9 New Year’s Resolutions for Writers
New year’s resolutions tend to get a bad rap. Most people focus on what they didn’t achieve, and it’s pretty rare to hear anyone talk about actually accomplishing what they set out to do on January first. However, setting goals for the coming months is still a popular tradition, including for practiced and aspiring writers. Continue reading
Holiday Gifts for Writers (And Other Bookish Folks)
When December rolls around and the hunt for holiday gifts begins, it can be difficult to come up with unique presents your friends and family members will appreciate. If you’re seeking ideas for what to get the writer or book-lover in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find my favorite holiday Continue reading
Scrivener Review: Format, Outline, and Write Like a Pro
There are almost as many tools of the writing trade as there are writers. Journals, typewriters, loose sheets of paper, index cards, outlines, story boards, Microsoft Word, smart phones, desktops, coffee shop napkins, Google Docs, laptops, Pinterest boards — you get the idea. Despite this great variety in personal preference, I believe Scrivener is an Continue reading
How to Build a Writing Routine
I have pretty mixed feelings about maintaining any type of routine. It can be hard to account for unexpected interruptions or to take advantage of a beautiful day with an unplanned trip to the zoo if you have a strict schedule to keep. That said, I have a lot on my plate, and keeping up Continue reading
The Pros and Cons of Working from Home
In the wake of the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work boomed as lockdown was enforced. Many people who had always gone into an office got to experience working from home, and all the perks and drawbacks that come with that arrangement. I started working from home in 2018. It was my very Continue reading
Careers for Writers that Aren’t Teaching or Publishing
Going into undergraduate school, I only knew I wanted to be a writer. But writing a book was a lot harder and took a lot longer than I expected, and I knew I needed to find some way to pay my bills until my publishing dreams came true. The two most popular career paths for Continue reading
How to Use Constructive Criticism as a Writer
When it comes to writing—or any art—criticism is part of the package. For those new to their craft or unused to feedback that points out serious flaws in their work, it can be hard to listen to readers rip into the result of hours at the keyboard. Hearing favorite scenes picked apart and adored characters Continue reading
Why I Love Having a Dog as a Writer
When it comes to writing advice, most people think of one-liners from On Writing or quotes from authors like Hemingway. However, I recommend taking advantage of the benefits of having a dog. Traditional writing advice often only applies to what we put on the page. I think it’s unrealistic to expect your writing and your Continue reading