Savannah Cordova suggests ditching writing what you know for the new and improved version: Know what you write. Show-don’t-tell! Kill your darlings! Don’t use adverbs! Sound familiar? Most writers will probably recognize the long list of industry sayings that seemingly crop up in every single … [Read more...] about Should You Write What You Know or Aim to Experiment?
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Writing 101: Semi-Colons & Other Tricky Punctuation Marks
Punctuation can be surprisingly difficult, especially when it comes to lesser-used marks like semi-colons, dashes, and colons. When these marks are used incorrectly, readers are either distracted or confused. Because this isn’t the experience we want for our readers, let’s take a look at some of … [Read more...] about Writing 101: Semi-Colons & Other Tricky Punctuation Marks
How to Hook New Readers with a Novel-Based Workshop
I've presented a lot of workshops over the years, mostly based on the nonfiction books I've written for writers. I’ve always found it easy to create a workshop based on a nonfiction book. But when it came to fiction, I hit a wall. Like many authors, I’ve seen how easy it is to fall into one of … [Read more...] about How to Hook New Readers with a Novel-Based Workshop
Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat
So, You Want to Go on a Writing Retreat? A writing retreat is a designated period and space where writers gather to focus on their writing projects. Often such retreats take place in beautiful, inspiring locations. Alternatively, retreats may be virtual, where creatives are encouraged to … [Read more...] about Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat
Monthly Contest: Guest Editor, Show-Don’t-Tell Edition
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. But this is different than any contest we've had before. Winners will receive professional feedback on a page of their choice that needs help with show-don't-tell...plus live coaching. How exciting … [Read more...] about Monthly Contest: Guest Editor, Show-Don’t-Tell Edition
Continuing a Series: Enticing Readers to Return
When writing a series, we need to adjust our writing techniques. Last year, we talked about the tricky balance of repeating information in a series from one book to another. We want to avoid giving readers a sense of déjà vu, but we also can’t assume that readers have read (or remember) previous … [Read more...] about Continuing a Series: Enticing Readers to Return
The Importance of Beginning a Book with Publishing End Goals in Mind
Liz Alterman is here to share the importance of knowing your publishing end goals for a book before you start writing it. Plus, she's giving away a query critique and an eBook to celebrate her newest release! When we sit down to write a book, it’s typically because we feel called to share a … [Read more...] about The Importance of Beginning a Book with Publishing End Goals in Mind
Three Strategies for Creating Progressively Escalating Complications
Unputdownable stories keep readers off balance, as one scene tips into another, and another, and the next. Each scene’s challenge demands a response, and each response spirals into fresh complications. But compelling stories don't pile on problems in random fashion. Complications flow organically … [Read more...] about Three Strategies for Creating Progressively Escalating Complications
Communication is the Key to Critique Partner Success
Author Accelerator Certified Coach Julie Artz shares great ways to get the most out of critiques. Here on Writers Helping Writers, you’ll find a lot of folks extolling the virtues of getting feedback on your writing through either a critique partner or a critique group. Joining a critique group … [Read more...] about Communication is the Key to Critique Partner Success
Refilling Your Creative Well with Artist Dates
Book Coach Monica Cox has some fresh ideas for refilling your creative well as a writer, so read on! As writers, we mine our experiences and observations, pour our emotions into words, and fill up the blank page with story. If we aren’t careful to replenish all that we exert in our writing, we … [Read more...] about Refilling Your Creative Well with Artist Dates
Character Secret Thesaurus: Making a Black Market Purchase
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden? This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, … [Read more...] about Character Secret Thesaurus: Making a Black Market Purchase
Writing 101: A Tutorial for Understanding Point of View
Understanding point of view basics is essential for writing strong, emotionally resonant fiction, so this is a good topic to explore as part of our 101 series. The viewpoint you choose determines who tells the story, how much the reader knows, and how deeply they connect with the characters. … [Read more...] about Writing 101: A Tutorial for Understanding Point of View