Writing Lessons From My Dogs: Being Prepared

Writing Lessons From My Dogs: Being Prepared

After more than 25 years of having pups in my life, I have largely figured out how to make that work. The two operative words: Being prepared. Before we go on a walk, I slip Moke’s ear protection—think stretchy headband with ear pockets—over his head. “Do...
Creating Chapter Hooks

Creating Chapter Hooks

Books need chapter hooks. Whether you’re writing a novel, memoir, self-help, or investigative journalism, each chapter must make the reader think, I’ll just read one more section. A hook is not a gimmick; it’s a promise—a reason to keep turning pages. You earn that...
Finding Public Domain Images

Finding Public Domain Images

As a writer building a website, blog, book mockups, social media posts, or even promotional materials, you’ll often need images or illustrations. The easiest, safest route (budget-wise and legally) is to use public domain images or pictures found in free-use...
How to Come Up with a Book Plot

How to Come Up with a Book Plot

When I sit down with a client who’s about to start a novel, I can usually tell which camp they fall into: the “I’ve got an outline longer than War and Peace” camp or the “I’ll just wing it and see where the characters take me” camp. Both approaches can work—but both...
Promoting Your Book on Social Media

Promoting Your Book on Social Media

Are you reluctant to post about your book on social media? I totally get it. Guilty as charged. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I don’t encourage my authors to do exactly what I can’t bring myself to do, especially if they’re writing a series. To be honest, that...