Do you need accountability and some guidance to have a breakthrough? Sometimes, just a little bit of positive peer pressure is a good thing. Critique groups can provide this, but frequently they are more focused on “workshopping” pages for members. Nothing wrong with that, but it isn’t the kind of accountability that will spur youContinue reading “Do you need more than a critique group?”
Category Archives: Readerly on Writing
How do you know if your novel starts in the right place?
One of the most common mistakes in an early draft is not starting the novel in the right place. It’s true, here are the most frequent culprits I have seen in my work on manuscripts, in no particular order: Take a quick look at your beginning—is yours one of these? If it is, it’s okay,Continue reading “How do you know if your novel starts in the right place?”
Guest Post: In the Querying Trenches
A wise book coach once advised that the query letter sells agents on reading the pitch. The pitch entices them to want more. When I first started pitching to agents, I had a few full MS requests. (Yay!) Wrong. But I didn’t give up. A few months later, I attended a workshop by Jennie NashContinue reading “Guest Post: In the Querying Trenches”
Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…
Why did Jesus teach in parables? Why do we tell children fables and fairy tales? Why do we use terms like cautionary tale, morality tale, allegory? Because stories help us understand other people. Stories help us remember things. Stories open a window to understanding that preaching at people does not. When you listen to peopleContinue reading “Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…”
Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2
Last summer, I decided I wanted to attend a writing retreat, and I had very specific goals in mind for this retreat. As luck would have it, my amazing book coach Robin Henry, announced in January that she was offering a personal writing adventure in Estonia. (see the previous post) In this post, I wantedContinue reading “Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2”
Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee
Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee is a little older, but it was recommended by Jane Friedman, a publishing professional for whom I have a great deal of respect. I am SO GLAD I read the book. It is insightful about what makes a story work, helpful in explainingContinue reading “Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee”
New Podcast Episodes
This pair of episodes discusses unlikeable/self-absorbed main characters. Terry and I read The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Take a listen!
Looking for Story Inspiration?
Are you looking for some inspiration for your next project? A lot of stuff gets posted during March for Women’s History Month, so I thought I would save a little inspiration for April! Here are four women I came across in my content consumption that might give you a great idea for a story. IContinue reading “Looking for Story Inspiration?”
Book Review: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
WARNING: there are spoilers…and there is a Howler 🙁 This book is classified as literary suspense for those of you keeping score. It is Kukafka’s second novel and now I will probably have to go read the first one. (!) The question she is asking here is all about power. Why do we insist onContinue reading “Book Review: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka”
What is a Personal Writing Retreat and Why Should You go on One?
Dear Readers, this is a guest blog post from a client who recently attended a personal writing retreat here in Estonia with me. If you are curious about what you might get done on such an adventure, read on! “ I’m offering a personal writing adventure to all my existing clients. Let me know ifContinue reading “What is a Personal Writing Retreat and Why Should You go on One?”