Last week on my Instagram stories, I asked writers which of the following were they struggling with most right now: The Results are in: Craft received the most votes, followed closely by Time and Mindset, which nearly tied. If you’re like me, writer, then you probably struggle with all three at some point. It justContinue reading “A Writer Favor: What Craft Issues Trip You Up?”
Tag Archives: writing
Three Mindsets Needed for Writing
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”
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”
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”
Make it bigger, but no more square feet
My dad was a residential designer. He had a client once building an incredibly large and extravagant home in an exclusive neighborhood. He often told stories of this client who was opinionated and funny and ostentatious. Perfect fodder for the “you’ll never believe what Mr. K asked for today…” stories at the dinner table. AndContinue reading “Make it bigger, but no more square feet”
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”