Every writer reaches that point: you’ve finished your draft, you’ve stared at it too long, and you know it needs something—but what? Professional editors can transform a manuscript, but before you hand yours over (or even if you can’t yet), there’s a lot you can do...
I admit that I’m biased when it comes to my writing coach clients. I love them, and I love the books we’ve worked on together, even when the genres aren’t what I would pick up for pleasure reading. One of the best feelings is when writing and publishing a book is on...
Writers often cringe at the word branding. It sounds like something done to cattle or soda. But here’s the truth: you already have a brand, which is simply the impression people have of your work and your voice. The key isn’t to invent something artificial or new for...
Every writer has that voice—the one that whispers, Who are you to write this? It shows up halfway through the first draft, or worse, right before you start. It’s sneaky, persuasive, and absolutely universal. Here’s the thing: writing self-doubt isn’t proof that you...
Assumptions about writing start with people, often under the influence, asserting to authors that "you should write my book." If you're a writer, I'm guessing you've heard that line as often as I have. It takes every ounce of self-control for me not to retort, "Write...
If you’ve ever read dialogue that sounded like two robots trying to sell each other insurance, you know how quickly it can kill a scene. Good dialogue, on the other hand, is magic. It makes characters sparkle, tensions crackle, and readers feel like they’re...
Every writer dreams of that magical moment—finding a literary agent who "gets” your work and wants to champion it. Cue the champagne and movie deal! But before you pop the cork, there’s the small matter of actually finding said agent. The search for a literary agent...
When it comes to promoting your book, most authors think about reviews, ads, or social media buzz. But here’s a sneaky little truth: one of the biggest marketing moves you can make happens before you even launch—when you choose your Amazon categories. That category...
In fiction, the point of view (POV) is the lens through which readers experience your story. Each has pros and cons. First person (“I”): Immediate, intimate. Great for voice-driven stories. Limiting, since you only know what the narrator knows. Third person limited:...
Writers love to romanticize discipline—the image of the early riser pounding out pages before sunrise, fueled by black coffee and sheer willpower. But here’s the truth: most of us aren’t Hemingway. We’re humans with errands, jobs, and the occasional Netflix...
