The number one piece of feedback I give writers regardless of where they are in the writing process is: BE SPECIFIC Often, a sentence or a scene or the protagonist’s stakes are entirely too vague. Vague writing only leaves readers confused, disengaged, or having to fill in the blanks based on their own experiences whichContinue reading “The Trick to Mastering Show Don’t Tell In Your Fiction Writing: Be Specific”
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My Favorite Things: February 2024
It’s the end of the month, so it’s time to share a few of my favorite recommendations from February! Luckily, this month was less eventful than January. Not that it was quiet by any means– \my oldest plays snare in his school’s winter percussion group and his school hosted a large indoor winter percussion, winds,Continue reading “My Favorite Things: February 2024”
Creating Emotional Resonance in Your Novel
I posted this quote on Instagram Monday. I had just heard of the passing of someone who was dear to me and all my memories were about how that person made me feel–joyful, engaged, confident, prepared. The details of exactly how he did this or when or what we were doing at the time wereContinue reading “Creating Emotional Resonance in Your Novel”
Writing a Novel is a Marathon Not a Sprint: How a Book Coach Can Help
As a writer, I often wish for a magic wand that will make all the things happen faster. The drafting. The revising. The proofing. The pitching. The querying. The response time. The submissions. The wait time again. The publishing process. But the fact of the matter is, it takes what it takes. And there isContinue reading “Writing a Novel is a Marathon Not a Sprint: How a Book Coach Can Help”
Finding Time to Write Your Novel
At the end of January I gave a talk at a local women’s empowerment conference about the importance of creativity in our lives, regardless of whether it is our career or not. In fact, I’d argue that it needn’t be our careers. Creating for creating’s sake is a beautiful endeavor. I hate that our capitalistContinue reading “Finding Time to Write Your Novel”
My Favorite Things: January 2024
Typically, January seems to drag for me — the slow winter blah after a hectic holiday season. But this past month, not so much! I had two big things happening this past week that kept the sand speeding through the hourglass and somehow we’ve reached the end already. Here’s hoping that February has a moreContinue reading “My Favorite Things: January 2024”
The Goldilocks of Novel Planning
This week on Instagram, I talked about planning. I’m starting a new manuscript this week. Although “starting” is a bit of a misnomer. I am starting the physical manuscript, but I’ve been working on the story since the writing retreat I went to in October. I left that retreat with a kernel of an idea.Continue reading “The Goldilocks of Novel Planning”
What’s Clicking and Clunking in Your Manuscript?
Back in the fall, during my 8th grade son’s middle school walk the schedule night, I was eagerly anticipating talking to his English teacher. It’s no surprise that English was my favorite subject in school. I’m probably not alone here, right? The reading. The essay writing. I loved all of it. Don’t get me wrong,Continue reading “What’s Clicking and Clunking in Your Manuscript?”
Creativity is Your Super Power
We watched Spider-Man: Homecoming this weekend for family movie night. It was a re-watch for us, but I loved Peter Parker’s earnestness all over again. He’s hungry to help people, to be useful, to use his unique talents for good. While waiting for a possible call from Tony Stark (aka, Iron Man) he monitors hisContinue reading “Creativity is Your Super Power”
Happy New Year! My 2024 Word
Happy New Year, writers and friends! I hope you had a lovely holiday. I spent the last two weeks snuggled with family and enjoying time with friends. I gave myself permission to let go of the pressure of what I should be doing and took time to simply be present. It was a much neededContinue reading “Happy New Year! My 2024 Word”