I got to ring the bell at my physical therapy office last week for completing my therapy. I started PT in May for a lower back issue. Around the same time I had also developed a shoulder injury, so once the back was under control, we added shoulder, then moved to exclusively shoulder. I wentContinue reading “Can You Diagnose Your Story Problem Alone?”
Category Archives: Writing Support
How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?
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?”
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?”
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”
Is it Time to Hire a Book Coach?
If you’ve been following along in this space, hopefully you’ve found some tips to help with your writing project. You may even have purchased the Revision Road Map, the self-paced mini-course to help you triage and organize your revision. But what if you find yourself still struggling with your story? Something is not working, you justContinue reading “Is it Time to Hire a Book Coach?”
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”
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?”
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”