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?
Writing Descriptions

Writing Descriptions

Dust motes swirling in the gloom are enchanting, but do you really need to describe them in detail? Let’s look at some guidelines for writing descriptions so you can quench your thirst for gorgeous imagery without sacrificing the pacing of your story.

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What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

There is a lot of controversy in the writing world about sensitivity readers, so what is a sensitivity reader? What does a sensitivity reader do? Learn more about this specializing writing and editing role here.

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More Than Words: Avoid Clichés

More Than Words: Avoid Clichés

As writers, we know we should try to avoid clichés and stereotypes. But you might not think of unique imagery as you’re writing your first draft, so you drop in a cliché as a placeholder. When revisiting a manuscript to self-edit, though, many writers often overlook the cliché that’s right in front of them: the clichéd image.

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Setting Writing Critique Expectations

Setting Writing Critique Expectations

Setting writing critique expectations is important, especially when a writer starts out getting writing feedback. A lot of writers are in a good headspace when they approach critique. Nervous, maybe. Vulnerable, of course. But eager to learn and give back to a fellow writer.

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The Core of a Story with Roz Morris

The Core of a Story with Roz Morris

Writer, writing teacher, ghost writer, and general literary icon Roz Morris joins Mary Kole for an interview on the Good Story Speaker Series. They dive into the mechanics of storytelling and discuss how to connect with your audience—whether you're writing someone else's story or your telling your own.

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Writing An Authentic Memoir with Kelly Madrone
The End of Camp NaNoWriMo: What to Do with Your Complete Manuscript

The End of Camp NaNoWriMo: What to Do with Your Complete Manuscript

Now that you have a complete manuscript, you have some exciting decisions to make about what you want to do next. Whether Camp NaNoWriMo was a fun personal project or your first step on the path to publication, now is a great time to use your momentum to take your writing to new heights.

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Episode 6: Gail Carson Levine, Historical and Fantasy Author
Reaction into Action: How to Turn Negative Feedback Around
Writing Critique
In Favor of Present Tense Writing

In Favor of Present Tense Writing

One of the first decisions we have to make before writing is what tense to use. Present tense writing is often overlooked in favor of past tense—but when is present tense the better choice?

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Put Your Words Down, Flip Them, and Reverse Them: Writing Your Memoir in Reverse Chronology
Audience, Craft, Writing, Memoir Draft, Memoir Editing, Memoir Outline Joiya Morrison-Efemini Audience, Craft, Writing, Memoir Draft, Memoir Editing, Memoir Outline Joiya Morrison-Efemini

Put Your Words Down, Flip Them, and Reverse Them: Writing Your Memoir in Reverse Chronology

If you’re writing a memoir, you have to write your life events exactly the way they happened—but you don’t have to write them in order! Give your readers a backwards walk through your remarkable life with reverse chronology.

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Revision Process

Revision Process

I work as a freelance editor. I work with writers at thousands of projects a year on the revision process. I provide revision services. Every writer that I work with and every writer out there, I want them to engage in their own editing, their own revision process, because I do believe that a lot of writing happens in rewriting.

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Avoid Overwriting

Avoid Overwriting

Overwriting happens often in early drafts, as writers try to get the story down and figure they’ll fix things later. Sometimes details draw us in, but often they can distract readers, pushing them to think about unrelated things ... and then to stop reading.

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