Miscellaneous

How to Name Your Characters

Naming your characters, especially your main characters, can feel like a daunting task. Some enjoy the thrill of it; others struggle a lot, and never quite feel like they found the “right” name.  I, for one, love naming characters. I often joke that baby name books are some of my favorite reads and, in fact, I’ve… Continue reading How to Name Your Characters

Miscellaneous

Shannon’s Top 5 Scrivener Tips

It’s no secret that I love Scrivener and have since I first bought it back in 2016. In fact, here’s my first ever post about it: Writers, Should You Get Scrivener? Granted, I’ve learned a lot about Scrivener since 2016, and the software has upgraded, which is why I thought an updated post talking about… Continue reading Shannon’s Top 5 Scrivener Tips

Miscellaneous

How I Revise My Novels

I talk a lot about writing, creating, marketing, editing, etc. But I haven’t specifically discussed the revision process. But isn’t revising and editing the same thing, you ask. No, not really. Though the lines can definitely blur, revising is a stage that comes before editing. Revising is knowing what to keep in your work, what… Continue reading How I Revise My Novels

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

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

Miscellaneous

Editing the “Final” Draft

This month, I’m covering my editing process. If you haven’t read the first two steps—My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process and Editing (Rewriting) the First Draft—then check those out now. Today is the last post about editing, but, as always, feel free to ask questions! We are discussing the “final” draft. The “Final”… Continue reading Editing the “Final” Draft

Author Announcements

My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process

The other day I asked you all what topic you would most like me to cover, and editing rose to the top, so…I decided to post a month-long series on this topic—mainly because my editing process is as complicated as my writing process, and I want to get as in-depth as possible. So you can… Continue reading My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process

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?