Asked how they find inspiration, viewers responded with answers like take a shower, go for a hike, clean house, watch a movie, talk to a friend, and so on. I absolutely agree with all those answers. But, I’ve been thinking a lot about another side of inspiration—doing nothing at all.
Read MoreInspiration is just the beginning. Many writers give up when their first novel doesn’t immediately get them a deal with an agent, a loyal group of readers, or a fat wad of cash. There is no magic bullet story or fairy godmother wand out there that will guarantee success.
Read MoreI’ve worked with a lot of writers. I remember all of them. Being a book coach is not only about me helping writers, it’s also how much they teach me. Here are 20 random things I’ve learned about writers.
Read MoreThe feedback you receive is likely going to be a mix of positive and not-so-positive feedback. All of it is helpful.
Read MoreBeta readers are an essential part of the writing process, but finding the right ones can feel like searching for the love of your life on Tinder. A beta reader is a stand-in for your book’s eventual reader audience. A good beta reader will help you see what’s on the page and what’s not, and give you a good sense of how your audience will respond to your book after it’s published.
Read MoreIt’s never easy to hand over your sweat-and-tear-and-coffee-and-gin soaked book for someone else to look at. You’re rolling over and showing your vulnerable belly. But it’s something every writer wanting to publish has to come to terms with.
Read MoreFor the first time since COVIDpocalypse, my husband and I went on vacation. We didn’t go very far. Just a quick hop and jump up over the border across the straits on a ferry ride to Victoria, British Columbia. Here are 5 things this week that inspire me as a creator.
Read MoreEvery author—whether you’re Stephen King or an unknown self-published romance writer—has people helping them reach their goals. Check out the acknowledgements page of any book and you’ll find lists of people who helped that author get that book in your hands.
Read MoreIt’s easy to spend a lot of time, money, and energy when a Ceasar’s palace sized buffet is at your fingertips. All you have to do is enter your credit card number and click submit. Voila! Endless learning. For writers, this can be Third Circle of Hell dangerous.
Read MoreBut if you follow the self-made pull yourself up by your bootstraps myth then asking for help makes your skin crawl. It can make you feel vulnerable and stupid. Like, shouldn’t I have figured this out on my own? There’s asking for help and then there’s asking for a quick fix.
Read MoreWriting conferences are a waste of time and money. Unless you know why you’re going.
Read MoreAs I get older I feel the self-imposed pressure to start producing what I feel should be profound essays on the enlightened state of my aging. Essays with titles like, “Five fun new ways my body is laughing at me” and “Where did those wrinkles come from?”
Read MoreWhen you spend time thinking about what genre you’re writing in, developing characters, the world your story takes place in, what will appeal to an agent or a reader, and all the other questions about what your book is going to be like when it’s finished, who will receive it, and how it will be received--you’re writing in the sweet spot.
Read MoreWhen a new author asks me, “How is it possible to write novels and make money?” I say, “You give your audience what they want to buy.” Yet this very idea makes some authors wrinkle their noses like they’ve lifted the lid on a container of something that’s gone forgotten and fuzzy at the back of the fridge. But writing for your audience isn’t about being a sellout and writing crap.
Read MoreAt some point, you’ve probably heard, “Write what you love. Who cares what anyone thinks? You need to write for yourself. If it’s good enough, people will buy it.” When you’re writing what you love, you don’t have to think about your audience, the industry, reviews, or anything outside of yourself. It’s all about you. You write for passion. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.
Read MoreI might have blown off my newsletter for a few more weeks, but letting an AI do the work for me? Why not!
Read MoreAction adventures don’t necessarily have to have emotional connections, but INFINITE wanted me to care. It took great pains, in the beginning, to show me why I should care. And I didn’t. Why?
Read MoreYou need to make sure you keep filling your story tank with gas or you’re going to come to a rolling stop in the middle of the highway.
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