Congratulations! You’ve written your first manuscript. So...what the heck do you do now?
Category: Posts On Writing
Tips and hints that I have learned along the way in my adventure to become a published writer!
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.
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?
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
Reading for Research
Reading for research is one of my favorite parts of the writing process. I love discovering new genres and learning what already has been done. It is exhilarating to find a new book to love, something that has happened to me on multiple occasions through this process. I have grown from the "research reading" I’ve… Continue reading Reading for Research
Gracefully Accepting Criticism
Criticism is a hard pill to swallow. But just as it is important to give criticism constructively, it is important to receive criticism gracefully, even when you don’t ask for it. Because criticism can be your greatest catalyst for growth, here are some ideas for taking criticism gracefully and what to look for in criticism… Continue reading Gracefully Accepting Criticism
Constructive Critiques
Giving and receiving critiques is a critical part of the writing process. It is the secret sauce that helps writers take their prose from rough drafts to best sellers. It is a way that we, as writers, can support each other in our common goal of improving our craft and our work. Giving other writers… Continue reading Constructive Critiques
The Plotter's Apprentice 