It Depends on Your Process I was at a writing event once where a relatively new writer was sharing how he had woken from a dream with a new idea, went to the keyboard, and in a month had “finished” his 100,000+ word book. 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 That is a blistering pace in a month for aContinue reading “How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?”
Category Archives: Writing Community
Looking for a Quick Fix for Your Writing?
Stop looking. Focus on process instead. I am the first one to preach that writing a novel is a marathon and not a sprint. And yet, I am also constantly keeping my eyes open for a short cut. A quick fix. A faster process. Sound familiar? Whether it’s in my writing or creating a newContinue reading “Looking for a Quick Fix for Your Writing?”
My 2026 Word of the Year
January 1 is as arbitrary a day as any for new starts, because let’s be real. You can start a novel any day. Start working out any day. Resolve to stop getting take out lunch any day. Start a new hobby any day. But, a year is also a container–and I’m all about containers (hello,Continue reading “My 2026 Word of the Year”
You Finished Novel November…Now What? Create a revision plan that keeps your momentum moving in the right direction
To all my tired writers out there who just slogged through Novel November: CONGRATS!! You wrote a whole bunch of words you should be proud of. Not because they are particularly special yet, but because you did the hard work of getting the bones of your story down. This is no small feat! At the sameContinue reading “You Finished Novel November…Now What? Create a revision plan that keeps your momentum moving in the right direction”
How to Create Your Own Beach Retreat Magic
It has been a long time since I’ve written new words. Back in the winter, I was revising my previous manuscript to get it in shape for submission. Then there was the great pneumonia infection of 2025 (0 out of 5 stars, do not recommend). Then we merged straight into spring senior activities, graduation, collegeContinue reading “How to Create Your Own Beach Retreat Magic”
Broadleaf Writers Conference Recap
Why a gathering of writers is this introvert’s favorite kind of party This summer I went to a birthday party for a friend. On my way, I was nervous. I would know the birthday girl and perhaps one other person there. The rest of the guests? No clue. But I adjusted my side pony (IContinue reading “Broadleaf Writers Conference Recap”
When Receiving Feedback Be Curious, Not Judgmental
Receiving feedback is often just as hard as a rejection. We send off our work to a friend, critique partner, beta reader, editor, and while we do these things for the constructive feedback these readers can impart, there is a large part of ourselves hoping for a gold star. “I found nothing wrong, it’s perfect!Continue reading “When Receiving Feedback Be Curious, Not Judgmental”
The Beauty of Beta Readers: When and How to Use Them
This week I posted a note on my Substack about when NOT to use beta readers. And I’ve had lots of conversations about it since. I’m glad that it was helpful. But I want to make sure writers aren’t scared off of beta readers. Beta readers have an important role in the writing and revisionContinue reading “The Beauty of Beta Readers: When and How to Use Them”
What’s Your Point?
The first two questions I ask when I start to work with a writer on their story are: There is something that brings us to the page. Some impulse, a nugget, a question. We want to share or educate or entertain or prove to that high school english teacher who told us we weren’t muchContinue reading “What’s Your Point?”
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?”