Stop chasing perfection in your writing career. Seriously. Perfection is elusive and subjective and f*ing impossible to grasp. I’m at my annual writer’s retreat with a couple of friends at the beach this week. The weather? Not perfect. We’ve been battling the wind every time we go for a walk, which we have to slotContinue reading “Stop Chasing Perfection in Your Writing Career”
Tag Archives: writing help
3 Tips for Finding Spots to Layer in Revision
Overwriting, or writing long, is an annoying problem but with an easy to identify fix—cut unnecessary scenes, edit out filter words, tighten your writing. But what happens if you’re a lean writer? That can be a harder problem to solve. I often find myself working with lean writers, probably because I am one, too. LeanContinue reading “3 Tips for Finding Spots to Layer in Revision”
A Book Coach is a Light Switch: You Don’t Have to Write in the Dark!
What is it like to work with a book coach on your project? Let’s take a look at some feedback I received from a writer I worked with to get the real feel. “First, the whole process was very professional and thoughtful. Then there was the feedback. It was organized in a way that wasContinue reading “A Book Coach is a Light Switch: You Don’t Have to Write in the Dark!”
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”
Back to School = Back to Work…sort of
It’s back to school week here. Routines are filling the calendar. Our alarms are set way earlier. I can feel myself easing back into “real life.” To put a cherry on top, the weather this week is what we like to call around these parts ‘false fall.’ Just under 80, dry, cool mornings. Right now,Continue reading “Back to School = Back to Work…sort of”
Feeling Stuck in Your Writing?
Have you ever felt stuck in your writing? Whether it’s a specific point in your work in progress, or your entire writing process, we often get stuck. I’ve been stuck all summer. There are lots of reasons for it, but stuck is where I am and it is beyond frustrating. So, I get it. InContinue reading “Feeling Stuck in Your Writing?”
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”
What Monica needs right now…
I received a marketing email with that subject line. While the service described inside that email was not bad, it was definitely NOT what I need right now. What do I need? It’s not a comprehensive list, but a decent sampling of what I need right now. And I know that a service from aContinue reading “What Monica needs right now…”
The Beauty of Beta Readers: When and How to Use Them
This week I posted a note on my Substack about when NOT to use beta readers. And I’ve had lots of conversations about it since. I’m glad that it was helpful. But I want to make sure writers aren’t scared off of beta readers. Beta readers have an important role in the writing and revisionContinue reading “The Beauty of Beta Readers: When and How to Use Them”