Writers Helping Writers^®

Editing Tips

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…

Story Feedback: Free and Paid Options for Writers

October 15, 2019

Story Feedback: Free and Paid Options for Writers

October 15, 2019

It’s a sad fact, but most writers don’t have a basement full of money, meaning we have to think carefully about where we spend our money and why. Investing in…

Saggy Middle? Use Conflict to Nip and Tuck It

May 16, 2019

Saggy Middle? Use Conflict to Nip and Tuck It

May 16, 2019

When I get a new story idea, I fly into the start of it with as much gusto as a kid in a candy store. I’m filled with the buzz…

3 Signs It’s Time to Stop Editing That Manuscript

January 31, 2019

3 Signs It’s Time to Stop Editing That Manuscript

January 31, 2019

Today Kyle A. Massa from ProWritingAid is helping us with a problematic decision: knowing WHEN it’s time to stop editing a manuscript. Read on! When’s the right time to stop…

Beginnings and Backstory

December 4, 2018

Beginnings and Backstory

December 4, 2018

You will find writers who argue that there should be no backstory at all in your first chapters. Why not? Because, by definition, backstory is what has happened before your…

A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages

November 1, 2018

A Mother Lode of Resources on Strong First Pages

November 1, 2018

As many of you know, I run a monthly critique contest here at the blog, where I offer to read first pages and share my feedback. People are so grateful…

Representation in Literature: Why It’s Important & How To Handle It

October 10, 2018

Representation in Literature: Why It’s Important & How To Handle It

October 10, 2018

Happy to welcome Deborah Dixon, a passionate author, editor, and racial justice activist to talk a bit on Representation in Literature, a topic of importance and something I think many…

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Mr. Miyagi: Wax On, Wax Off (Karate Kid) Most writers are familiar with the saying, “You only get one chance to impress,” and there is no industry where this holds…

Writing 101: Tips for Choosing the Right Story Details

May 10, 2018

Writing 101: Tips for Choosing the Right Story Details

May 10, 2018

When it comes to writing compelling fiction, choosing the right details can make all the difference. In this Writing 101 post, we’re looking at how to use purposeful details in…

Stripping Down My Prose: Risking the Removal of Adjectives

January 25, 2018

Stripping Down My Prose: Risking the Removal of Adjectives

January 25, 2018

Happy to welcome Margaret McNellis to the blog today. She’s tried an interesting experiment with her writing to create stronger, tighter prose, so please read on! When I was a Masters…