I went book shopping yesterday. I don't know why I picked up anything. I already had 130 books on my TBR list, three of which were recent arrivals via my boyfriend that I wanted to check out. And I already had six or seven that I have been sitting around various places in the house, [...]
In my years as a developmental editor, ghostwriter, and book reviewer, I've come across a few tricks to breaking down a good story, and a few tips for assembling one. In the discussion about different types of writers -- "planners" vs. "pantsers" -- I tend to come down closer on the side of "planner." I [...]
Ad copy and poetry are about emotion. What's the result? The old tricks work for both.
There's a problem with doing something well: Once is rarely enough. When you do something well, two things can happen: Other people begin to expect more of you, and You begin to expect more of yourself For a writer, this can be great. A well-done piece deserves the admiration it receives, and you [...]
Writing emotions is complicated. Do all your characters' emotions make sense? Tips for writing fiction and nonfiction.
Emotion breaks across the page in poetry. I examine how Charles Bukowski hid vulnerability in his strength.
Realistically, not all conversations between characters of the same gender revolve around the opposite gender.
Death is coming. For each of your characters. How will they live, knowing this truth? And what to do about vampires?
Creativity is a gift. And a curse. Creative editors help writers make the most of their spark.
Your phone is a tool. Harness it to write better with these unique apps.