Every year, I pick a word as a mental homebase. A reminder, a guide post, a mantra that keeps me on track. Last year’s word was mountain. And boy, was 2024 a climb. It wasn’t my most joyful year, though not my most sorrowful either. It was a year where I was anticipating a lotContinue reading “My Word for 2025”
Tag Archives: fiction coach
Is it time to step into the light of your story?
I recently wrapped up work with a client and I wanted to share some of what she had to say in her post-project feedback (yes, coaches need feedback, too!) because it exemplified everything I aim to do when working with a writer. “First, the whole process was very professional and thoughtful. Then there was theContinue reading “Is it time to step into the light of your story?”
As I Grow in Craft Knowledge, I Worry I’m Ruining Stories for Others
Writers: have you noticed that as you grow your craft, you often start to recognize how the sausage of the story is made when reading or watching stories for pleasure? For me, that means I inadvertently ruin the plots of movies for my family. Several years ago, my curious 12-year-old asked about the story structureContinue reading “As I Grow in Craft Knowledge, I Worry I’m Ruining Stories for Others”
You may be wondering…
….how can I work with Monica? Let me answer your question with a question: are you just starting a new story or in the midst of revision? Either way, I’ve got you covered! Start Your Novel with Confidence Consider this your quick start to drafting with a safety net. We will work together to answerContinue reading “You may be wondering…”
Writing Mindset: Slow Down to Go Faster
Slow down to go faster. We all know the fable of the tortoise and the hare: The moral of the story: Slow and steady wins the race. Unfortunately we live in a society that values busyness and productivity. We boast when we have busy schedules. We celebrate multitasking. We go and go and go andContinue reading “Writing Mindset: Slow Down to Go Faster”
Writing & Baseball
Earlier this week, I posted on Instagram: I was feeling pretty motivated after that “no,” to be honest. I was firmly in the “let’s get rejected today” mindset of using it as fuel to keep going, keep trying. And then… I got another rejection on a partial Tuesday. The doubts crept in. Cut toContinue reading “Writing & Baseball”
Avoiding Rookie Writing Mistakes
Rookie mistakes. We all make them. Mine? Writing a novel without ever studying structure. Surely this was something I’d just know by osmosis from all that reading and those English classes I took. Wrong. Turns out, I hadn’t a clue. I came close. Maybe even serviceably close. But I didn’t know a lot and itContinue reading “Avoiding Rookie Writing Mistakes”
What I Learned About Writing From My Son’s Track Meet
My youngest and a group of his pals decided to try out for the track team this spring. Despite having an uncle for a track coach, my knowledge of the sport is limited to whatever I happen to soak in during the summer Olympics and is quickly forgotten for four years until the next round. Continue reading “What I Learned About Writing From My Son’s Track Meet”
My Favorite Things: March 24
Spring is finally springing! I am so close to sharing with you my new favorite thing…The Revision Road Map (subscribe to my newsletter to be first to know the details in the next week or so!). This tool has totally saved my revision process and I am so excited to bring it to you lovely writersContinue reading “My Favorite Things: March 24”