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The Manuscript Revision
For some writers, the word revision makes them squirm. Many novice writers go into the writing process fantasizing that they will only have to write one draft of their novel and it will…
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On Writing a Novel
So you want to write a novel. You’ve read other novels and thought, “I think I could do this.” Or maybe you’ve been writing on and off for years. Or maybe you’ve had…
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Character Story Goal
Every novel must have a story goal and that goal should be clearly stated for the reader. Let me say that again: every novel must have a story goal. In my novel, Heaven…
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Learn How to Focus
I was once asked by an interviewer if I listened to music while I write. The answer is: not on purpose. Does that mean I write only when there’s silence? Ha. Far from…
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Set Writing Goals
Someone once said, “A goal not written down is merely a wish.” I heard this long ago and since then have tried to write down my goals. At the beginning of each…
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Too Coincidental
Have you ever read a book and said, “That’s too coincidental. I just don’t believe it?” Or felt like you were manipulated through the story? I hate when that happens. I finished reading…
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Character Design
Designing the characters that will populate our story worlds is complicated. It takes time, effort, and lots of brain power to create characters readers will love, or at least be able to relate…
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Write from Experience
For those of you who aren’t aware, I’m a mom to 10 kids (yes, 10, and yes, I delivered all of them). People ask me if I always wanted a large family and…
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Creative Writing Devices
You can change the mood of a scene by employing some writing devices. For example, if you’re writing a tense scene in which the protagonist is being chased by the police, short, choppy…
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Hero’s Journey Steps
In anticipation of writing my next novel, I’ve been reading and studying the hero’s journey. It’s been interesting reading. I have The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, but I’m not sure I’m…
