Some writers have nothing but ideas. They may be barely halfway through drafting a story when new ideas are plaguing them, new characters vying for attention, new worlds springing to life. For others, like me, the writing is the easy(ier) part, the idea generation is a whole different beast. For me, I need more thanContinue reading “Ten Tips for Generating New Story Ideas”
Tag Archives: #amwriting
Do You Need a Book Coach?
Okay, writers, you’re setting off onto the page with a new idea or you are staring at a stack of pages ready to carve out a revised story from your latest draft. I’ve written before about what a book coach is, when to use one, and how I approach the work. But you may stillContinue reading “Do You Need a Book Coach?”
My Book Coaching Philosophy
What is it like to work with a book coach? More specifically, what is it like to work with me as your book coach? Working with me on your project means that you have someone on your side who: Only you can write this story. Only you have the ultimate solutions. Only you can doContinue reading “My Book Coaching Philosophy”
When to Use a Book Coach
Writing a book is a daunting task no matter how many times you’ve done it. Typically, a writer gets an idea–a cheeky bit of dialogue winds its way into their ear, a feeling washes over them in a moment of stillness, or a scene plays out like a movie across their minds–and it’s off toContinue reading “When to Use a Book Coach”
What is a Book Coach?
What is a book coach? Me!! I’m a book coach! Great, Monica. But what does that mean exactly? I’m so glad you asked! Whether you are a new or experienced writer in the outlining, drafting, revising, or even querying stage of the process, a book coach provides personalized guidance to help you meet your writingContinue reading “What is a Book Coach?”
How to Keep Your Story on Track
This month, I’ve written about how to stay on track with your drafts, revisions, queries, and using self-care because after all, you can’t keep writing if you’re burned out. Today, however, I want to talk about craft. How do we keep our stories on track? The short answer? Story trajectory. Your story’s trajectory is theContinue reading “How to Keep Your Story on Track”
Staying on Track: Self-Care for Writers
While I’ve been talking about tips to stay on track during drafting, revising, and querying this month, it’s pretty impossible to stay on track when we’re burned out. Trust me. This week, I’ve been down for the count with a head cold. I haven’t had one in the three years since COVID locked us intoContinue reading “Staying on Track: Self-Care for Writers”
Tips for Writers to Stay on Track During the Query Process
Oh, querying. The very worst of the hurry-up-and-wait-and-wait-and-wait-and-oh, yay-another-rejection game! It can be difficult for writers to stay on track while querying. It’s the first part of the process where writers give up control. And that can be scary. Terrifying, really. Because not only do we not have control, but we’re essentially asking someone toContinue reading “Tips for Writers to Stay on Track During the Query Process”
Tips for Writers to Stay on Track During Revision
Revision is hard. We pull, delete, tweak, rewrite, switch order, switch tense, revisit motivations and point of view. There are endless big changes to be made and then we dig into word choice, active vs. passive voice, and punching up dialogue and description. And the process can feel endless. I know. I’m in it now.Continue reading “Tips for Writers to Stay on Track During Revision”
Tips to Keep Writers on Track While Drafting
This month, I want to focus on how we can stay on track as writers. Writing a book is a long, complex process and it is easy to lose our way. If you want to finish your novel, read on for tips to keep you moving forward to “the end” of your story and yourContinue reading “Tips to Keep Writers on Track While Drafting”