Why is it that when the warm weather comes along, we suddenly slough off all our wonderful, productive habits as we apply a layer of sunscreen? You know what it’s like: you just get into the groove of writing that book you always wanted to write and then, bam, it’s vacation time and your precious habit is being hijacked by …
Do you battle with how much to share about your life in your memoir? There are a few sides from which you can approach this issue. What can you write legally? What can you share with the world with your head held high? Be honest, is there a note of revenge? And most importantly, does it serve the story? Legally …
I have believed for a long time that writers (and other artists) have a more active and louder inner critic than the rest of the world. I see it every day with my clients and listen to the war waging in my own mind all the time. There are times that I sit down to my computer in my comfortable …
The biggest indicator to me that someone is new to writing stories is that they miss the opportunity to set the scene and anchor the reader in the story. I recoil with embarrassment when I go back and read my first attempts at writing a book! It consisted mainly of dialogue and introspection. Two talking heads floating in space does …
First, I urge you to set realistic writing goals. I am usually quite vocal about the vile taste that rises in my mouth when I hear about “write your book in a weekend” type programs. They make me want to pull my hair out! You might be able to write the first draft of a lead magnet to sell for …
There seems to be a new decision to be made in today’s book market besides writing in first or third person and that is writing in past tense or present tense. You can pick up various books in most genres and see that all possible combinations are being used from first person present tense to the tried and true third …
Also known as the sophomore slump in other industries, it’s equally a phenomenon in the writing industry where authors feel less than enthusiastic or motivated or confident about writing their second book. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Maureen Fisher, an author friend of mine, for lunch last week when she was in town visiting her new grandson. We’ve …
You do not have to adore writing as much as I do to write a book. All you need is help from the team, a great idea, and a story to go with it. The story is the backbone of everything we write. It draws the reader in, it elicits emotion, it convinces us to come along for the ride, …
You know how some kids need to have their tongue freeze on a lamp post to learn the lesson? And some people need to touch the stove to believe it’s hot? That’s experiential learning. Many of us are gaining our confidence through experience and no matter how much others may say we rock, we need to experience it for ourselves. …
…and how to write again It has happened to all of us at some point. Your life just blew up and you’re lucky if you can fit in three square meals and other life-sustaining essentials. You’re exhausted, and yet you can’t sleep. Your new normal is now an adrenaline filled fight or flight fiesta. Suddenly, your inner critic wants to …
