by Stephanie Morrill | Sep 2, 2011 | Uncategorized
Few things bog down a manuscript the way pet phrases, repetition, unnecessary words, and clichés do. And sometimes you’re too close to the manuscript to recognize them if you’re not paying attention. (The picture is – I think – of a daisy. As...
by Stephanie Morrill | Sep 1, 2011 | Uncategorized
For your Thursday afternoon reading pleasure, here are two more winners from the last writing prompt contest. Faye Rhys, Second PlaceHe knew she’d come back someday, but she couldn’t have picked a worse moment. For example: now.Gail said she’d be back and she...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 31, 2011 | Uncategorized
When I do school visits, I’m always asked, “Do you use your friends and family when you’re creating your characters?” Absolutely. While I’m very careful to never use something my friend has shared in confidence, the people I love (and,...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 30, 2011 | Uncategorized
Quick reminder – this is the last day to get yourself entered to win The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden. Click here to read about her fascinating road to publication. Here are the winners from last round’s writing prompt: First PlaceEllyn...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 29, 2011 | Uncategorized
Typically there would be a writing prompt today, but I can’t make the scheduling work. I studied my calendar and tried and tried and studied my calendar some more, before admitting I just can’t do it. I’ll be away from home for 13 days in September....
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 26, 2011 | Uncategorized
Realities of Being Published: Lesson One”Yes, it’s your name on the cover. No, it’s not just your book.” I’m not sure how many installments will eventually be in this series, but I often have moments or business decisions crop up that...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
I’m so excited to feature Elizabeth Camden today! Ms. Camden’s debut novel, Lady of Bolton Hill released just a few months ago. I’m always thrilled to read a debut because I know what kind of work goes into accomplishing that feat. Not just the...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 24, 2011 | Uncategorized
A writer asked me, “What are publishers looking for?” Which is an excellent question. And kind of a weird one for me to answer since I’ve never been on that side of the business, but I’ll pass on what little I know. First off, many frustrated...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 22, 2011 | Uncategorized
Oh man, I’m having a good time editing. Early in the year, I blogged about making character charts. (Twice, actually, because I added to mine.) Now that I’d edited the big stuff in my manuscript, it was time for me to review my character chart. But...
by Stephanie Morrill | Aug 19, 2011 | Uncategorized
First of all, don’t forget that Sarah Holman is our guest this week. She’s giving away a copy of her latest, The Destiny of One, so make sure you get yourself entered to win. A writer asked, what is the best way to organize a synopsis? And I’m so...
