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 Tips
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”
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”
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”
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”
Using character development questions to understand our creative whys
We are the protagonists of our own writing life. So if you’re struggling with your creative goals or sticking to a writing routine, let’s dig into your wants, needs, and writing obstacles to better understand your creative why. Much like our protagonists have an external want and an internal need, so do we as authors.Continue reading “Using character development questions to understand our creative whys”
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?”
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…”