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How Premise Plays into Theme

February 11, 2020

How Premise Plays into Theme

February 11, 2020

For many writers, theme is an afterthought–something they may try to figure out once the book is mostly written. But in reality, for a lot of stories, the premise actually…

How to Find Critique Partners & Beta Readers

February 6, 2020

How to Find Critique Partners & Beta Readers

February 6, 2020

Outside feedback is vital to the success of your manuscript. As I’ve quoted many times before on my YouTube channel, according to Terry Pratchett, “The first draft is just you…

Tools to Help You Become a Powerful Writer

February 4, 2020

Tools to Help You Become a Powerful Writer

February 4, 2020

The start of the year is when I pay close attention to what is happening in our industry: what publishers and organizations are focusing on, the changes occurring on sales…

Build a Bridge: From Story Beginning to Main Conflict

January 28, 2020

Build a Bridge: From Story Beginning to Main Conflict

January 28, 2020

During one of my previous posts as a Resident Writing Coach, we talked about the importance of strong goals for helping our story move forward. But as we discussed in…

Scrivener and One Stop for Writers: Perfect Tools For Crafting Powerful Scenes

January 16, 2020

Scrivener and One Stop for Writers: Perfect Tools For Crafting Powerful Scenes

January 16, 2020

Many of you know that Angela and I are super excited about One Stop for Writers and how it simplifies the writing process for authors. So when we get notes…

Six Steps to Setting Yourself up Financially as a Writer

January 14, 2020

Six Steps to Setting Yourself up Financially as a Writer

January 14, 2020

I’ve always loved the energy of a New Year. It’s alive with intentions and goals and the buzz of a fresh start. This New Year feels even more special because…

How to Build a Roadmap to the Author Future You Want

December 19, 2019

How to Build a Roadmap to the Author Future You Want

December 19, 2019

When the clock turns forward, we tend to think about what the next year will bring. Now personally I’m not one for making New Years resolutions, but I absolutely do…

3 Steps To Writing Diverse Characters

December 17, 2019

3 Steps To Writing Diverse Characters

December 17, 2019

It’s official … Audiences have voted with their wallets and proved they WANT more diverse characters as standard. Novels lead the way, with breakout successes like Gone Girl and The…

Mastering Show, Don’t Tell

December 5, 2019

Mastering Show, Don’t Tell

December 5, 2019

We hear it over and over: Show, don’t tell. You can’t get away from this advice, not in writing workshops, at conferences, or heck, even when visiting this blog. Writers…

Is It Necessary to Write EVERY day?

December 3, 2019

Is It Necessary to Write EVERY day?

December 3, 2019

Some time ago I was asked by Writers Digest to participate in a feature with nine other writing teachers. We’d each take a position on a well-known writing “rule.” Then another expert…