Take a listen as Yelda and I discuss this interesting take on Sisi…
Tag Archives: writing historical fiction
Join me to find out how to Wallop Your What If
A lot of writers say, “I’m a pantser. I don’t plan, I just write.” I get it. Really. It’s such a minefield out there. Maybe you spent a ton of time outlining your first novel and ended up throwing most of it out. Maybe you wrote it by sticking to the outline, but then theContinue reading “Join me to find out how to Wallop Your What If”
What I’ve Learned Working as an Acquisitions Editor…
In the past year, I have begun working as an editor for a small press, History Through Fiction. I love working with Colin and the crew, because they support writers and work hard to get quality historical fiction published through both a traditional and a hybrid press. I have learned a lot through my workContinue reading “What I’ve Learned Working as an Acquisitions Editor…”
The Power of Subtraction
Why is it that when we brainstorm about solutions, we mostly think about ways to add? Why when I read the comments on the recipes in the Cooking section of the NY TImes, do they always tell about all the stuff they added to make it better? Why do writers sometimes think that more surprises,Continue reading “The Power of Subtraction”
Book Review: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell is historical fiction at its best. Besides riveting readers with a ticking clock to a murder, O’Farrell places us firmly in Renaissance Italy with a woman who is young, with limited agency, and trapped in a world she is not completely equipped to understand. Lucrezia is nothing if notContinue reading “Book Review: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell”
Is backstory the sludge in your novel?
If you hang out on Psychology podcasts or read psychology, you may have heard of a term called sludge. It is related to the concept of “nudging,” which is the idea that entities (governments, businesses, schools…) can help people make better choices by making choosing the better option easier. Or, just make choices easier byContinue reading “Is backstory the sludge in your novel?”
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!”
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?”
Looking for a Virtual Writing Conference in 2024?
Consider The History Quill Virtual Conference! It is just two days this year, and you can attend live or watch the records. Read more and register here. Note: this is an affiliate link. Readerly.net will receive compensation when writers use it to register, but the cost to writers for the convention will remain the same.Continue reading “Looking for a Virtual Writing Conference in 2024?”