Miscellaneous

Writers and Vocabulary

“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.” The famous Stephen King said it, and so many more agree. I vehemently say this to every writer I know. Why? Because it amazes me how many writers don’t read on a regular basis. By reading, you’re expanding… Continue reading Writers and Vocabulary

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Feeling Down About Writing? Here’s How To Write Again!

Recently, I felt down about writing. When I sat at the computer, the words didn’t flow, and when I walked away, the urge to try again was gone. I struggled and searched for the reason I was struggling and continued to struggle again. Honestly, my “down” period was caused by the holidays, and let’s be… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Feeling Down About Writing? Here’s How To Write Again!

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Weaknesses in Writing

Writers always have room for improvement. Even if you’re a New York Times Best Seller, you are growing every single day, and knowing what aspects to work on can definitely help your career. How do you know what to concentrate on? Be honest with yourself. Most writers know what their weaknesses are. Maybe it’s those… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Weaknesses in Writing

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Making More Time To Write

I wish I had more time to write. Am I right? But seriously, every writer I know wishes they had more time to write, and most writers also know it’s a matter of making more time to write. (You know, unless you managed to get your hands on Hermione Granger's Time-Turner, in which case, lucky… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Making More Time To Write

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs How To Find Beta Readers

Beta reader (n): an avid reader/critique partner/superhero who looks over your novel/baby/everything before anyone else sees it in order to improve language/characters/grammar/basically the whole package. Okay, but really, beta readers are necessary, because they are an extra set of knowledgeable eyes on your work. They’ll see those plot holes you understand (but accidentally forgot to… Continue reading #MondayBlogs How To Find Beta Readers

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Dear Readers, Harness Your Power

I want this book, but it wasn’t in the store. I wish I could find more books by this author, or about this topic, or with these types of characters. I want more inclusive books. I want diverse books. I want debut authors. But why is that book online and not in the store? Why… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Dear Readers, Harness Your Power

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs When NaNoWriMo is Over

NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is a lot of fun for many writers, and it can be that stepping stone that forces you to sit down and finish that draft you’ve been trying to complete for years. Whether you hit that 50,000-word milestone or not, I want to congratulate you, because—guess what??—you sat down,… Continue reading #MondayBlogs When NaNoWriMo is Over

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Dear Writers, 2017 Can Be Your Year!

This year, I had three writing goals. 1. I wanted to sign one of my books during a Barnes & Noble event. 2. I wanted to attend a book convention as an author (booth and all!) 3. I wanted—and this one I thought I’d never reach—to receive a full request from a literary agent. I’m… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Dear Writers, 2017 Can Be Your Year!

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Writers, Should You Get Scrivener?

I’m a writer. Nowadays that means spending a lot of time on a computer, typing away word after word until the glorious moment of THE END is reached. Granted, I don’t always type. My favorite two tools remain a pen and paper. Oh! And Sticky Notes. But I’m also open-minded. I love trying new technologies… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Writers, Should You Get Scrivener?

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Writing, Creating, and Loving Villains

Wizard World Comic Con invited me to speak on the panel Villains vs. Villains with authors Genese Davis, Jack Burgos, and RA Jones last month, and I loved it! We had a great time talking about what makes a villain likable, memorable, or just plain evil. Today, since I know so many of you couldn’t… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Writing, Creating, and Loving Villains