It’s no secret that I’m currently revising a manuscript. I’ve been talking about revising a lot lately and giving glimpses into what my revision process looks like. I’m currently on my third draft of a multi-POV sci-fi novel, and I am still smoothing out my character motivations. (What can I say? It can be tricky!… Continue reading Tracking Character Motivations with a Free Spreadsheet
Tag: Publishing Advice
Learning to Write from TV: The Umbrella Academy Edition
Writers are often told to read (and read a lot) in order to know how to write. And while I totally agree with that sentiment, I also think writers can learn from other forms of media. Yes, including TV shows. (Even TV shows adapted from a novel or comic book.) In fact, I think TV… Continue reading Learning to Write from TV: The Umbrella Academy Edition
Can Someone Steal Your Book Idea?
Can someone steal your book idea? I tend to find there are two responses to this question: Absolutely! YES! Someone did that to meeee! NO WAY. Never happens. It’s impossible, because your idea can only be written by you. To be honest, I think both of these answers are a little too black and white.… Continue reading Can Someone Steal Your Book Idea?
A Writer’s Health + Tips
As some of you know, I’m going through some health issues, and though I’m not really open about what those issues are, the struggles have definitely caused me to appreciate good health a lot more. I also pay more attention to health now, so I thought I’d write up a list of health issues writers… Continue reading A Writer’s Health + Tips
Why Some Books Resonate and Others Don’t
I’m here to tell you why some books resonate and others don’t. Why? Because so many publishers/agents/editors are out there searching for the next big thing, and many authors are trying to become that. As authors, sometimes we stare at three or four different projects and wonder which one we should work on next (because… Continue reading Why Some Books Resonate and Others Don’t
Tips for Writing During a Life Change
Life is crazy, right? There’s moving, job changes, babies, weddings, divorces, health complications, weather disasters, and (okay, I’ll stop listing all these crazy life changes. You get the point.) Life is fun, but it can get complicated. Working full time while writing is hard enough, but what do you do when you’re also coping with… Continue reading Tips for Writing During a Life Change
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
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
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
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
