Revising and Editing, The Craft of Writing
Point of view is one of the most difficult concepts for authors to master. In this post, fellow editor Heather Whitaker provides some pointers for defining the POV in your book. Heather and I have edited some of the same books, sometimes by coincidence and...
The Craft of Writing, The Writer's Life
One of the best ways to help yourself write every day is to craft a starting ritual that you begin to use regularly and routinely. When your ritual becomes habitual, you will find yourself moving effortlessly from not writing to writing. Whether you write first thing...
The Craft of Writing, The Writer's Life
There are days when we need a good swift kick in the pants. We need someone to tell us to get our butt into the chair and WRITE. Usually, that “someone” has to be ourselves. Then there are days when we need to be–should be–kinder to...
The Craft of Writing, The Writer's Life
Learn how to go directly to your work. When your work bell tolls at the appointed hour, answer it. Stop waiting! Start writing! Years of frustration from trying to “fit” writing into my day have taught me that the writing must be first—not simply in priority, but in...
The Craft of Writing, The Writer's Life
Do you have a plan to survive the countless rejections that will come your way? Create that plan! Ah, this tip from Dr. Maisel pinpoints a truth difficult for most of us to accept. When we create and share our writing with the world, rejection is inevitable. It can...
The Craft of Writing, The Writer's Life
Grow more creative by not fearing blunders. Notice and feel the feelings that inevitably come with writing messy early drafts. Then say, “I can survive these feelings!” Remind yourself that you must grow easy with messiness. All ideas, whether they begin as budding...