Write Your Way to the Finish Line: Save 20% at One Stop for Writers
Write Your Way to the Finish Line: Save 20% at One Stop for Writers
Writing is hard, and unfortunately, getting stuck can be part of the process. Figuring a way forward is important to keep that momentum going. That’s why we created the Storyteller’s…
Read more…How to Show a Character’s Fear in Real Time
How to Show a Character’s Fear in Real Time
Fear is much more than an emotion—it is one of the biggest influencers of human behavior. Whenever we encounter a situation with unknowns, fear kicks in. Even if we do…
Read more…Win Feedback on Your First Page!
Win Feedback on Your First Page!
Want to win editorial feedback and take your storyfrom good to great? Well, my writerly friend, you’re in luck! It’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest. In this draw,…
Read more…How to Developmentally Edit Your Book, Yourself
How to Developmentally Edit Your Book, Yourself
Developmental Editing is tackled on a completed draft of your book. It is the big picture assessment that will let you, the writer, know: Does your story work? Will readers…
Read more…4 Tips for Successfully Writing Picture Books
4 Tips for Successfully Writing Picture Books
Did you know I cut my teeth writing picture books? Well, technically, my first attempt was a chapter book. I didn’t bother doing any research; as a first grade teacher,…
Read more…Omniscient POV: Pitfalls and Best Practices
Omniscient POV: Pitfalls and Best Practices
A surprising number of first novels land on my desk as an editor that are written in omniscient point of view. I say surprising because I find it by far…
Read more…Strengthen Your Story by Throwing Rocks at Your Characters
Strengthen Your Story by Throwing Rocks at Your Characters
If there’s one thing we all know, it’s that life is stressful. Each day, we’re bombarded with obstacles, challenges, and upsets. We navigate what we can, go to bed, and…
Read more…Last Chance to Grab the Phobias & Triggers Mini Guide
Last Chance to Grab the Phobias & Triggers Mini Guide
Have you ever read a story where a phobia is a plot device for why a character can’t do something (say, travel by boat), or conveys comedic irony (a building…
Read more…How to Amp Up a “Boring” Story Setting
How to Amp Up a “Boring” Story Setting
Taking the time to choose the right setting for each scene is one of the best ways to ensure our writing has impact. Why? Because the setting touches everything. It…
Read more…Writing Fantasy: What Not To Do
Writing Fantasy: What Not To Do
Fantasy is my first love, full stop. You need to know this, because otherwise you might think I sound a bit cranky. Many elements are in play in a well-written…
Read more…Use Literary Devices to Propel Readers Past Chapter Endings
Use Literary Devices to Propel Readers Past Chapter Endings
In my last post, I discussed why chapter endings can be tricky (because they provide a natural stopping point for readers) and how to counteract that. By using a variety…
Read more…Making the Most of Your Word Processing Tools
Making the Most of Your Word Processing Tools
Standard Manuscript Format for Writers Last month, I shared my tips for How to Use Scrivener (Without Anxiety). But as I mentioned in that post, the industry standard for publishing…
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