Congratulations! You’ve written your first manuscript. So...what the heck do you do now?
Category: On Writing
The Hero’s Journey: Death of the Mentor
This month, my writing mentor, David Farland, unexpectedly passed away. It's been really hard to work through because I think on some level I'm still in denial. It doesn't feel real, and I've struggled putting into words exactly what I've been feeling.
Set Your Hook: Bad Beginnings and How to Fix Them
One of the best ways to stand out in the slush pile is through a good, solid hook. However, a poorly written hook is one of the quickest ways to get rejected. But why is that? Because first impressions are everything. Here is a guide to some of the five most common bad beginnings I saw and a couple of tips on what you can do to fix them to snag your audience hook, line, and sinker.
Shine in the Slush Pile: Five Pitfalls to Avoid
can’t seem to get your leg up on the competition and make your work shine? As an intern for a small press, here are five of the biggest pitfalls that cause me to reject a story from the slush pile.
2021 Goals and Intentions
2021 is finally here! I’m sure the rest of you are just as relieved as I am to have a fresh start at new goals and new plans! I’m a little late to the “New Years” train this year because I’ve had three family traumas on the same side of the family in the past… Continue reading 2021 Goals and Intentions
The Star Sticker Method: Does It Really Work?
National Novel Writing Month is over! Every year I feel like it is the longest month of my life, and then BAM. It’s December. This year for NaNoWriMo, in tandem with the normal manners of accountability, I decided to see if I could amp up my productivity and word count by using Alexa Donne’s Star… Continue reading The Star Sticker Method: Does It Really Work?
NaNoWriMo Weeks 2 & 3: Survival Tips
Have you ever had days where you feel like you have a limited number of words in you and once you hit it, you can’t produce anymore? That is me this week. National Novel Writing Month is well under way now and I’ve been meaning to write this blog post, but since I have hit… Continue reading NaNoWriMo Weeks 2 & 3: Survival Tips
Productivity Power Up: The Star Sticker Method
Confession time. I can absolutely be motivated by star stickers. I recently came across Alexa Donne’s video about the Star Sticker Method and I sorta kicked myself for not thinking of it before. I don’t know about you, but there is just something about getting those gold stars that gives me a buzz. That being… Continue reading Productivity Power Up: The Star Sticker Method
Accelerating Growth through Accountability
Accountability is a key factor in producing results and exponential growth as a writer. Yes, sometimes it is easier just to "do your thing" and not worry about keeping track, but accountability has worked magic in my journey as a writer and I want to share my experience with you. It is my hope that… Continue reading Accelerating Growth through Accountability
Productivity Apps for Writers
Productivity apps are a saving grace for my writing. Over the years and through a lot of research, I’ve found a handful of apps that work really well with my process, particularly when I’m not at my computer. I wanted to share with all of you the productivity apps I’ve been using to get a… Continue reading Productivity Apps for Writers
The Plotter's Apprentice 