Browsing Tag

motivation

Writing for YA
How To Reclaim Writing Motivation

Slogging away for weeks, months, or years on a project can be discouraging. Writing requires self-discipline, but is that…
February 27, 2023
Mastering Middle Grade
Motivation

What motivates the main character in your middle grade manuscript? If you struggle to pinpoint what drives them, you…
February 16, 2023
Writing for YA
Writing a First (or Second) Novel: Story Premise & GMC

I love new, fresh story ideas. When I first started writing stories, I would attempt to capture a thought…
March 27, 2021
Becoming an Author
12 Quotes for Writers on Persevering in Publication

The writing journey is not for the faint of heart. The rejections, critiques, and setbacks provide plenty of opportunities…
February 9, 2021
Writer Encouragement
No Turning Back

After conquering the first challenging rock face, I paused to look down at the path we had just climbed.…
January 11, 2021
Magazine and Freelance
The Value of a “Write Away”

I have a good friend who often says, “I’m going to be gone this week to a “write away.”…
October 14, 2020
Writer Encouragement
Top Five Books to Encourage Writers

Expect rejection, and don’t take it personally. Just keep writing. God is in control. This is my mantra. Most…
September 11, 2020
Becoming an Author
Rediscover Your Motivation for the Writing Journey

If you’ve been trudging along the writing path long enough, you’ve probably already discovered that it isn’t for the…
May 9, 2020
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
Just Do IT

Recently, I started writing a passion project. It is a twist on a favorite film of my childhood. I’ve…
February 29, 2020
The Intentional Writer
What’s the Big Deal About NaNoWriMo?

If you are a writer, you have probably heard of NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month. Maybe you’ve tried NaNoWriMo in…
November 8, 2019
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
Keep Motivated

This year has been a year of crazy weather in the South with abnormally high temperatures late into fall.…
October 29, 2019
Embrace the Wait
Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing, Tip #6 – Recognize your motivators and use them

A few weeks ago, I walked into the family room and caught my husband asleep on the sofa. This…
August 5, 2019
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
I’m a Superstar!

Living with a disability is never an easy thing, but there are times when it is more difficult than…
December 9, 2018
Dear Young Scribes
Young Writer, You Are Enough

I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books…
August 9, 2018
Guest Posts
Word Play: Priceless Labors of Love by Diana Derringer

Some work we love. Some work we hate. Much work we do as a labor of love. A labor…
July 10, 2018
Guest Posts
What to Do When You Are Told You Are Not Enough by Whitney Ward

Have you ever been told you are not enough? For whatever reason and no matter who you hear it…
June 16, 2018
Guest Posts
Word Play: Life Lessons from One Tough Cookie by Diana Derringer

“Will you please teach me a new slang expression and what it means every day?” Little did I know…
June 10, 2018
Talking Character
Are Your Characters Too Consistent?

Do you always tell the truth? Do you use the same tone and vocabulary when speaking to your friends…
September 20, 2017
Talking Character
How Selfish Is Your Protagonist?

We writers love our protagonists. We give them a few flaws and quirks, but we know that underneath their…
December 19, 2016
Dear Young Scribes, Genre
How to Set Writing Goals and Finish Your Book

As a teen, you have plenty of time to continue to grow in your craft and finish your…
December 29, 2015