Writing Tips – Book Reviews – Productivity for Creatives
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.
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.
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
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 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 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
I’m so excited to share with you my latest read on writing! A few weeks ago, I finished Million Dollar Outlines, by David Farland. I first heard of the book when I attended David Farland’s “Writing Enchanted Prose” class at Fyrecon last year, and bought it because I don’t have great skill in outlining. I… Continue reading Book Recommendation: Million Dollar Outlines, by David Farland
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
Finding a good planner for writing can be a struggle. I looked for years and couldn’t find one that worked well with what I needed as a writer. And truth be told, I didn’t really know what I needed as a writer because I was (and still am) trying to figure out my process. I… Continue reading Bullet Journaling for Writers
My dear friends, I have finally achieved one of my longest held life dreams. I. WROTE. A BOOK! I typed “the end” on DEMON FALL on June 27th and was happy with my last two chapters on July 3rd. I can’t even describe how good it feels to finally join the ranks of people who… Continue reading The Mental Game of Writing Your First Book
The Plotter's Apprentice 