Writing a novel length work with the intent to publish demands many things of us as writers: studying craft, practice, hours of typing, deleting, experiencing the world, interviews, research, and the occasional banging of our heads against solid objects. But regardless of the details of our processes, there are three universal components of writing: Creativity,Continue reading “Three Mindsets Needed for Writing”
Tag Archives: writing help
8 Steps to a Better Manuscript: What it looks like to start working with a book coach
I talk a lot about craft and motivation and mindset when it comes to writing. Today, I want to do something a little different. I want to walk you through the process of what it looks like to work with me. Like the nitty gritty logistics of it. Step 1: Check out my website LearnContinue reading “8 Steps to a Better Manuscript: What it looks like to start working with a book coach”
The Question Most Writers Ask Me As a Book Coach
When I first chat with a prospective writer, I will ask a series of questions to get a feel for where they are in the process, what they hope to get out of the coaching relationship, and what experience they have with giving and receiving feedback. This conversation allows us to get to know eachContinue reading “The Question Most Writers Ask Me As a Book Coach”
Writer Reset
2025 has been a lot so far. January I was underwater editing my book to go out on submission. February (and let’s be real, March, too) I had pneumonia. January, February and March are my kids’ busy months with their indoor percussion group with practices, competitions, and more. My oldest also played pit in hisContinue reading “Writer Reset”
Does this Scene Spark Joy?
I need to clean my closet. I keep avoiding the task. (Can you blame me?) There are easy things to clear out – the hidden leftover remnants from Christmas packages and the pile of clothes my teens have outgrown to donate. But then there are the harder things. The extra comforter for when we pullContinue reading “Does this Scene Spark Joy?”
Manuscript Spring Cleaning
Spring is starting to make its magic in my neck of the woods. I can tell by the buds on the trees, the scent of stinky pear blossoms (why does something so pretty have to smell so foul?), and the squeals of children playing outside after dinner on our street. That, and the itch IContinue reading “Manuscript Spring Cleaning”
3 Little Words That Will Unlock Your Revision
Whether it’s describing your favorite book or pitching your own manuscript, chances are you’re describing the plot or what happens in the story. Hooks and pitches are all about plot. It’s the easiest thing to latch on to when it comes to story. Plot is often the first thing that comes to us when weContinue reading “3 Little Words That Will Unlock Your Revision”
I got a rejection on my query, is it time to revise?
How–and more importantly WHEN–you should use your rejections to help you improve your stories I was recently talking with a writer who had reached out in a panic. She’d started querying agents a few weeks ago and had just received her third rejection. She wanted to know if she should rush back to her openingContinue reading “I got a rejection on my query, is it time to revise?”
Beyond the First Draft
This week, I started posting at Substack. No worries, loyal readers, I will continue to post my content here as well. The benefits of joining me there are that you will receive posts two days earlier as well as have the opportunity to join me in monthly Ask Me Anything sessions if you are aContinue reading “Beyond the First Draft”
Waiting for the “right” time?
My apologies for my absence in this space lately. I have missed it, and you! I needed to focus on my own writing in January, and while I typically can make time for this newsletter and other content to engage with you and other writers in the world, the month got the best of me.Continue reading “Waiting for the “right” time?”