In a market as competitive as the writing world, we’re all striving to be the best writers we can be. But would you be surprised if I told you the only way to improve your writing is to be a better person? Remember all those admirable self-improvement goals that always end up on your resolution list? […]
May 2, 2010 by 49 Comments Editing Your NovelWhen Your Story Doesn’t Turn Out Like You Planned
How many times have you come up with a brilliant idea—a story so dazzling, a character so real, a snippet of dialogue so scintillating that it knocks you breathless—only to have it fail to live up to your vision when you started putting it on paper? If you’re like me, then the answer is every […]
April 28, 2010 by 19 Comments Writing InspirationThe Myth of Being in the Writing Zone
At one point or another, all authors find that delicious groove of being in the Writing Zone. The Writing Zone is that enchanted land, in which you can do no wrong. Your words flow from your fingertips onto your keyboard with lightning speed, every one of them singing with the perfect expression of your intent, every one […]
April 11, 2010 by 53 Comments Writing Inspiration3 Ways to Learn How to Daydream Better
You wouldn’t think you’d have to teach a writer to learn how to daydream. After all, the reason you became a writer was likely a natural outgrowth of your daydreams. Too often, however, in the mad rush of life’s busy work, daydreams are relegated to the shadowy cellars of your mind. You’ll think about them “when you have time.” […]
February 28, 2010 by 59 Comments Writing InspirationHow Writers Can Stop Procrastinating With One Simple Habit
“How writers can stop procrastinating” isn’t just a question of the writing life. Sometimes it’s the question. After all, if you’re not writing, then all the other good writing habits and knowledge you’ve collected are just going to sit in the back of your brain collecting dust. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix. Tell me if this sounds […]
January 17, 2010 by 72 Comments Writing InspirationAre You Called to Be a Writer?
Most of us write for simple reasons: We enjoy it. It gives us personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Maybe it earns us a little money. For most of us, those reasons are good enough by themselves to justify our pouring our time and thought and effort into what is largely a metaphysical pursuit. But at one […]
January 10, 2010 by 79 Comments Writing InspirationWhy Word Count Goals Can Be Destructive
Word count goals are the trusted aids of many a writer. With the ever-present call of duties, relationships, and even just sweet inertia, it’s often comforting to have set word count goals every day. Write 1,000 words, write two pages, write one scene, one chapter—and you’re finished. You can abandon your writing for the day […]
January 6, 2010 by 47 Comments CharactersFree E-Book: Crafting Unforgettable Characters
Claim your copy of Crafting Unforgettable Characters: A Hands-On Introduction to Bringing Your Characters to Life. Featuring some of my most popular tips on character crafting, this e-book offers a firm foundation for understanding the basics of character building, as well as solid tips for troubleshooting. You’ll discover inspiring quotes from successful authors, writing prompts, and creativity […]
January 4, 2010 by 74 Comments Writing Life10 Habits of Successful Authors
Still haven’t made your New Year’s resolutions yet? The following list is an excellent place to start, whether you’re jumpstarting your writing career, or whether you’ve been writing for years and need to scrape off some rust. If, by the end of the year, you can cross the following habits of successful authors off your […]
December 11, 2009 by 87 Comments Writing InspirationHow to Hijack Mind-Blowing Inspiration: Music for Writers
Music is arguably the purest art form. It’s a breathing of the soul, a perfect embodiment of emotion, a story without words. For the most part, we lowly writers can barely hope to tell as complete a story in 300 pages as can be found in almost any collection of musical notes. If you’re a […]
