Murder Your Darlings
“Murder your darlings” is a phrase said to have been coined by F Scott Fitzgerald. He was referring to what you might call your “best bits.” He believed that …
Does Your Plot Need a Subplot?
The beginning of every bestselling novel starts with “What if?” What if a jagged, black, hairline crack suddenly appeared in a clear blue sky?
If you’re a writer …
A Writers Dream-The Home Office
Lately, I find myself sitting at my computer daydreaming about the office I wish I had. You know the one with the giant oak desk, big comfortable chair, and bookshelves …
How to Write Effective Dialogue in 6 Steps
If your writing bores you, it’ll put your reader to sleep. And unfortunately, your first reader will be an agent or an editor. Your job is to make every word count—the only way to…
Knowing and Finding Your Voice
Finding your true writing voice is a lot like falling in love — you know it when it happens. Until then, you bumble along, trying this style and that, wondering if this is it or
5 Tips for Writing Conflict into Your Book
When you sit down at your desk to plan your novel, you’ll probably first want to sketch out your plot, characters, and setting. That’s a good start …
Edit Easier
Editing is not a lukewarm writing stage. Either it’s your favorite part about writing or you dread it. Personally, I sort of like this stage. If writing were pottery I…