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”
Tag Archives: Writing Tips
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”
What’s Your Point?
The first two questions I ask when I start to work with a writer on their story are: There is something that brings us to the page. Some impulse, a nugget, a question. We want to share or educate or entertain or prove to that high school english teacher who told us we weren’t muchContinue reading “What’s Your Point?”
3 Tips to Determine if Your Protagonist Has Agency
Tell me if you’ve ever been given this writing advice: Act 1: Get your character in a tree. Act 2: Throw rocks at them. Act 3: Get them out of the tree. Can I tell you a secret? I hate this advice. Not because it’s inherently wrong. In theory, it makes sense – you wantContinue reading “3 Tips to Determine if Your Protagonist Has Agency”
Here’s Where the Story Ends
Writers spend a lot of time determining where their stories start–and rightfully so. But it’s also important to know where and when your story ends. Especially when you’re drafting and feel like the ending is getting farther and farther away. So… How do you know when your story ends? Let’s take a look at Cinderella. Continue reading “Here’s Where the Story Ends”
Summer Writing Routines
Writing in the summer can be easier for some (day job in a slow period, vacation time, longer days) and harder for others (kids at home, summer travel, different routines). My kids are both teenagers now and perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. In fact, they have their own schedules and activities and comeContinue reading “Summer Writing Routines”
Using character development questions to understand our creative whys
We are the protagonists of our own writing life. So if you’re struggling with your creative goals or sticking to a writing routine, let’s dig into your wants, needs, and writing obstacles to better understand your creative why. Much like our protagonists have an external want and an internal need, so do we as authors.Continue reading “Using character development questions to understand our creative whys”
Too Few or Too Many Ideas: The Importance of Novel Planning
As a recovering pantser, I often find myself in the too few ideas camp. It’s not that I don’t have them, it’s just I get an inkling of an idea or a character or an inciting incident and then I’m not sure what exactly happens next. The old me used to dive in headfirst andContinue reading “Too Few or Too Many Ideas: The Importance of Novel Planning”
Is it time to call in the experts?
I am headed back to physical therapy this week. I’ve had a nagging lower back issue. When I was in physical therapy for another issue a few years ago, I mentioned it to the therapist during one of our sessions. She kindly added some exercises to help, but it never totally resolved the pain. OurContinue reading “Is it time to call in the experts?”