3 Resources for Improving LGBTQIA+ Representation in Your Stories
Even if you set out to write diverse, realistic characters, it’s easy for stereotypes and harmful tropes to show up in our novels - especially if we’re not consciously trying to avoid them. In this blog post, I round up three great resources that can help you write LGBTQIA+ characters with sensitivity, respect, and nuance. Happy Pride!!
Revising for Change: The Four C’s - Part 4
At a fundamental level, stories are about one thing: change. Whether it’s your main character, supporting cast, or the story world itself, something should be different when we get to the end of your story. In this blog post, learn how to evaluate the change (or lack thereof) in your novel so that you can write a story that impacts readers long after they reach “the end.”
Revising for Cause & Effect: The Four C’s—Part 3
Linking plot events through cause & effect is the secret to creating a plot that engages readers from start to finish. In this blog post, I’m giving you four questions that can help you analyze the cause/effect relationships in your novel and create an airtight plot.
Revising for Conflict: The Four C’s - Part 2
Conflict is the #1 most important element in your novel. Plot comes from conflict. Character is revealed in response to conflict. Conflict creates that delicious uncertainty that propels readers through a novel. In this blog post, I’m giving you a framework for revising the conflict in your novel so that you can hook readers on page one and keep them turning pages until they see your characters safely to the end of the story.
The Four C’s: A Framework for Revising Your Novel
Revision is all about creating a story that hooks readers and leads them through an engaging and emotionally satisfying experience. That’s way easier said than done. So in this blog post, I’m giving you a four part framework that you can use to revise your novel with confidence.
Reverse Outlining: What, Why, and How
You know that you can use an outline to write your novel. But did you know that you can also use an outline to revise your novel? That’s the magic of a reverse outline! In this blog post, I explain exactly what a reverse outline is and how you can use it to revise efficiently and effectively.
15 Tools That Will Re-Energize Your 2024 Writing Goals
Early January is all about big dreams for the upcoming year. Late January is all about that dead-of-winter reality check. No, we didn’t magically become newer, better versions of ourselves on January 1st. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals. Take the long view and make sure you set yourself up for success by investing in the tools that will help you make your writing dreams come true. In this post, I round up 15 tools that are helping me make progress on all of my writing goals. Enjoy!
3 Strategies for Layering Your Revisions
Revision can be overwhelming. To combat that overwhelm, I recommend layering in your revisions. But what does that even mean? In this blog post, I explain exactly what layering revisions means and how you can apply this strategy to your own novel-in-progress.
Revision Tips from a Developmental Editor
As a developmental editor, I have a lot of thoughts on revision. It’s my job to help writers master this part of the writing process. In this blog post, I let you behind the scenes with all of my top tips for revising your novel without losing your mind in the process. Read on for the exact tips I share with my clients to help them create the best books possible!
The #1 Mistake Writers Make in Revision (and how you can avoid it…)
Revising your novel is essential, but too many writers make one critical mistake that can totally undercut the hard work they’re doing to revise their projects. Don’t let this mistake derail your writing process or your writing career. Read on to find out exactly what this mistake is and how you can keep yourself from making it in your next novel project!
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Revising Your First Draft
Revising a novel is complicated and its easy to get turned around in your revision journey. In this blog post, I show you the pitfalls to avoid as you revise your novel so that you can simplify your revisions and create the best novel possible.
3 Tips for Revising Your Sh*tty First Draft
The first draft is full of contradictions. Just finishing is a massive accomplishment, but it’s also only the first step in a much longer process. Revision is a formidable task all on its own. Here are three tips for embracing your shi*tty first draft so that you can conquer your first round of revisions.
The “Write” Mindset for Revision Success
You finished the draft - congratulations!! Reaching “the end” is an amazing accomplishment, but it’s also the beginning of a whole new adventure: revision. In this blog post, I tackle the mindsets that can help you find revision success, whether this is your favorite part of the writing process or the part of writing you dread the most.
Plot Matters: Less Common Plot Structures
Think the hero’s journey applies to every story, everywhere? In truth, it doesn’t. You have other story structure options. In this blog post, we go beyond the common story structures talked about in every writing class and craft book and explore some excellent, but less common plot structures that you can use for your books. Let’s go!
Plot Matters: Common Plot Structures for Writers
Curious about your plot structure options? You’re in the right place! In this post, I go over four common plot structures that you can use to plot your next novel: three act structure, Freytag’s pyramid, the hero’s journey, and save the cat. Plus, I list all the resources you’ll need to explore these plot structures in greater depth. Consider this your starting point to become a plot structure master. Let’s go!
Plot Matters: Plot Structure 101
Structure. You either love it or hate it, right? It doesn’t have to be that way. Structure can help us get our novels from point A to point B without losing readers along the way. If you tend to find structure more scary than supportive, this blog post is for you. I’m here to demystify structure and help you see a path forward for your work. Let’s dive in!
Writing Real Talk: How to Make the Most of Editorial Feedback
You took the leap and invested in developmental editing - yay! That’s amazing! But now, you’re staring down an editorial letter and endless comments wondering what to do with all this feedback. Don’t despair! Here are my tips for making the most of an editor’s feedback. Let’s go!
Writing Real Talk: Why You Can’t Just Edit Your Own Writing
Good editors are expensive. If you’re looking at the prices, wondering why you can’t just edit your own work, this post is for you. You can do a lot on your own, but you can’t DIY the entire editing process. Why? Your brain isn’t designed to effectively self-edit. Here’s why.
5 Signs You’re Ready for Professional Feedback on Your Writing
Wondering if your manuscript is ready for a professional edit? Wondering if you’re ready for a professional edit? Read this blog post for five signs that you’re ready to get professional feedback on your writing.