If you’re blessed, as I am, to have some of the best critique partners (or, as we fondly refer to each other, “critters”), you undoubtedly realize the benefit of having a watchful pair of eyes to run over your manuscripts, a merciless tongue to point out the weak points, and a gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) […]
November 18, 2012 by 22 Comments Editing Your NovelWhy Non-Writers Are Important Beta Readers
What qualifies someone as a beta reader? The term itself tells us this person is someone who reads an early draft of a story. But beta readers are so much more than just that. Something that was reinforced to me over and over again during my years-long journey with my portal fantasy novel Dreamlander was […]
September 30, 2012 by 35 Comments Writing ResourcesProfessional Resources for Writers
Writing is no longer a solitary business. We may have to do the writing itself within the cat-shared solitude of our imaginations, but if we hope to offer a professional product to the world, we’re eventually going to need help.I’m frequently asked to recommend editors, proofreaders, and other industry professionals. Today, I’d like to present a list of my […]
May 4, 2012 by 23 Comments Editing Your NovelHow to Get Feedback on Your Writing (and Sort the Good from the Bad)
One of the fastest ways to progress as a writer is to get feedback. But how can you get feedback on your writing? However many books you read, however many conferences you attend, direct advice about your work-in-progress will let you see exactly what’s working well and, more importantly, what isn’t. But if you’re fairly new to writing, […]
January 15, 2012 by 47 Comments Writing LifeHow I Learned to Write–And How You Can Too
You know that moment when, in the middle of a brilliant novel, you drop the book into your lap, stare at the ceiling, and wonder why God chose to gift this novelist with effortless talent, while you’re left slogging in the trenches of writer’s block and clunky sentences? I rather think most of us have […]
July 10, 2011 by 56 Comments CharactersFast and Easy Guide to Writing Characters of the Opposite Gender
Very few authors can get through even one story without writing about a character of the opposite gender. The interaction between the sexes is vital in fiction, just as it is in life. If nothing else, it’s a sure solution for creating conflict. But writing a character of the opposite sex can be tricky, as […]
March 27, 2011 by 41 Comments Editing Your NovelWhy Writers Should Trust Their Story Instinct
Have you ever found yourself wishing for a writing mentor—someone with the savvy, experience, generosity, and overall story instinct to reach down and guide you in your own writing journey? Well, today’s your lucky day! I’m about to introduce you to the wisest writing mentor you’re ever likely to meet. Yourself. Yep, you read right. […]
January 16, 2011 by 55 Comments Editing Your Novel10 Steps for Working Past the “This Stinks” Blues
You’ve spent months laboring over your manuscript. Long nights, early mornings, blood, sweat, tears—the whole ball of wax. This story is your darling. The words are more than just words; they’re the outbreathings of your soul. Sounds like a fairy tale—every writer’s dream come true—until one morning you boot up your computer, glance through the […]
November 8, 2009 by 51 Comments Editing Your Novel6 Reasons Not to Listen to Your Critique Partners
Your critique partners, critters, alpha readers, beta readers, proofreaders, editors, loyal slaves and subjects—whatever you want to call them, they’re a vital part of any author’s arsenal. No matter how talented and studied we may be, we’re always going to need an objective pair of eyes to look at our work and point out the […]
September 20, 2009 by 23 Comments Writing LifeShould Authors Be Writing for a Specific Audience?
Authors write to be read. We write not only for ourselves, but to share our thoughts, our words, our stories with others. Unless we happen to be Emily Dickinson (whose work was never published during her lifetime), we inevitably realize our words will be read by someone other than ourselves (even if it’s only our […]
