Do you remember that commercial a few years ago where the woman asked her significant other, “Do these jeans make my butt look big?” What was he supposed to say? I mean if he thinks they do, and he says so, his life will be miserable for the foreseeable future. If he thinks they lookContinue reading “Do these jeans make my butt look big, or who to ask for feedback on your writing…”
Category Archives: Readerly on Writing
How questions help you write!
If you’ve ever written a research paper, you will be familiar with research questions, or guiding questions. As a high school librarian, I have helped hundreds (maybe even thousands) of students write them. When you are writing a research paper, it helps to define as precisely as possible what your paper is about—what you willContinue reading “How questions help you write!”
Are You Painting with the Switch Plate Covers on?
My husband and I enjoy the character of older homes. Unfortunately, with that character comes a previous succession of owners who may or may not be completing improvement projects with excellence in mind. I was recently cleaning a room in our newly acquired 1900 Craftsman, when I noticed that whoever painted last had done soContinue reading “Are You Painting with the Switch Plate Covers on?”
Historical Novel Society 2024
I am thrilled to be presenting a pre-conference session for the 2024 Historical Novel Society Conference UK. It is a book study of The Lincoln Highway. Register Here, I hope to see you at the pre-conference and in September for the in person event.
What if you flipped the script?
All kinds of information online for writers focuses on getting a deal, how to query, and hooking an agent. When I work with clients, I no longer offer services related to pitching without some history of working with them on their novel. Here’s why: pitching a novel that isn’t ready is an exercise in futility. Continue reading “What if you flipped the script?”
New Podcast Episode: Author Interview
New Podcast Episode: The Mystery Guest
Take a listen to this shorty episode about a highly anticipated sequel. There are a few nuggets in it for writers to be aware of as they strive to give readers an elevated experience.
Rejection isn’t personal, really..
In my work as a Short Story Acquisitions Editor at History Through Fiction, I frequently have to deliver bad news. Your story was not selected. Most authors are great about it. They understand that I don’t like telling them we can’t publish their story, but it is my job to choose which stories History ThroughContinue reading “Rejection isn’t personal, really..”
Is Your Draft a Little Jaga Jaga?
In a previous blog post, I wondered whether your draft might be like a hoarder’s house. In this post, we will look at a different issue, the scattered draft. One of my volunteer gigs is to teach a children’s Bible class in Tallinn at our church. My class is very small, and the students areContinue reading “Is Your Draft a Little Jaga Jaga?”
Is reading your novel like trying to walk through a hoarder’s house?
I love to work on manuscript reviews. When an author has a completed draft that they are willing to let an Editor Book Coach review, it signals their commitment to the writing process and to doing the best work they can. They are serious about writing a good book. As you may suspect, there tendContinue reading “Is reading your novel like trying to walk through a hoarder’s house?”