As a recovering pantser, I often find myself in the too few ideas camp. It’s not that I don’t have them, it’s just I get an inkling of an idea or a character or an inciting incident and then I’m not sure what exactly happens next. The old me used to dive in headfirst andContinue reading “Too Few or Too Many Ideas: The Importance of Novel Planning”
Category Archives: book coaching
Is it time to call in the experts?
I am headed back to physical therapy this week. I’ve had a nagging lower back issue. When I was in physical therapy for another issue a few years ago, I mentioned it to the therapist during one of our sessions. She kindly added some exercises to help, but it never totally resolved the pain. OurContinue reading “Is it time to call in the experts?”
Don’t let the subplot derail the narrative
You may or may not have seen the recent interview on CBS This Morning that featured Bill Belichick, but as a former media trainer and PR exec, as well as a forever Tar Heel (where Belichick has signed on to be the head football coach this season), the interview has stuck with me. To summarize,Continue reading “Don’t let the subplot derail the narrative”
A Writer Favor: What Craft Issues Trip You Up?
Last week on my Instagram stories, I asked writers which of the following were they struggling with most right now: The Results are in: Craft received the most votes, followed closely by Time and Mindset, which nearly tied. If you’re like me, writer, then you probably struggle with all three at some point. It justContinue reading “A Writer Favor: What Craft Issues Trip You Up?”
Three Mindsets Needed for Writing
Writing a novel length work with the intent to publish demands many things of us as writers: studying craft, practice, hours of typing, deleting, experiencing the world, interviews, research, and the occasional banging of our heads against solid objects. But regardless of the details of our processes, there are three universal components of writing: Creativity,Continue reading “Three Mindsets Needed for Writing”
8 Steps to a Better Manuscript: What it looks like to start working with a book coach
I talk a lot about craft and motivation and mindset when it comes to writing. Today, I want to do something a little different. I want to walk you through the process of what it looks like to work with me. Like the nitty gritty logistics of it. Step 1: Check out my website LearnContinue reading “8 Steps to a Better Manuscript: What it looks like to start working with a book coach”
The Question Most Writers Ask Me As a Book Coach
When I first chat with a prospective writer, I will ask a series of questions to get a feel for where they are in the process, what they hope to get out of the coaching relationship, and what experience they have with giving and receiving feedback. This conversation allows us to get to know eachContinue reading “The Question Most Writers Ask Me As a Book Coach”
Manuscript Spring Cleaning
Spring is starting to make its magic in my neck of the woods. I can tell by the buds on the trees, the scent of stinky pear blossoms (why does something so pretty have to smell so foul?), and the squeals of children playing outside after dinner on our street. That, and the itch IContinue reading “Manuscript Spring Cleaning”
My Word for 2025
Every year, I pick a word as a mental homebase. A reminder, a guide post, a mantra that keeps me on track. Last year’s word was mountain. And boy, was 2024 a climb. It wasn’t my most joyful year, though not my most sorrowful either. It was a year where I was anticipating a lotContinue reading “My Word for 2025”
Start the New Year WRITE!
Happy New Year! Are you looking to level up your writing in 2025? Now is the time! Start the year write with The Write Time Summit! Coaching colleagues over at Writer’s Harvest Book Coaching have put together an amazing summit of more than a dozen guest speakers for presentations to inspire, teach, and encourage comingContinue reading “Start the New Year WRITE!”