I have the incredible opportunity to travel to Bucks Pocket (and beyond) in Alabama to soak in some history and put the final developmental changes on my work in progress, a coming of age saga set in... well... you guessed it—Bucks Pocket.
Category: Writing Tips
What’s in a Book Title
Let's talk about book titles. Have you ever encountered a book title that made you want to read instantly? I sure have. Let's find out why they are so awesome.
Editing Blues, Scrivener, and Scrivener alternatives
I've been absent. My little green couch, perfect for me to spread out with my laptop and type-type away, has me like a magnet. Doing what? Learning how to use Scrivener and pining over my third self-edit (fourth draft!). I even gained five pounds. The good news is that while on this editing and procrastinating … Continue reading Editing Blues, Scrivener, and Scrivener alternatives
Online Communities for Writers
Why join a writing community? Support, encouragement, connecting with readers and fellow writers, and learning are my top reasons. When I first started writing I thought it would be fun and something I could do alone. Nope. Well, it was fun, but I'd isolated myself and therefore stunted my growth as a writer. I didn't … Continue reading Online Communities for Writers
Be a better writer: read books about writing
Some folks say "just write and you will get better". Well, no. If we just write with no foundation, we write crap. I know because I did it, and I thought my crap was fantastic. Thankfully my writing has improved by leaps and bounds. The secret? Reading books about writing.
Is it Character Weakness or Strength?
We often focus on our characters' weakness. This is fine because everyone has a weakness and that makes them relatable, but what if we focus on their strengths? We get more defined characters. According to psychologist Don Clifton, each strength, when used at the wrong time or inappropriately, can be seen by others as a … Continue reading Is it Character Weakness or Strength?
Book Blurb Practice
The book blurb is one of the most important deciding factors in a book purchase. That's a lot of pressure. I'm kind of freaking out about it. As I tidy up my second round of beta readers and head into the last editing round, my mind comes back to this and slaps me upside the … Continue reading Book Blurb Practice
After NaNoWriMo: Self-Editing
The 50k word challenge is done! Now is the time to self-edit. Why am I tired of it already? I have been self-editing book one and two of my historical fiction thriller, Fodder for Pigs, the entire month of November and then some. Editing is hard work and I appreciate people who do it as … Continue reading After NaNoWriMo: Self-Editing
Vanity, Hybrid, and Traditional Presses VS Self-Publishing
If you spend a lot of time in writers' groups, chances are you've seen this scenario. A poor, unsuspecting newbie asks the dreaded question: "I got an offer from a publisher but not sure I can afford it! What should I do?" Said unsuspecting newbie gets buried in proverbial excrement and feels shamed they don't … Continue reading Vanity, Hybrid, and Traditional Presses VS Self-Publishing
Writing Terms and Definitions
There are writing terms out there I never thought existed, and ones I thought I knew but didn't. When I got into writing, none of these things mattered, but now I need a place that is not the corners of my brain to store this information. I'll update this list as I go, but here … Continue reading Writing Terms and Definitions