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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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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How to Be a Good Critique Partner
Episode 27: Roz Morris, Ghostwriter and Writing Coach
A Million Bad Words

A Million Bad Words

In order to write, you have to WRITE! Spending time learning theory, taking classes, and reading books are beneficial, but ultimately it is practice that will make you a better writer. Learn how a million bad words can turn into a good story.

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Episode 22: Kelly Madrone, Award-Winning Writer and Ghostwriter
How to Deal With Negative Criticism

How to Deal With Negative Criticism

Many writers struggle with how to deal with negative criticism. Not all writing feedback you receive in your lifetime will be “constructive criticism”. Some of it may feel like straight-up criticism criticism, or worse, destructive criticism. Ouch! Here are some thoughts on bouncing back from a devastating writing critique, and what to do next.

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When is a Manuscript Finished?