Articles for Writers
Wondering which books on craft are helpful? Check out my bookshelf.
How to Avoid a Boring Story
If you want to write a fast-paced and engaging novel, you can’t let the reader get bored. But constant action can be just as boring as no action at all. Here’s how to use reaction and down time to up the emotional ante and make your story impossible to put down.
First Impressions Matter: Readers Give You Less Time Than You Think
The first pages are a reader’s first impression of your writing, and those pages matter a lot more than you think. Here’s how to strengthen that first impression to hook readers into your work.
More White Space, Please
A densely packed page can slow a story down and turn off modern readers. Here’s how to use white space to pick up the story pace and make your book feel like a page-turner.
How to Get the Most Out of Painful Feedback
Sometimes feedback on your writing is constructive, and sometimes it downright stings. Here are some ways to make the most of writing critique, even when it’s painful.
Write When You Don’t Want to
Sometimes you just don’t feel like writing, but that might be when you get the most out of honing your craft. Writer’s block isn’t the end—Here are some ways to break through the resistance that every writer encounters.
How to Query an Agent (and Look Like You Know What You’re Doing)
If your manuscript is as clean and finished as it can possibly get, and you’re pursuing traditional publication, it’s time to query an agent for representation. Here’s how to to query and look like you know what you’re doing.
How to Find Writing Critique
Writing critique takes your writing craft to the next level. Here’s how to find the critique you need.
Writing Feedback: You Need It
Writing may be a solitary act, but if you want to improve you need feedback. Here are the different types of feedback and where to find them.
Can You Call Yourself a Writer?
New writers often wonder whether they can call themselves writers. Here’s a quick test: Do you write? Regularly? Is it your passion? Then it’s time to quit worrying and time to start calling yourself a writer. Here’s how…
How to Make the Most of a Writing Conference
Writing conferences can offer a wealth of information, but they can also lead to overwhelm. Follow these tips to get the most out of your first writing conference.
Writing Conferences: Worth It?
Thinking about attending a writing conference? Many new writers might be intimidated by the thought of attending a writing conference, but it’s the fastest way to boost your writing craft. Here’s what to expect from a writing conference.
Why Every Writer Needs an Accountability Partner
Writing can feel like a solitary endeavor, but ask any writer and they’ll give you a list of people who helped them achieve success. Here’s how an accountability partner can help you keep writing and meet your publishing goals.