My Top Nonfiction Books for Fiction Readers
I’ll confess that I used to think all nonfiction was boring. I think it’s a common enough sentiment. People enjoy the drama and sparkle that comes with reading fiction — sweeping romances, mind-boggling mysteries, epic fantasies and stunning space operas all feel so far removed from “real life” that we can’t imagine a nonfiction book… Continue reading
My Writing Routine After Having a Baby
I’ve posted about balancing writing with a full time job and writing as a pet owner, so it only seems natural that I would also share my experience of writing after becoming a parent. The timeline for when I’m publishing this is somewhat telling—I had my baby over a year ago and am just now… Continue reading
Writing Contests: Where to Find Them and How to Submit Your Work
Writing contests are one of many paths to traditional publishing. Typically hosted by smaller independent presses, they offer an opportunity to have your work read and considered by editors without sending it straight to the slush pile and hoping for the best. While querying for my first novel, I submitted it to several writing contests.… Continue reading
How to Craft the Perfect Setting
The setting of a story is more than just a backdrop—it shapes the mood, influences the characters, and pulls readers into your world. Whether you’re writing a sweeping fantasy, an intimate romance, or a gripping thriller, a well-crafted setting makes your story feel vivid and immersive. But how do you create a setting that feels… Continue reading
How to Write Engaging Characters
Every novelist hopes to write a page-turner their readers can’t put down. One thing you need to create an irresistible story is interesting, engaging characters readers invest in emotionally. Well-developed characters make fiction feel more real. When the people you’re writing about have clear motivations, convincing flaws, and well-established backstories, your readers can connect with… Continue reading
What Is a Zero Draft? (And How Do You Write One?)
Writing a novel, essay, or even a blog post can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the blank page. As writers, we often struggle with the pressure of getting everything “perfect” from the start, the idea that we have to know every detail before diving into a new writing project. That’s where the concept of… Continue reading
Why Editing Matters (+How to Polish Your Writing for Publication)
The number of people who are able to do something perfectly the first time—whether we’re talking about writing a book, playing a new sport, learning a musical instrument, or cooking a new recipe—is practically zero. No one is perfect, especially right out of the gate. There’s no reason to expect that your first draft will… Continue reading
How to Use StoryGraph for Book Recommendations
Every reader has had this experience — you find a book you absolutely love. You devour it in a matter of hours, only to be left wanting more. In an effort to recreate the feeling of getting lost in a good book, you go looking for similar stories. You can dig through GoodReads reviews, scroll… Continue reading
Plotting vs Pantsing: Finding Your Writing Process
Every writer has their own process when it comes time to put pen to paper. While your approach is unique, it can be helpful to study the writing processes of writers similar to you. This will help you discover new tools and tricks to enhance your writing. Understanding the difference between the two main categories… Continue reading
Crafting Realistic Dialogue: A Guide for Writers of All Skill Levels
One of the most critical elements in fiction writing is dialogue. Realistic dialogue brings characters to life, adds depth to the story, and engages readers. Crafting dialogue that sounds natural can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can master this essential skill. Crafting Realistic Dialogue: My Top Tips Here are some actionable tips… Continue reading