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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
If you’re a writer who wants to publish their work, you’re going to face a lot of rejection. Whether you’re pitching your novel to agents or submitting short stories to magazines, there will inevitably be editors and publishers who turn you down. I started submitting my novel to agents and small presses in April of…
National Novel Writing Month — known as NaNoWriMo to practitioners — is an annual writing challenge in which participants set out to write 50,000 words of an original work in the month of November. While opinions on the event can be quite divided, there’s no denying that this challenge can be highly effective when approached…