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Author Mindset: Originality is overrated.
It really isn't the most important thing, promise.
5 days ago3 min read


Editing Anxieties: What if my book editor’s mean?
Most editors (at least the ones I know!) are really kind, but there are mean ones out there, too. Here's how to avoid them.
Apr 116 min read


Do subplots have to connect to the main plot in your novel?
Do your B plots have to connect to the A plot? Do the side stories have to connect to the main story?
Mar 284 min read


Why reader trust is important, and how to make your readers trust you.
The thing that keeps readers coming back for every new book release? Trust. Learn how to earn your readers' trust in you and your books.
Feb 274 min read


From the Editing Files: What is suspending disbelief and how do I make sure my novel does that?
All fiction, but especially fantasy and sci-fi, relies on the reader’s “willing suspension of disbelief.”
What the heck is that, though?
Jan 304 min read


Do you really need feedback to improve your writing?
Feedback is a pretty important step in the publishing process. But you don’t necessarily need it to improve your writing chops.
Jan 204 min read


Are you an underwriter or an overwriter?
Knowing which one you are can be a great help during revision and self-editing.
Mar 21, 20243 min read


How to Create a Story Bible for Your Book Series
Learn the what, why, and how of creating a story bible for your book series.
Feb 22, 20245 min read


Keep writing first drafts but never publish your novel? Break the cycle.
Do you keep writing first draft after first draft, put them in a drawer, and then start something new? And you can never seem to start...
Jan 25, 20244 min read


Author Mindset: Is this book even worth revising?
Now that you've finished your novel, you're looking back and thinking "Is this thing even worth the hard work of revising?" Let's find out.
Dec 7, 20234 min read


Does your fantasy novel have to be realistic?
Fantasy is...fantastical. It doesn't have to be realistic, does it? So why do readers keep saying "This is too unrealistic"?
Sep 22, 20235 min read


6 Signs That You’re Done Revising Your Novel
Revisions can feel like they're taking forever. How do you know your book is done?
May 11, 20235 min read


Author Mindset: What to do when you're afraid of sharing your writing.
Fear of sharing your writing can hold you back and even prevent you from publishing. So how do you conquer it?
Apr 20, 20234 min read


What's a reverse outline, and how can you use it to revise your novel?
Nope, it's not an outline you write from end to beginning.
Apr 6, 20234 min read


5 Tips for Your First Draft Reread
Rereading the first draft of your novel is the first step to revisions. It's also the first place you may get stuck.
Mar 23, 20234 min read


How to start revising your novel.
It's finally time to start revising your novel! But...where do you start?
Mar 9, 20233 min read


Most writing advice is actually revision advice.
Most of the advice for writers you read online is revision advice rather than actual writing advice.
Dec 15, 20225 min read


The Importance of Resting Your Novel
Why does everyone tell you to rest your draft before revising? How long should you rest it? Does it really work?
Dec 2, 20225 min read


Author Mindset: The first draft is for you; the next drafts are for your readers.
This mindset shift can help you with both the first draft and your revisions.
Nov 17, 20224 min read


Is it actually bad to edit as you write?
Common writing advice (even my own) tells you to avoid editing as you write. But is it really that bad to do?
Nov 3, 20224 min read


Is NaNoWriMo right for you?
Trying to decide whether to participate in NaNoWriMo? Here's some things to consider.
Oct 27, 20224 min read


Are you a plotter or a pantser? ...Or a plantser?
What's your writing style?
Mar 16, 20225 min read


Ediquette: Can I send my editor my first draft?
First drafts are usually for the writer's eyes only. Or are they?
Mar 9, 20223 min read


The Creative Well
Creativity isn't an unlimited resource. In this post, learn the care and keeping of a healthy creative well.
Mar 2, 20224 min read
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