From Book Idea to a Completed Manuscript
Do you have an idea for a book but feel overwhelmed about where to begin? You're definitely not alone. In fact, more than 80% of the American population dreams of writing a book, yet less than 1% ever achieve the title of "published author." This gap isn’t due to a lack of passion or creativity but often stems from not knowing how to start or follow through. But here’s the good news: we’re going to change that! With the right guidance, tools, and support, you can go from idea to published manuscript, turning that lifelong dream into reality. It's time to take the first step toward becoming a published author!
How to Show and Not Tell in Your Writing (Part 2)
The number piece of feedback I provide to my editing clients is, “show more, tell less.” The good news? This is a writing skill that can be developed and send you on your way toward becoming a published author.
Since this topic has been helpful, this is the second blog post on the topic. You can find the first blog post here.
How to Write an Irresistible First Chapter
When you’re starting the journey of writing a book, the first chapter can often feel like the most daunting part to tackle. You may have countless ideas swirling in your mind and a strong desire to introduce your story in a way that captivates your audience from the start. It’s tempting to try and include everything, but the key to success lies in understanding the true role of the first chapter.
Let Your Characters Do the Talking: Crafting Dialogue That Sparkles
Do you know that feeling when you're reading a book and the characters start talking, and it just feels so real, like you're eavesdropping on a conversation? That's the magic of great dialogue.
Great dialogue feels natural and conveys or reveals information that keeps the story moving forward. This makes dialogue multifaceted and layered.
How to Set Writing Goals You'll Actually Achieve
Are you struggling to set writing goals you actually achieve? Aspiring authors often find themselves in a loop of setting ambitious goals only to abandon them halfway through. But fear not, I'm here to walk through the process of setting and achieving realistic writing goals.
8 Novel Writing Tips and Tools
Writing a novel is no small feat. If you are anything like me, I dove into my novel writing without knowing a lot about the craft of fiction. New and aspiring authors don’t know what they didn’t know and that is perfectly okay. There is no shame in starting at the beginning. Every author does.
How to Write a Book: 7 Tips for Beginners
The journey of writing a novel can be both thrilling and challenging. I know this intimately from my own experience. When I started writing my first book, I encountered numerous obstacles that delayed its completion for years. That’s why I want to share my journey and the valuable insights I've gathered from guiding my author clients. These seven tips can provide valuable guidance for writing your first novel.
How to Get Story Ideas for Your Novel
If you dream of crafting a literary masterpiece like Lessons in Chemistry or The Hunger Games, you know that a captivating and original story idea is the key. But what if you’re having a hard time coming up with an idea for your book? Here are five creative techniques to unearth those elusive story concepts.
How To “Show, Not tell” (and actually do it)
Have you ever read a book and struggled to visualize the setting? More times than not, you’re experiencing what it feels like to read something that is TELLING you what is happening and not SHOWING you.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell,” but wonder what the AF that actually means…
You’re in the right place.
5 Essential Plot Structure Tips for First-Time Novel Writers
Are you a first-time novelist looking to craft a compelling plot for your story? When ideas are swirling around, it can feel challenging to capture all of them and understand which ones will be most impactful for writing a compelling novel. Here are 5 essential plot structure tips.
Crafting Engaging Women's Fiction: A Guide for Authors
Women's fiction is a diverse and vibrant genre that explores the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of a central character on a journey toward a deeper relationship with themselves and with the world around them. It delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and self-discovery. As an author, writing women's fiction requires a nuanced approach to create authentic and relatable stories that resonate with readers.