Writers Conference Recovery

Writers Conference Recovery

There are plenty of articles online writers conference preparation—what to pack, what to wear, how to behave, and how to get the most out of your experience. But what about after the conference is over?

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Finding Critique Partners

Finding Critique Partners

You’ve typed ‘The End’ on your manuscript, and now you’re ready to get published. Not yet! First, finding critique partners will help you polish your work for submission. 

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Episode 41: Jarrett J. Krosoczka, NYT Bestselling Author/Illustrator

Episode 41: Jarrett J. Krosoczka, NYT Bestselling Author/Illustrator

NYT bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka shares the challenges and gratifications of reaching across different age categories and the importance of illustrations in storytelling. Listen to hear his tips on writing within established franchises (like Star Wars), how to pivot a picture book idea into a graphic novel series, and memoir writing.

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3 Writing Practices To Make You A Better Memoir Writer

3 Writing Practices To Make You A Better Memoir Writer

If you’re struggling to figure out how to write your memoir or can’t seem to find the right words, here are three writing practices to make you a better memoir writer and help your memories, reflections, and musings shine bright and clear.

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Writing For The Reader: How To Know Who Your Memoir is For

Writing For The Reader: How To Know Who Your Memoir is For

What happens when you’ve written a memoir but find that your words aren’t resonating with readers the way you thought they would? And upon that realization, what do you do or change to bridge the gap?

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How to Describe Emotion
Strategies to Incorporate Agent/Editor Feedback

Strategies to Incorporate Agent/Editor Feedback

Once the manuscript has been completed, submitted, and accepted, writers can feel like the bulk of their work is done. It would seem only small corrections should need to be made. Until the agent/editor feedback comes. Use these strategies to incorporate it for stronger work.

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Five Questions to Ask During Chapter One Revision

Five Questions to Ask During Chapter One Revision

Once you’ve finished the first draft of your story, it’s time to tackle chapter one revision. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether your first impression energizes the reader to demand the full story.

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What’s After NaNoWriMo?

What’s After NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is an intense time for writers who participate. I hope it was everything you were looking for. But the end is near. What’s next?

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There’s Always a Choice: Revision Techniques to Make Your Writing Stronger

There’s Always a Choice: Revision Techniques to Make Your Writing Stronger

If you've received vague revision instructions like “go deeper," we have some specific revision techniques that'll help you take your work to the next level.

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The Difference Between Editing and Revising

The Difference Between Editing and Revising

There’s an important difference between editing and revising, although writers tend to use “editing” and “revising” as interchangeable terms to mean anything other than drafting. You’ll need to do both, so it’s helpful to understand the difference.

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Writing Good Sentences

Writing Good Sentences

Writing good sentences is at the heart of telling a good story. However, it’s not the first issue to tackle in revisions. First, finish your draft. Second, step away from your manuscript. Third, edit macro issues such as plot holes, character development, and story arc. Don’t fret about sentence craft until the bones of the story are in place and working well.

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3 Helpful Tips for How to Rewrite a Novel

3 Helpful Tips for How to Rewrite a Novel

Rewriting a book doesn’t mean your idea or your writing are bad. It means there’s a better way to show readers the essence of what you’re trying to tell them. Here are 3 helpful tips to get you started!

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Why Rewriting A Book Isn’t A Bad Thing

Why Rewriting A Book Isn’t A Bad Thing

Rewriting a book may seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth it. Not only will rewriting develop your narrative, but it’ll make you a better writer. Here’s how.

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Tag, You're It! Using Dialogue Tags Effectively

Tag, You're It! Using Dialogue Tags Effectively

Dialogue tags are invisible and useful when done well, but they can kick a reader out of a story so quickly when they aren’t. Let's talk about which ones work, and which are less effective.

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How to Be a Writing Buddy

How to Be a Writing Buddy

How is a writing buddy different from a critique partner or writing partner? The terms are often used interchangeably, but I happen to think that a “writing buddy” is friendlier. So here’s how to be a good one, and boost your own critique and writing skills at the same time.

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I Got a Full Manuscript Request! Now What?

I Got a Full Manuscript Request! Now What?

You got a full manuscript request. Cue the panic. Now, how should you polish an entire novel or memoir for submission so every page sings—without wanting to gouge out your eyeballs? Follow these ten steps!

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How to Be a Good Critique Partner