History in the Making
Unexpected Treasures
As both a reader and a writer, I enjoy spending time in book stores and libraries. This year some…
January 20, 2020-
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Mystery/Thriller/SuspenseResearch: Time-waster or Story-builder?
“I write fiction. Is research really necessary?” “… a novelist has nearly the same obligation for accuracy as a…
January 17, 2020 -
Mastering Middle GradeNew Year, New Goals
It’s a brand new year. That means a new start to achieving new goals and a fresh clean slate…
January 16, 2020 -
Magazine and FreelanceDon’t Let “Bio Foxes” Spoil Your Article Submission
For almost ten years I’ve served as the editor Reach Out, Columbia magazine, a regional publication dedicated to celebrating…
January 14, 2020 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiThe Stage for Your First Page
There’s a video floating around somewhere online (numerous, probably!) of J.K. Rowling reading her first pages to eager readers.…
January 7, 2020 -
ScreenwritingInciting Incident?
Now that a new year is here, I want to start going in another direction. This year’s focus for…
January 4, 2020 -
Writing for YANew Year, New Goals
The new year is almost upon us. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, why not try to come up…
December 27, 2019 -
Romancing Your StoryDoes Romance Really Mean “Happily Ever After”?
As a little girl I was enthralled with the classic Disney tales of princesses finding their “Prince Charming” and…
December 23, 2019 -
Kids LitGet a New Perspective! Find a New Twist!
Once in a while, I come across a book so unique and wonderful that I think, “Wow, I sure…
December 21, 2019 -
History in the Making
Notes from a Contest Judge
Have you ever entered your work in a writing contest? These contests are organized by organizations like the American…
December 20, 2019 -
Devotional/Christian Living5 SMART Goals for Christian Living and Devotional Writers
I started out 2019 with one goal: to get a Christian Living or devotional book contract. That didn’t happen.…
December 19, 2019 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Red Herrings
What are red herrings? According to Merriam-Webster.com, they are herring (fish) cured by salting and slow smoking to a…
December 17, 2019 -
Mastering Middle Grade
The Six Reads of Middle Grade Christmas
One of the things I love most about writing for young readers is reading books written for middle grade…
December 16, 2019 -
Magazine and Freelance
Writer’s Block Or Submission Block? Play to win the Publishing Game
We came. We pitched. Did we send? Writer’s conferences are well-planned days of speakers, workshops, and opportunities. After pitching…
December 14, 2019 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
The Tightrope We Must Walk
Your main character stands on the edge of a cliff, a five hundred foot drop to jagged rocks below.…
December 7, 2019 -
Screenwriting
This is a Test
Recently I received a notification on social media about this year’s film awards. Traditionally, November through February is awards…
December 4, 2019 -
Writing for YA
How to Succeed with PitMad
Are you familiar with PitMad? #PitMad is a pitch party on Twitter where writers tweet a 280-character pitch for their…
November 27, 2019 -
Romancing Your Story
Writing Romance in the #MeToo Era
Once upon a time a romance novel plot included a heroine who wanted the hero to kiss her, but…
November 23, 2019 -
History in the Making
BOGGED DOWN IN CRANBERRY SAUCE: A condensed history of a Thanksgiving favorite
Think cranberries! From there, it’s not a long stretch to thoughts of Thanksgiving. And for a writer, creative juices…
November 20, 2019 -
Copywrite/Advertising, Devotional/Christian Living
Step Out in Front of the Crowd: How to Add Speaking to Your Writing Life
As a devotional or Christian living writer you have a burden to share the message God has laid on…
November 19, 2019 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Voice and Style
Voice and style can make or break an author’s novel, so how can we make it stand out from…
November 17, 2019 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Writer, Educate Thyself
Last month we talked about the basic steps involved in getting your manuscript ready for submission. This month, I…
November 16, 2019 -
Magazine and Freelance
3 Tips to Help You Secure that Elusive Media Interview
Readers love stories about people. Because readers love stories about people, newspapers, magazines, online publications, and websites love stories…
November 14, 2019 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
How Writing Blind Will Take Your Fantasy to the Next Level
When it comes to writing, some of us like to picture it in our head and write what we…
November 7, 2019 -
Screenwriting
Options
Recently, I received a message on social media from a literary manager in Hollywood. Although she isn’t taking on…
November 4, 2019
