First drafts are a writer’s agony and ecstasy. This is where your glistening ideas spill onto the page. This is where you get to play around with your ideas, see your characters grow and your themes mature. First drafts are fun. They’re your creative playground. But when you start overthinking your first draft, that’s where […]
September 7, 2011 by 49 Comments Outlining Your NovelShould You Outline Your Novel?
Today, I’m thrilled to continue announcing my new book Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success. The book, available September 26, 2011, features all kinds of tips on why outlining will make you a better writer, what kind of outline you should use, and how to put that outline to work to construct a […]
January 30, 2011 by 52 Comments Writing InspirationThe Good News? Writing Never Gets Any Easier
First-time novelists often believe their first novels will be the most difficult writing of their lives. Once they’ve stamped finis on Novel #1, our writing worries will be over. By that point, surely we’ll have a handle on this writing gig, and everything from here on out will get progressively easier. But… not so fast! […]
January 2, 2011 by 64 Comments Writing Life10 Writing Resolutions You Can Fulfill Today
Sometimes even the most well-intentioned writing resolutions can end up being whimsical, erratic, and just plain unrealistic. But when you focus on goals that are slightly more achievable, you’re not only more likely to pull them off, but you’ll also feel much better about yourself come deadline time. Following are ten writing resolutions you can […]
October 24, 2010 by 27 Comments NarrativeUse Motion to Spice up Your Scenes
Ever had one of those days when you sit down at your computer, only to find your character twiddling his thumbs? I was having one of those days last week. Chapter seven of my work-in-progress features all kinds of exciting conflict, including a long-awaited confrontation between two friends-turned-enemies. I got to introduce a fabulous new […]
June 20, 2010 by 50 Comments Writing LifeLearn to Embrace Your Writing Ignorance
I’ve been telling stories since I was two years old. I’ve been writing stories since I was twelve. I have four published novels (and two more scheduled) to my name. I know enough about the craft to write this blog, numerous guest posts, a podcast, and eight writing how-to books and counting. Sounds like I’ve really […]
May 30, 2010 by 68 Comments Writing Inspiration8 Ways Writing Longhand Amps Your Muse
Whenever I crack open a hefty volume of Dickens, I’m inevitably overwhelmed by the realization this entire 800-page novel was composed by writing longhand. The writer’s bump on my middle finger throbs just thinking about it. Without doubt, our 21st-century technologic additions are a decided blessing. But we’ve also lost some things along the road to […]
May 16, 2010 by 68 Comments Writing LifeCreating a Functional Writing Space
In order for you to disappear into the worlds of your imagination, you must carve out a functional writing space in the real world that allows you the right elements for slipping into your creative zone. Those elements vary from writer to writer. You might prefer peace and quiet. You might like the bustle of a corner […]
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 […]
