Author | Editor | Story Coach
Recently, I was told that the population of Brown Recluse spiders is growing. This isn’t good news – especially if you fear detest the eight-legged arachnids like I do. In my world, hardly a dark and dank den for spiders, I’m more concerned about becoming a reclusive writer. In fact, my tendency to immerse myself …
Fatal flaw: the motivator or personality trait (key element) that causes a person’s downfall. In the early days of literature, this concept was called “hamartia.” Yes, it’s from Ancient Greek. I’m sure other literature majors who read this blog might recognize it. Sometimes I like to throw around terminology that might expand your vocabulary. Because …
Do Real People have fatal flaws? Or is that reserved for fictional characters? Read More »
In this journey toward becoming a published author, I’ve learned to celebrate the small things. Otherwise, a road that can stretch for five years AFTER the manuscript is complete gets to feel somewhat like the Sahara at noon. Dry. Dismal. Another hill to climb that looked just like the last five dozen hills climbed. No …
Until I started my own author website, I hadn’t considered following the blogs of authors whose books I enjoy. If I’m reading, I want to curl up with a book. What could those writers say that interested me? They’re only human – like me. In the crunch to build an author platform, I realize that …
The Author behind those pages is an Actual flesh-and-blood Human being Read More »
This post marks my first time participating in a blog tour. I’m thrilled to share my review of Jennifer M. Eaton’s debut novel Fire in the Woods, a Month9Books release. Don’t forget to visit the other stops on the blog tour and enter the giveaway (links at bottom of post). The ARC (advanced review copy) …
You might be sick of reading about my numerous critique experiences. I know I’m tired of rewriting the manuscript. Remember I mentioned rewriting the first pages of this manuscript. That rewrite was for a class given by Kristen Lamb. If you don’t follow her blog, I suggest you follow this link and sign up. If …
That manuscript still isn’t perfect yet? – Part Three of my Manuscript Critique Read More »
Last week, I talked about my meeting with author Alex Hughes at the Willamette Writer’s Conference. It left me crushed and questioning my calling to the young adult fantasy genre. This wasn’t the first, last, or only critique of my manuscript. I’ve mentioned my wonderful beta readers before. They gave me something similar to a …
Be Careful what you wish for: Manuscript Critique Part Two Read More »
Writer’s need to develop rhino skin, it’s true. If you want to improve your writing, you will need other writers to critique it. Early and often, you should subject yourself to (constructive) criticism from writers you admire. “Be careful what you wish for” Recently, I paid to have a published author of urban fantasy critique …
Don’t ask for a critique unless you want your writing shredded Read More »
“I live on the street of my dreams.” Do you? Does your daily life take you through your dream landscape? Since I wasn’t being wowed by the uniqueness of the homes on the Street of Dreams, my writer brain went to town to make a life connection. It doesn’t take much to wind up my …
Most of the time, authors must impress an agent with a query letter. At a writer’s conference, a new (and nerve-wracking) avenue for getting your story idea heard crops up. They call it a pitch session. I might rename it “An exercise in stressing out without giving in to the urge to vomit or run …