I recently read Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar, a historical fantasy novel. Where Bardugo's Ninth House was a five-star read for me, I'd place The Familiar at four stars. I liked the story, and the main character Luzia grew on me as the story progressed. I didn't love the Hunger Games-type magic show, and though I … Continue reading The Secret Weapon of Historical Novelists: Research That Captivates
writing tips
How to Write Through the Difficult Stages of a Novel: A Tip for Authors
When You’re Ready To Give Up There’s a stage of the writing process I rarely hear talked about, and that’s the stage when the project hits a roadblock and we’re ready to put that book by the wayside and say “Bye-bye!” My current WIP is in the baking stage, and though I have a complete … Continue reading How to Write Through the Difficult Stages of a Novel: A Tip for Authors
Escape the Scroll: A Writer’s Guide to a Productive Day
How We Schedule Our Days When I’m watching YouTube, videos will pop up about someone’s daily routine, whether they’re writers, students, or artists. I’ve watched a few of those videos, and it can be interesting to see how others get through their days. It can be hard for people with a full-time job to visualize … Continue reading Escape the Scroll: A Writer’s Guide to a Productive Day
Unlocking the Magic of Writing: A Guide to Starting Your Novel
Another How-To Write Post I know these “How To Write” posts are a dime a dozen, but I’ve been asked to share how I get myself started when tackling a new project, so here it is is. I should point out that this is how I begin a novel. If you ask ten different novelists … Continue reading Unlocking the Magic of Writing: A Guide to Starting Your Novel
The Swirl and Swing of Words is an Amazon #1 New Release in Authorship
Just a quick note today to let you know that The Swirl and Swing of Words: Embracing the Writing Life was named a #1 New Release on Amazon in Authorship as well as Creativity Self-Help and Authorship Reference. I'm always amazed when things like this happen. Thank you to everyone who has bought the book, … Continue reading The Swirl and Swing of Words is an Amazon #1 New Release in Authorship
The Swirl and Swing of Words: Embracing the Writing Life is Now Available
I’ve been hoping to be able to make this announcement this autumn and here it is. My newest nonfiction book, The Swirl and Swing of Words: Embracing the Writing Life, is available today, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in ebook format on Amazon, BN, Apple, and wherever books are sold. An AI-narrated audiobook is available from … Continue reading The Swirl and Swing of Words: Embracing the Writing Life is Now Available
Writing Inspiration: Writing a First Draft Part 5
You Must Make Time For Writing Every writer I know has a list of well-refined Excuses. But if you are compelled to write your story, then you must write it. You must sit at your computer, or with your notebook and pen, and physically write out the words. It sounds obvious because it is obvious, … Continue reading Writing Inspiration: Writing a First Draft Part 5
Writing Inspiration: Writing a First Draft Part 4
Keep the Creator and the Editor Separate This is an old writers’ adage heard by everyone who has ever taken Creative Writing 101. The funny thing about this adage: it’s true. If you try to edit as you write, or if you’re too critical as you write, you’re going to stifle yourself, and your creativity … Continue reading Writing Inspiration: Writing a First Draft Part 4