Category: Writing

"Write What You Know"—Paying Attention to the Character Journey

I literally lived with the guy from Sleeping with the Enemy. He had labels in the pantry and all cans had to be facing forward and behind the “proper” label. He’d insist I vacuum all the floors then use a carpet rake to make all the lines go the same direction. He loved to play racquetball, namely so he could spend an hour laughing as he used me as target practice (then tell me I had no sense of humor, that he was just “playing”). Never mind all the bruises.

Digital Age Authors & The Ugly Truth About "The Good Old Days" of Publishing

A large percentage of writers have waited until the kids are out of the home and out of college to begin pursuing their dreams of being authors. They’re also writing books they’d like to read. Romance novels with a sixty-year-old protagonist finding love, not a twenty-two-year-old. Is traditional publishing ready to invest in older writers writing drastically different books?

Do You Have a Psychic Vampire Critique Partner?

Too many writers get into this business for the wrong reasons. They really aren’t interested in the life of a professional and just enjoy “playing author.” Writing is for attention and ego-stroking. Their goals are about THEM and this means anyone on board with them will go the wrong direction.

Six Easy Tips for Self-Editing Your Fiction

There are many editors who charge by the hour. If they’re spending their time fixing blunders you could’ve easily repaired yourself? You’re burning cash and time. Yet, correct these problems, and editors can more easily get to the MEAT of your novel. This means you will spend less money and get far higher value.

The Secret to Success? Learn from the Crabs in the Bucket

We are who we hang around. If we hang around flaky amateurs who don’t keep their word and never finish anything? People who change their minds every other day what they want to do with their lives? People who believe in luck not hard work? We’re letting them drag us back in the bucket.