Category Archives: Writing Groups

Why Should You Join a Writing Community?

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Guest Poster

Writing is hard, but it can be easier if you’re not doing it alone. Eileen Cook is here to share 5 reasons why you should join a group. Writing may be a solo journey, but a writing community can make … Continue reading →

Posted in Critiquing & Critiques, Guest Post, Writing Groups | 2 Comments

Angela’s Tips for a Happier Writing Life

Posted on January 5, 2021 by ANGELA ACKERMAN

Well folks, we made it: 2021. And while nothing’s really changed, I think we all feel a weight has lifted. The vaccine rollout has started and while it will take time to get to most of us, our collective gaze … Continue reading →

Posted in Balance, Business Plan, Focus, Goal Setting, Motivational, Social Networking, Time Management, Uncategorized, Writer's Attitude, Writing Groups, Writing Time | 4 Comments

4 Ways to Fix a Boring Story

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Guest Poster

Is your story boring? Would you know or acknowledge it if it was? No one wants to admit that their story is slow, lackluster, or zzzzz. But hey, that’s what critique partners and editors are for. If recent feedback makes … Continue reading →

Posted in Character Arc, Character Flaws, Characters, Conflict, Empathy, Guest Post, Pacing, Reader Feedback, Rejection, Writing Craft | 15 Comments

Why Writers Should Consider NaNoWriMo in 2020

Posted on September 29, 2020 by ANGELA ACKERMAN

Let’s not mince words: 2020 has been a real crap sandwich. COVID has caused all sorts of struggles, anxiety, and challenges. Some of you have had work disrupted. Others wanted to travel to see loved ones and couldn’t. All of … Continue reading →

Posted in About Us, Focus, Goal Setting, Motivational, NaNoWriMo Strategy & Support, One Stop For Writers, Show Don't Tell, Software and Services, Time Management, Tools and Resources, Uncategorized, Writer's Attitude, Writing Groups, Writing Resources, Writing Time | 3 Comments

How to Find Critique Partners & Beta Readers

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Writing Coach

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 telling yourself the story.” Our first drafts are imperfect translations … Continue reading →

Posted in Critique Groups, Critiquing & Critiques, Reader Feedback, Resident Writing Coach, Revision and Editing, Uncategorized, Writing Craft, Writing Groups | 8 Comments

3 Steps To Writing Diverse Characters

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Writing Coach

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 Hate You Give making huge cultural impacts. Now the screenwriting … Continue reading →

Posted in Backstory, Buying Books, Character Arc, Characters, Cliches, Diversity, Emotion, Reader Feedback, Reader Interest, Reading, Resident Writing Coach, Stereotypes, Story Structure, Tools and Resources, Uncategorized, Writing Craft, Writing Lessons | 10 Comments

Improve Your Novel Writing: 11 Tips For Newbies

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Writing Coach

Writing a novel is flipping difficult. It often takes years to complete your first novel (and even more years after that to write a good one). You heard that right — writers’ first books are usually a hot mess. That … Continue reading →

Posted in Critique Groups, Critiquing & Critiques, Grammar, Pacing, Plotting, Reader Feedback, Reading, Resident Writing Coach, Revision and Editing, Story Structure, Uncategorized, Voice, Writing Craft | 17 Comments