Old projects in the new year
I love YA. I grew up with it. I still read it. I love writing it. Here’s why I’m going back to my roots.
How to choose a genre
You have a book idea (or a completed manuscript) but you don’t know where it fits. Here’s how to find a place for your next book.
To switch or not to switch: Self-published authors and genre
Is it smart to bounce around, trying new genres? Or is it best to stay within the same one? To save you time, I’ve put together the best advice I’ve found on the matter.
Editing a novel checklist
I shy away from strict “rules” about how to “edit” or “write,” but I do find it helpful to learn what other writers do
How to get in the mood to write
The Writing Mood: an elusive, idealistic best friend that shows up only when they feel like it. How to get in the mood to write? I’ve got your back.
5 things that define my middle-grade writing process
There’s no “right” way to write. But if you notice that a lot of time has passed with little progress, take a look at your process.
Life cycle considerations for character creation
Everyday life provides countless opportunities to make us better people—and writers. Use these three tips to make the most of them.
“It’s magical to do something when you think no one is going to care.”
Lemony Snicket just happens to be one of the best. His quote reminded me of something I’ve been telling myself for a long while, which is to stop focusing on perfection and just focus on telling the story that I want to be told, to not worry about how it will be received or if anyone will pick it up for publication.
Pay attention to the movement of your story
I’ve been contemplating pace in my stories. How the language of my work aids the flow. Words create momentum and momentum propels the story through time. How does your work get from the beginning to the end? Consider this passage I wrote: My toes sink into lush red carpet. A boxy old TV sits […]
The Writing Life
Insightful and just what I needed to hear! I hope someone else finds encouragement and the strength to keep writing in these words.