Writing Tips

Why You Should Make Time To Write While Editing/Revising

I’m not going to lie. I’m basically writing this article because I failed at this, miserably, and I want to prevent others from making the same mistake.  Once upon a time, I wrote a book. The moment I was inspired to write it, I knew it was more special than my other books. Not that… Continue reading Why You Should Make Time To Write While Editing/Revising

Writing Tips

When A Character Does Something You Dislike

I read a lot. I also read reviews, though I tend to read reviews after I have read a book myself. Why? Well, I used to rely on reviews to pick books, but now I tend to rely on a trusted few (and my own gut) to pick and choose. Even so, my interest in… Continue reading When A Character Does Something You Dislike

Miscellaneous

Setting 2018 Writing Goals

Now that we’re a week into 2018, you’ve probably set new goals and you’re already striving after them. And that’s awesome! But I made a huge mistake while setting goals last year, and I thought I’d discuss it, so you don’t make the same mistake I did when you tackle your writing life this year.… Continue reading Setting 2018 Writing Goals

Miscellaneous

2017’s Top Ten Articles

Every year, I like to look back and see what everyone was discussing. I try to collect the best discussions and revisit them, so here's a list of this year's most popular articles. Normally, I would’ve made this list based on a combination of unique views, comments, and shares, but I didn’t track that as… Continue reading 2017’s Top Ten Articles

Miscellaneous

2018 YA Predictions

So I’m feeling a little crazy today, mainly because I write these posts every year…and yet I can’t find my post predicting 2017. Here’s my post predicting 2016, though. (Seriously, I wrote one for 2017, didn’t I? I could’ve sworn…) Anyway, I like to write these for fun. They aren’t supposed to really mean anything,… Continue reading 2018 YA Predictions

Miscellaneous

2017 Wasn’t My Writing Year

Last year, I wrote an incredibly positive article called, Dear Writers, 2017 Can Be Your Year! It summed up my 2016 accomplishments and how I got there by taking advantage of every opportunity I could and working hard, and how you can, too. (Oh, how I side-eye myself so hard now.) This year?  I failed most… Continue reading 2017 Wasn’t My Writing Year

Miscellaneous

2017 Favorite Writing Tools

Toward the end of every year, I like to talk about my favorite books, but I thought I’d share my favorite new writing experiences, too. This list is based on tools I tried in 2017, not necessarily tools that released in 2017, but I hope you find it helpful anyway. Website: MSWL For those of… Continue reading 2017 Favorite Writing Tools

Writing Tips

Balancing Writing During the Holidays

Most writers aren't able to write full time. That means we tend to work full time and write full time. Between writing, querying, editing, and marketing, our schedules can quickly feel crushing, especially if you’re working toward a very specific goal, such as a revision deadline. Taking breaks can often make writers feel guilty. But… Continue reading Balancing Writing During the Holidays

Miscellaneous

A Writer’s Best Friend is Google

As an author, I LOVE helping fellow writers. In fact, I encourage writers to message me whenever they want with whatever questions they have. But don’t forget, folks. Google is your best friend. Recently, maybe due to NaNoWriMo, I've received A LOT more messages than usual. The most common one: “How can I get my… Continue reading A Writer’s Best Friend is Google

Miscellaneous

Take Notes While Writing a Series

While on Twitter the other day, writer A.J. Forrisi asked an amazing question! https://twitter.com/AjForrisi/status/928268520458260482 P.S. Give A.J. a follow! My quick answer? Take notes on your first book, so that writing the sequel isn't as difficult. (And definitely do a read-through. ) I keep a character bible and chapter summaries for each book in a series.… Continue reading Take Notes While Writing a Series