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.”
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!
Do you need to hire an editor? It depends on your publishing goals.
Considering whether you should hire an editor for your book? The decision ultimately comes down to your publishing goals. Whether you want to self-publish or get a contract from a publisher, read on to find out what kind of editors you’ll need to make your writing dreams come true.
World Building for Plotters
If you’re a plotter, it’s tempting to spend months (or even years) hammering out each and every detail of your story’s world, but that may not be the best path toward your ultimate goal: a compelling, engaging story. Read on for tips that can help you build a world for your story rather than a story for your world.
World Building for Pantsers
Pantsing is a great way to supercharge the creativity of your story. But it can also lead to inconsistencies in your world building. Here are my best tips for building a coherent, fictional world as a pantser.
Dear Writer: Save the Cat Won’t Save You.
Story structure is key, but structure systems are a tool for writers to use, not an ironclad set of rules to apply indiscriminately. Used incorrectly, story structure systems can hamper your process and even keep you from writing. Read on to learn more about how you can use story structure systems responsibly.
Writing Advice Unpacked: Stick to One POV Character
Writing a novel means making decisions. One crucial choice you have to make: the point of view for your novel. Beginning writers are often told to choose one POV character, but that doesn’t work for all stories and genres. Read on to find out why you should or shouldn’t limit yourself to one POV character in your novel.
Writing Advice Unpacked: Kill Your Darlings, Not Your Story
“Kill your darlings.” Writers, editors, and agents love throwing that line out there. It’s an attention grabber. But what the heck does it actually mean? Read on to find out what this advice really means and when it does (or doesn’t) apply to your writing process.
Writing Advice Unpacked: Should You Start with a Character Waking Up?
Writing teachers love to speak in absolutes. Simple maxims help sell books or courses or workshops, but the truth is often more complicated. When it comes to beginnings, there are tons of rules to follow. Let’s unpack one: starting with a character waking up. Is it a iron-clad, never do that? Not quite. Read on to find out why.
How to chase your writing dreams without despair
I’m big on setting goals, but it’s important that your goals serve your writing process. If your goals are starting to make you feel defeated rather than inspired, then it’s time to change your approach.
Beyond Word Count: Five metrics to spice up your writing goals.
Word count gets all the glory when it comes to setting writing goals. But what about other stages of the writing process? Here are some alternatives to meet all your writing goal needs.
Be Inconsistent: Using Flexible Goal Setting to Rock Your Writing Goals
Tired of trying and failing to create a daily writing habit every January? Try something new. Don’t write every day. You just might surprise yourself.
Real Talk: You Do Not Need to Write Every Day
Do you really need to write every day to be a “real” writer? Nope. Not at all. In fact, here are three reasons you shouldn’t write every day.
Dear Pantser: You Are Not Broken
Once upon a time, I had a problem with pantsing…and no, it’s not the problem you’re expecting.
Stuck in your writing? Here’s how I overcame and learned to accept my unique writing process.
Welcome to the OHW Blog!
Welcome to my new writing blog! Here you’ll find writing advice and craft book reviews to help you navigate your writing journey!