So You Want to Write a Bestseller

by | May 8, 2015 | Uncategorized

So you want to write a bestseller. Join the club. Every writer wants to write a bestseller. Every editor wants to acquire a bestseller. Every writing coach wants to incubate a bestseller. And if we all had a formula for producing bestsellers, we’d be awash in...

Guest Post: Email Miscommunication

by | Apr 17, 2015 | Uncategorized, Writing

I love this article I just received from leadership coach Ann Golden Eglé about email miscommunication. Just this week, a friend and I discussed how easily emails—and worse texts—can be misconstrued. So while Ann focuses on emails in the work place, I would just...

Mood-setting Characterizations

by | Feb 13, 2015 | Uncategorized

Keen observation enriches every writer’s prose. We’ve talked about how detail brings prose to life by bringing readers into the story. As a reminder, saying something is beautiful or sad doesn’t count as detail. You need to get specific, so readers...

Go for That Writing Dream

by | Dec 26, 2014 | Uncategorized

    Go ahead and challenge yourself in the new year. Try that project you’ve back-burnered or that writing dream you’ve always wanted to tackle. What do you have to lose? Of course, I’ll be here to help. So let’s have some fun. Buckle...

Writing Lessons From My Dogs: Writing Focus

by | Dec 5, 2014 | Uncategorized

Writing a book requires unflagging focus and the willingness to push forward despite any obstacles. My pup Hoover evidences those qualities every time we get in the car. Although he has never been the alpha, he claimed the passenger seat as soon as he was large enough...

Book Editing – Take Two

by | Nov 21, 2014 | Uncategorized

Once you’re satisfied that your story works as well as you want it to or, if you’re writing nonfiction, that you’ve made the strongest case you can, it’s time to dive into the next round of book editing. Start by asking yourself whether your work grabs your...