by Stephanie Morrill | Jan 26, 2022 | Characters, Compelling Character Series
A couple weeks ago, I posted the first installment of this series, which was about how characters are created as you write. I shared how it can be useful to do character exercises before you write your novel, but that most of the time I find it more beneficial to...
by Jill Williamson | Jan 19, 2022 | Author Life, Brainstorming, Encouragement, Goals, Writing, Writing Life
I have been writing for about eighteen years. For much of that time, I have been trying to change myself as a writer and a creator. Some of that was important. When we learn, we are changing ourselves for the better. And when you are just getting started writing...
by Shannon Dittemore | Jan 12, 2022 | Author Life, Encouragement, Writing
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could pump quality books out at lightning speed? The idea comes, the writing flows, the plot appears on the page, the characters sizzle, and that ending! Wow! No plot holes. No inconsistencies. No writer’s block. No internet...
by Stephanie Morrill | Jan 5, 2022 | Antagonists, Characters, Compelling Character Series, First Drafts, The Craft of Writing
Hi, writers! I hope you enjoyed your holiday season and have come out on the other side feeling rested and energized. Holidays can also be uniquely draining times, especially if you’re the sort of person who thrives with routine and structure. That’s me! I...
by Jill Williamson | Dec 15, 2021 | Author Life, Creativity, Encouragement, Writing Life
Self-reflection is a big part of my life. Such a topic is usually set aside for January since starting the new year with reflection makes a lot of sense. But while I had a list of topics I could’ve written about today, when I realized I was the last post of the year,...
by Shannon Dittemore | Dec 8, 2021 | Author Life, Writing, Writing As A Business
As we finish out 2021, I’m also finishing a book. It’s a novel I started writing in January, and now, in December, I’m readying it for the copyeditor. The other day, a friend of mine said, “You’ve been doing this job for a while now. Has...
by Stephanie Morrill | Dec 1, 2021 | Author Life, Goals, Time Management
I don’t know where you thought you’d be by December of this year. Maybe you had a fantastic writing year, or maybe as you enter the last month of the year, you’re feeling disappointed. If your year was incredible, and you achieved all your writing...
by Shannon Dittemore | Nov 24, 2021 | Author Life, Creativity, NaNoWriMo, Writing
Author Alice Hoffman says, “Books may well be the only true magic.” It’s a lovely quote, isn’t it? Paints the book world in sparkles and shimmering daydreams. And while there are arguments to make against the idea, why would we do that? Books...
by Jill Williamson | Nov 17, 2021 | Writing
As writers seeking publication, at some point, we all face similar challenges that have little to do with the craft of writing. For young writers specifically, I hear many of the same questions and concerns. Today, I want to take a look at six specific lies many...
by Stephanie Morrill | Nov 10, 2021 | Editing
Shannon isn’t here today because she’s on the brink of turning in her edits for Winter 2 (SQUEAL!!!) and needs to focus on that. While I know many of you are focused on first drafts right now since it’s NaNo season, as I was thinking about articles...
