When people tell me they loved a novel, they rarely say, “Wow, that plot twist was brilliant!” More often, it’s: “I couldn’t stop thinking about the character.” And usually, what they’re really responding to is the character arc—the way an oh-so-human character...
We writers are fantastic starters. We have more beginnings than a stack of unplanted seed packets—novel ideas, essays, poems, children's books, half-built worlds. Finishing? That’s trickier. Somewhere between the rush of inspiration and the final period, enthusiasm...
Every writer has a natural tendency to sprawl. We fall in love with words, we hedge our statements, we add “just,” “really,” and “very” as if they were seasoning. But as Jack Smith noted in The Writer magazine’s article “Lean and Clean,” writing gets stronger when it...
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 you like...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Self-publishing has never been easier—or more confusing. Between slick “author services” companies, hybrid publishers, and the DIY route, the choices can feel overwhelming. Some offer genuine support and expertise. Others offer glossy promises and empty pockets. The...
Why do some aspiring authors--or even published authors, for that matter--wind up not writing? For starters, most of us don't have the luxury of writing full-time. We have jobs, and making a living takes precedence over almost everything else. Of course, we have to...
