To the Novice Writer: Advice from the published and not
There are many novice writers who ask for advice in our communities, so I wanted to compile some advice from the published and unpublished writers of my Writers’ Coffeehouse.
Category: Writing & Lifestyle
How Non-Writing Activities Can Help Build Your Writing Skills: Game Stories
A former student of mine, Zane Indie I call him, actually honed in his writing passion through a game. I finally wanted to find out what these “game stories” were all about, so I interviewed him about his journey during 2.5 years playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Creative Writing Magazines: Where to Submit and Why You Should
As creative writers, most of us want to share our stories and publish. I’m not gonna lie, I want to. Paradoxically, most of us are terrified to publish because of potential failure and rejection. Well, maybe you should start with a smaller audience and publish to a few magazines.
How to Write Dialogue: Formatting
As I started to work on my character development, I had to keep in mind that dialogue is a key feature to understanding a character. How they speak can reveal much of their demographics–let alone the content of their conversation. If you didn’t know that, you know it now.
Writing Retreats: Yay or Nay and Lists of Current Offerings
Considering all of this, the choice is really up to you. It may be exactly what you need to get your writing ball rolling down the hill of no return at great speed. So, here are some lists to help you see what writing retreats are offered from around the world.
Common Errors to Correct When Editing Your Draft: Voice and Adverbs
Grammatically, these are the top two errors to look for when you start editing your drafts. You want your writing to be clear and engaging. Help us to experience everything, but don’t give us a headache.
The Writer’s Reading Challenge: My 2018 TBR List
If you want to be a good writer, you have to keep reading. So, I aimed for a book a month before last year and that really worked for me. This year I want to aim for two a month. What am I reading that abundantly? My To Be Read (TBR) list includes the following…
What Exactly Do I Put in a Writer’s Journal?
Now, as a writer, you need to have one. Just like you should also have a reading journal to help you become a better writer. I’ve gone through Pinterest, and many people say you need to have a writer’s journal / notebook, but no one tells you what to actually put in there.
4 Things to Remember When Someone Doesn’t Like Your Writing
I can do some awesome things when inspired myself. We all get there where we will encounter opposition, but we can’t let it discourage us. I think I really would have quit if it hadn’t been for my writing community (make sure you find yours, by the way).
5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Writer in You
We’re gonna write this year! Or… Let’s be real with ourselves: most of us abandon all that -ness by Feb. But, you ABSOLUTELY have to write.
New Year’s Resolutions: SMART Goals for Success
‘Tis the season to promise yourself the world and disappoint yourself by March. But, there’s a way to increase the chances of you accomplishing those goals.
What Exactly Do I Put in a Reading Journal?
To be a good writer, you have to be a good reader. That’s why I started keeping a reading journal. It’s an excellent tool to keep the reader in me alive!
The Perfect Gift for the Creative Writer
Every year, I have the same problem: trying to find a gift for my writing friends. Reader friends–books, of course. But, writers? What do you get? Pencils?
How to Create a Novel Soundtrack and Why You Should Do So
Having a novel soundtrack is a smart move for mood development. You immerse yourself in the right songs and just write down what’s playing behind your eyes.
How to Gain a Reader Following Before You Finish Writing Your Book
If you stay involved on social media in the right way, you can be an early bird in your marketing and start getting people excited for your book!
