If you’re thinking about hiring an author’s assistant, consider these tips from Linda Dunn—an author assistant herself! My career started when I had the opportunity to work for an editor. The time spent with the editor offered insight and hands-on experience to the preparation of a manuscript for publication andContinue Reading
Do you want more as a writer? Do you feel like you’ve been working hard but your dreams are still way out of reach? It could be that you’re missing one critical element: to achieve more, you must become more. If You Want More as a Writer, You Must BecomeContinue Reading
No doubt you’ve developed some writing habits by now, but are they the best writing habits you can have? After writing professionally for over 20 years with five (and soon six—check it out) published books behind me, I’ve developed some writing habits that have served me well. I’m happy toContinue Reading
As we come to the end of the year, I’m reflecting on the writing advice I’ve received. I’m so grateful to those mentors, editors, and writers who have helped me along the way. Where would we writers be without people like that? 1. There is no “right way” to write—soContinue Reading
by Andrea Johnson I wish I had an inspirational story about how I chose to write cozy mysteries. But really, mysteries chose me. I originally started writing romance then quickly got this innovative idea about a series that was part cozy, part legal thriller where the trial stenographer rather thanContinue Reading
How about a year’s worth of writing tips in one post? This year has been a crazy one for sure, but looking back, we’ve talked about several topics that may be helpful in your writing life. Some apply to your health as a writer—extremely important to your longevity in theContinue Reading
I think I was born with the creative bug. As a child I was always making something—paintings, crafts, songs, stories—and I get grouchy when creativity isn’t happening in my life. Two ingredients are really important for creativity to flourish, and they’re pretty difficult to find: time and headspace. I’m luckyContinue Reading
Fear is blocking your writing…if you’ve made any of these statements recently: Oh man, I’m just sooooo busy, I haven’t had time to get that story done. Those stupid editors! They don’t know what’s good anyway, so I’m not going to try submitting. Why do I feel so tired lately?Continue Reading
Without a doubt, I would have to say self-doubt is my biggest emotional challenge. I constantly question my capabilities and accomplishments. Surely this isn’t good enough. Surely no one cares. Why would anyone pay to read MY stories? On the very first day I held the hard copy of myContinue Reading
One of the things writers must do if they want to improve is to get feedback on their work. The wrong type of feedback, however, can destroy a story, and worse, break a writer’s spirit. How can you tell the difference between the right and wrong type of feedback? AndContinue Reading
You have dreams of becoming a real “author.” But how do you get there? Here’s how it usually goes. You create a story and take it somewhere for feedback, maybe to a writer’s group, some writing friends, a contest that offers critiques, a workshop, or an editor. Your ultimate goalContinue Reading
by Lorna Faith I cried tears of frustration to my husband. “I have a detailed outline. Why can’t I finish this book?” “I’m not sure,” he said, “but I do know this: you need to keep at it.” Murray’s gaze zeroed in on my own, his hands on my shoulders.Continue Reading