklist you (or your blog readers) can keep nearby:

First Line:

  • Intriguing image, surprising fact, or emotionally charged statement.

First Paragraph:

  • Establish tone and voice.
  • Ground the reader in time/place without over-explaining.

First Page:

  • Introduce a character or situation.
  • Hint at stakes or tension.
  • End with something unresolved.

Final Thoughts and a Challenge: Writing a great hook is part art, part craft. The art is in knowing what emotional note you want to strike. The craft is in revising until every word earns its place.

Write three completely different first pages for the same story idea. One in first person, one in limited third, and one starting deep in the action. Read them aloud. See which one makes you most eager to keep going. Chances are, that’s the one that will work on your readers too.

Your hook’s job is simple: make readers turn the page. If you do that, you’ve already won half the battle.

Do you have questions or comments? Ask Besty Bot about the writing craft and how to publish your book with Best Chance Media!

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📚 Your first page isn’t just an introduction, it’s your audition.
Whether you’re writing a novel or a memoir, the hook is your handshake. It is your invitation and your promise to the reader. In my latest blog post, I break down:

  • What makes a killer first page
  • How memoir hooks differ from fiction
  • Why POV changes the impact of your opening line

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✨ Don’t just start your story, ignite it. #AmWriting #WritingTips #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #AmEditing #Storytelling #BookMarketing #IndieAuthor #NovelWriting #MemoirWriting #WritersOfInstagram #AuthorLife #FictionWriting #WritingAdvice #POVWriting #FirstPageHook #ReadersLife

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Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker best chance blog 2025, Craft

Quiet Marketing Tips for Introverted Writers

By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

I’m an introvert. Not the “I’m shy in crowds” kind of introvert, the full-on, INFP, “please-don’t-make-me-network” kind.

According to introverted influencer Susan Cain, that makes me part of the American introverted majority. So why does it feel like the extroverts run the whole book-selling world?

An INFP, according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. It’s a personality type often referred to as the “Mediator” or “Idealist”.

INFPs are known for our strong values, empathy, creativity, and desire to make the world a better place. We are often described as quiet, thoughtful, and imaginative, preferring deep, meaningful connections over superficial ones.

That’s pretty much right on.

Writing? That’s my jam. I can sit with a cup of coffee, dive deep into my imaginary world, and produce something beautiful. Selling it? Talking to strangers? Holding eye contact while explaining my book’s plot in an elevator pitch? That’s not art. That’s torture. The dark side of creativity.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of INFPs:

  • Introverted (I) We gain energy from spending time alone, reflecting on our thoughts and feelings, and pursuing creative projects. Socializing can be draining for us, and we often need time alone to recharge. 
  • Intuitive (N) We focus on the big picture, possibilities, and abstract ideas rather than concrete details. We’re drawn to the potential of things and enjoy exploring new concepts. 
  • Feeling (F) We make decisions based on our emotions and values, considering how our choices will impact others. We are empathetic and compassionate, often putting the needs of others before our own. 
  • Perceiving (P) We stay open to new information. We embrace new experiences. We adapt to changing situations rather than sticking to rigid plans. We are flexible, spontaneous, and enjoy exploring different options.

Let’s face it. Book groups don’t buy books. Writing groups admire craft, but members have their own books to push. I’ve learned that readers aren’t always found in the places writers congregate.

I started carrying a box of books in my car, just in case. It’s a tiny act of defiance. It’s a gentle challenge to my own introversion. It also challenges the expectation that I must “hustle” like an extroverted influencer watering plants in TikTok videos.

If you’re like me, here’s some low-impact advice for getting your book out there without melting down:

  1. Start with your comfort zone and stretch it: You’re not trying to become someone else. INFPs like me can become “extroverted on demand,” bubbly for a short time. Sign up for a local author event or indie book fair. Not every week, just one. It’s a live reading, not a pitch session. One small step.
  2. Carry your books everywhere: Seriously, having them in your car or luggage is very helpful. I’ve left one in the cruise ship library and waiting rooms. It makes the leap to “Sure, I’ve got a copy!” easier. Mention your book casually at the post office, dentist, coffee shop. You’re not selling. You’re sharing a part of yourself.
  3. Use your introvert superpower: connection.
    You don’t have to shout to be heard. Readers remember genuine moments. Write a thoughtful email. Send a handwritten thank you. Make one real connection instead of fifty awkward elevator pitches.
  4. Let your book speak first.
    Display a small sign or wear a pin with your book title or cover art. Let them ask. You’re still the author, just with a secret weapon: curiosity.
  5. Build passive visibility.
    Put up a website or landing page with a short, heartfelt bio. Join Bookshop.org or BookFunnel. Post quietly on social media: one quote, one photo, one line from your book. No dancing required.

Get out there! Extroverts run the big, noisy parts of the world, but we introverts? We build something lasting. We listen, we feel, and we write stories that stay with people. It’s okay to sell softly. You’re not a performer. You’re a creator. Let your creation do some of the work.

Remember to keep a box of books in the car.

Do you have questions or comments? Ask Besty Bot about the writing craft and how to publish your book with Best Chance Media!

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📚 I’m an introvert. Writing the book? No problem. Talking about it in public? 😬 Different story. Selling your work as an INFP (or any kind of introvert) doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. It just means finding ways to connect instead of perform. I started carrying a box of books in my car. Not to pitch, just to be ready. You never know when someone might ask, “Wait… you wrote a book?” Small steps. Quiet impact. Keep going. #IntrovertAuthor #INFPWriter #QuietMarketing #SusanCainSaidSo #WritersLife #IndieAuthorLife #BookMarketingForIntroverts #SlowBurnSuccess #GentleVisibility #BooksInMyTrunk #IntrovertPower #INFPclub #BookishPost #IndieBooksMatter https://bestchancemedia.org/2025/09/18/an-introverts-guide-to-selling-your-book-without-selling-your-soul-lets-be-honest-shouting-from-a-booth-isnt-our-thing/

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Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker best chance blog 2025, Craft

Do You Really Need a Literary Agent? A Writer’s Guide

By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

You did it. You typed “The End.”
You’ve got a first draft in hand, and now you’re wondering:

“Should I get an agent?”

Short answer? Not yet.
Longer answer? It’s complicated, and it helps to understand where the agent system even came from.

A Quick History of Literary Agents

Before there were agents, writers represented themselves. Including the famous ones. Louisa May Alcott negotiated her own deals and even pushed back on her publisher’s edits to Little Women. She was savvy. Many weren’t.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, publishing became more industrialized. Contracts got more complex. A new type of middleman emerged: the literary agent. Agents originally made their mark by forging relationships with editors. They pitched manuscripts directly. Sometimes they literally walked into newspaper or publisher offices with a carbon copy in hand.

Sounds helpful, right?

Well… yes and no.

Back then, many writers didn’t know how to negotiate for royalties, reprint rights, or foreign editions. Some agents stepped in to protect them.

Others saw opportunity in that vulnerability. They took advantage by pocketing fees. Greedy agents misreported royalties or steered deals that served their own interests.

Watch Elvis (2022) about The King’s relationship with his manipulative agent, Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).

Unlike today, there weren’t many standards or oversight bodies. For many writers, agents were a mysterious and necessary evil.

That legacy still lingers. While most modern agents are ethical professionals, the system remains uneven. Some are career-builders. Some take their cut and are ghosters. A few are still out to take a bite out of a writer’s naivete.

Watch Billy Joel’s recent documentary for his take on an agent who got into his back pocket.

What Does an Agent Do Today?

A reputable agent helps you:

  • Polish your manuscript before submission
  • Pitch to traditional publishers (especially the Big Five)
  • Negotiate advances, royalties, and contract terms
  • Sell subsidiary rights (film, foreign, audio)
  • Guide your long-term writing career

Here’s the kicker: agents don’t work for you until you sign with them. Even then, you’re partners, not boss-and-employee.

They also work on commission (usually 10% to 15%). If an agent asks you for an upfront fee? That’s a scam. The old predatory spirit still shows up in new forms. Be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true. It’ll probably cost you.

Why You Shouldn’t Query After Just One Draft

Back to your beautiful first draft.
It’s not ready yet, and that’s OK.

Agents aren’t looking for ideas, they want execution. They want the third or fourth draft that’s been revised, workshopped, and proofread.

Submitting too soon is like proposing marriage on the first date. It rarely ends well. Agents want to know what you have next, what are your third and fourth books? They don’t want one-hit wonders, they want sustainability.

Before you query, you should:

  • Revise until you’re sick of revising.
  • Get feedback from critique partners or beta readers.
  • Hire a freelance editor, but be picky. Some are wolves in invoice form.

Do You Even Need an Agent?

Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on your goals.

If you want to publish with one of the Big Five or a major imprint? Yes, you’ll probably need an agent, inless you know an insider or meet the Editor in Chief at a writing conference.

Agents have forged a role and are the gatekeepers. If you’re looking at small presses, hybrid publishing, or self-publishing, probably not.

Publishing is no longer one path. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure. Agents are great allies, but they’re not the only ones who can open doors. You are your story’s best advocate

Keep Writing While You Wait

Querying can take months, and waiting to hear back can be even longer. While you’re waiting and revising, start your next project. Agents love seeing that you’re committed to writing, not just pinning all your hopes on one book.

Your Call to Action

The agent system was born from writers’ need for business help, but came with strings attached. Not all of these strings were good. These days, you can protect yourself by being informed, strategic, and patient.

The more you understand the business side of writing, the less likely you are to get played.

Don’t be in a rush. Hone your book. Do your research. And remember: you are the CEO of your writing career. An agent is a partner, not a savior.

Are you revising? Researching agents? Deciding whether to go indie or traditional? Share your journey in the comments or start a convo with Besty Bot. If this post gave you clarity, pass it on to a fellow writer who’s standing at the same crossroads.

Do you have questions or comments? Ask Besty Bot about the writing craft and how to publish your book with Best Chance Media!

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📚Just finished your first draft and wondering if it’s time to get a literary agent? Not so fast.✋ Before you query, know the history behind agents, how they used to work the system, and what new writers still need to watch out for today. Louisa May Alcott represented herself. Should you? Read this before you sign anything. #WritingTips #AmWriting #WriterBeware #LiteraryAgents #FirstDraftDone #PublishingAdvice #WritingCommunity #LouisaMayAlcott #KnowYourWorth #WritersLife #IndieAuthors #QueryTips https://bestchancemedia.org/2025/09/11/when-is-it-time-to-query-a-literary-agent/

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Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker best chance blog 2025, Craft

Embrace Authenticity in Writing: The Power of True Stories


By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

Let’s face it. If you’re a writer, and your most “authentic” story involves flipping an egg, you should consider exploring more complex topics.

It might be time to dig up the messy stuff. Are you just staring at a blank screen or a notebook page?

You know, like that one time you were caught shoplifting and the cop made you own up to your dad. Remember when you almost got cast as “Man in Crowd #256? You didn’t answer the casting director’s call. You thought it was a spam number.

Don’t worry.

“All you have to do is write one true sentence,” Ernest Hemingway said.

Authenticity matters more than polish

Polish can make your writing look good, but authenticity makes it mean something. Readers can sense when you’re putting up a front or trying too hard to impress with overly interesting descriptions. They’ll nod politely and move on to the next book.

When you tell the truth, your voice might crack. Your story might stumble. Your guard might drop. That’s when people get hooked. Perfect writing might win awards, but authentic writing wins hearts. When you combine the two, that’s what keeps readers coming back, not to admire your prose, but to feel something real.

Readers crave connection, not perfection

Perfection is intimidating. Connection is comforting. Do you identify more with the person who never makes a mistake, or do you relate to the one who dribbled a Coke down their shirt before a big presentation?

Readers want to see themselves in your story: their fears, mess-ups, and the small triumphs. If you try to make yourself the flawless hero, you shut people out. When you share your struggle, you invite them to be a part of your story. In a world filled with filtered selfies and curated feeds, your raw honesty stands out. It is the most refreshing thing they will have read all day.

Your most embarrassing stories are your most relatable

That time you accidentally called your teacher “Mom”? or said “I love you” to a customer service rep? Those moments you wish you could delete are storytelling gold. Why? Because we’ve all been there: humiliated, awkward, and unsure. Those memories feel awful in the moment. Yet, they’re the ones that make people laugh, cry, and say, “Oh my gosh, me too.”

If you’re brave enough to tell the story, someone out there is waiting to read it. They want to feel a little less alone.

Every failure, regret, and awkward moment is a secret gold mine

Behind every “I blew it” is a potential breakthrough in your writing and in your life. Failure teaches us what success never will.

Regret reveals our values. Awkwardness strips away ego. These moments are obstacles and building blocks. Don’t run from them. Use them. Write turning points into chapters. Write honestly about what went wrong, and with a sense of humor transforms shame into strength. It’s not about glorifying the stmble. It’s about showing how you got back up and on your feet.

Fiction is great, but truth punches harder

There’s power in fiction, but even the most fantastic stories hit hardest when they echo something true. We weep over made-up characters because their pain feels real.

When your writing comes straight from experience, it lands with more impact. Your lived truth doesn’t need embellishment. Tell it with bravery.

Your voice is more compelling than anything you dream up. It is shaped by the sweet, the bitter, the bizarre, and everything else you’ve experienced.

Dig deep for your truth

Your life is a ragtag scrapbook of shining and cringe-inducing moments, not a flawless resumé. Own them. Write them. Your one true sentence might start with a terrible haircut, a missed opportunity, or a mistake you thought you’d buried.

Dig deep, be brave, and stop trying to airbrush away your bad experiences. Your truth is your voice. It’s what readers remember long after the last page.

At the end of the day, writing isn’t about sounding smart or looking impressive. It’s about telling the truth, even when your voice shakes.

Hemingway wasn’t asking us to be profound. He wants us to be honest. One true sentence. Your truth might come wrapped in awkwardness, heartbreak, or absurdity. Your true sentence is what makes your writing believable and powerful. Stop waiting for the perfect idea or the polished version of yourself. Dig deep. Say the things you’ve been scared to say. Start with one true sentence. The rest will follow.

Do you have questions or comments? Ask Besty Bot about the writing craft and how to publish your book with Best Chance Media!

Copy and Share This Post on Your Social Media:

✍️ Hemingway said to write one true sentence. That’s it. Not the perfect sentence. Not the impressive one. Just the real one. Your most embarrassing, awkward, even painful stories? They’re your most powerful. Don’t polish the truth out of them. Start with honesty — and let the story unfold from there. 💬 #WriteYourTruth #OneTrueSentence #AuthenticWriting #WritersLife #INFPwriter #RealStoriesMatter #MemoirMoments #WriteToConnect #MessyIsMeaningful #TruthBeTold https://bestchancemedia.org/2025/09/04/embrace-authenticity-in-writing-the-power-of-true-stories/

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Alan O’Hashi, Whole Brain Thinker best chance blog 2025, Craft

Signs of a Legit Hybrid Publisher: Don’t Get Scammed

By Jennifer Braddock – Editor

For new authors navigating the wilds of the publishing world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Traditional publishing? Self-publishing? Vanity press? Hybrid publishing?

What do all these mean, and more importantly, who can you trust?

In this post, we will:

  • Break down what a hybrid publisher is.
  • Explain how it differs from a vanity press.
  • Discuss how authors are compensated.
  • Show how to tell if a hybrid press is legit or just lipstick on a scam.

First, What Is a Hybrid Publisher?

A hybrid publisher blends the business models of traditional and self-publishing:

  • You pay part of the cost upfront: These are offered on a menu for editing, design, and production, marketing, and distribution. Be sure your contract is specific and that you must approve any changes.
  • The publisher handles publishing logistics: Once you decide on the services you want, pay attention to the contract execution.
  • You retain more control and get higher royalties: Since you’re cost-sharing, your take is higher than with a traditional publisher.
  • Reputable hybrids are selective: You still have to pitch, they pick, and don’t publish everything that comes their way.

How Do Authors Get Paid?

Look at hybrid publishing as an investment. Even though you’re an investor in your project, legit hybrid publishers still compensate you after publication.

  • Royalties: Typically range from 50% to 70% of net sales revenue, much higher than traditional deals.
  • Sales Reporting: You should receive regular, transparent royalty reports and payments.
  • Rights: You often retain more rights than in a traditional deal, and many hybrids offer non-exclusive contracts.

In a best-case scenario, you’re paying for a professional service to produce your book, and then you’re earning back your investment, and ideally more, through sales.

Do Hybrid Presses Handle Sales and Distribution?

Some do, and this is a key differentiator between quality hybrids and glorified vanity presses.

Legit hybrid publishers may offer:

  • Print and digital distribution: Publishers of all types use IngramSpark, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and indie bookstore catalogs.
  • Library access: They use platforms like OverDrive, Baker & Taylor, or Hoopla
  • Marketing consultation or campaigns: All publishers assist with promoting your content to retailers and the general public, although these vary widely. Best Chance Media tailors strategies for its authors.

However, not all hybrids offer robust distribution, so this is an important question to ask when you’re vetting one.

Hybrid vs. Vanity Press

FeatureHybrid PressVanity Press
Author PaysYes (investment model)Yes (often overpriced packages)
SelectivityYesNo
Royalties50–70% of net revenueOften minimal, if any
RightsOften retained or sharedOften taken
DistributionOffered by manyRare, usually limited to Amazon
Editorial ProcessRequiredOptional or absent

Red Flags: When a Hybrid Press Is Really Just a Scam

Some shady outfits brand themselves as hybrid publishers to sound legitimate, when really, they’re just vanity presses in disguise.

Watch out for:

  • High upfront fees with vague deliverables
  • No editorial process or quality standards
  • No real distribution or sales strategy
  • Unclear royalty structure
  • No plan to help you succeed, only to get you to sign

Signs of a Legit Hybrid Publisher

A real hybrid publisher:

  • Is transparent about pricing, royalties, and services
  • Has a track record of successful titles
  • Evaluates manuscripts before offering a contract
  • Has a clear royalty payment schedule
  • Offers real distribution options, not just uploads to Amazon

Bottom Line

Hybrid publishing can be a great option if you’re working with a reputable press. I have three friends who have had great success with one particular hybrid press. Think of it as hiring a team to help you produce and distribute a professional book. Bo your homework: just because someone calls themselves a hybrid doesn’t mean they aren’t predatory.

Have you worked with a hybrid press or are you considering one? Let’s swap notes.

Do you have questions or comments? Ask Besty Bot about the writing craft and how to publish your book with Best Chance Media!

Copy and Share This Post to Your Social Media:

Not all hybrid publishers are shady, but not all are legit either. Learn how to spot the difference and how authors really get paid. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #HybridPublishing #VanityPressWarning #BookBusiness https://bestchancemedia.org/2025/08/28/what-is-a-hybrid-publisher-are-they-scammers-too/

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