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”
Category Archives: Writing Craft
3 Tips for Finding Spots to Layer in Revision
Overwriting, or writing long, is an annoying problem but with an easy to identify fix—cut unnecessary scenes, edit out filter words, tighten your writing. But what happens if you’re a lean writer? That can be a harder problem to solve. I often find myself working with lean writers, probably because I am one, too. LeanContinue reading “3 Tips for Finding Spots to Layer in Revision”
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”
Getting Emotion on the Page: Using music as emotional muse
Getting emotion on the page can be one of the hardest parts of our writing craft. It is one of my most common comments when giving feedback to writers and something I find myself going back to layer in as well during my own revisions. Why is it so hard to access this emotion inContinue reading “Getting Emotion on the Page: Using music as emotional muse”
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”
Here’s Where the Story Ends
Writers spend a lot of time determining where their stories start–and rightfully so. But it’s also important to know where and when your story ends. Especially when you’re drafting and feel like the ending is getting farther and farther away. So… How do you know when your story ends? Let’s take a look at Cinderella. Continue reading “Here’s Where the Story Ends”
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?”
The [Wicked Witch] is in the details…
We saw Wicked as a family on Friday. I know. It’s everywhere. You can’t escape the promotion, the commercials, the non-stop TikToks and Reels. I know. But seriously… Have you seen it yet? I’m obsessed. Already planning on seeing it again. What I adore about all the behind-the-scenes videos and interviews and beauty of theContinue reading “The [Wicked Witch] is in the details…”