Self-editing doesn’t mean you won’t need an editor (because here’s a secret: even editors have other editors review their writing). Think of it like checking your homework before you hand it in.
Category: Writing Fundamentals
How to write a killer fight scene
If your dream is to write a book so action-packed your reader can’t stop flipping pages, you’re in the right place. My stepdad is a professional martial artist. He’s taught Aikido, the art of Japanese sword, and even trained FBI agents. I grew up with racks full of ancient weapons on the walls, some I…
Top 5 Things Every Author Newsletter Needs
We already talked about what you should STOP doing in an author newsletter. Now let’s focus on what authors can do to meet their marketing goals. When it comes to an author newsletter, there are many ways to approach it. Some authors usethe newsletter to share fun and interesting research that’s going into their books….
My first experience with an editor
The day had come! It was finally that time in my writing journey where I was thinking about querying my book. There was just one more step before I was officially ready: hiring a professional editor. I assumed there would be some suggestions, a few critiques that could easily be fixed. But I never figured…
Author Newsletters: 5 Things to STOP Doing
Author newsletters are fantastic networking tools for selling your books, sharing your writing journey, or showing agents and publishers that you are worth the investment. But not all author newsletters are created equally, and there are several mishaps that can quickly tank your subscriber count if you’re not careful. When it comes to creating author…
When to use Passive vs Active voice
One of the most common issues I have come across while beta reading is the use of passive voice in places it shouldn’t be. Passive voice can sound wordy and unclear. But what is passive voice and how do you know when you’re using it?
Write what you know—and love
I can’t count the number of times I have seen new writers ask for advice on where to start, and get even more confused when someone says, “Write what you know.” That combination of words means everything—and nothing.
How having a child made me more productive
More than anything, having a kid helped me realize how much I need this time to write. This time that is just for myself and myself only, when I’m not a mother nor a wife. I’m just me, putting these crazy stories on paper.
Why do we write?
We’re so full of doubt. Even if we manage to get over the unbelievable hurdles of writing with children occupying every moment of your day and all of the space in your brain, we rarely know what to do with it. Will anyone even read the words that manage to escape onto paper?