Tips and Inspiration to
Guide Your Writing Journey
Explore articles on storytelling, mindset, publishing, and more to support your writing journey. Browse the blog posts below or choose a category to dive deeper.
The Complete Timeline for Writing and Publishing Your First Book
If you write a book and no one reads it, did the book ever exist? Okay, that might be a little extreme, but many writers share a goal: to get published. While writing a book is a journey in itself, there comes a time when every author asks, “How do I publish my book?”
How to Write an Engaging Young Adult Novel
The young adult (YA) genre has captivated readers of all ages with its compelling characters, relatable themes, and vibrant storytelling. You're in the right place if you've ever dreamed of writing a YA novel that resonates with readers. What makes this genre so relatable is the central storylines that take place during adolescence, which most of us experience from themes of self-discovery, coming of age, identity, and the transition into adulthood. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a captivating and authentic young adult novel.
How to Write Compelling Character Arcs
Characters are the heart of any story. As readers, we either love them or love to hate them. As writers, investing in our character’s development or arc is critical to keeping readers engaged. After all, readers find the character’s journey and internal and external changes mostly relatable—even if it’s unconscious. A character’s journey is what drives an emotional investment in a story. That’s why a well-developed character arc can make the difference between a forgettable book and one that stays with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
5 Proven Strategies for Finishing Your Manuscript Without Burning Out
Starting a manuscript is exhilarating, seeing characters pop off the page, or seeing your teaching method take form on the page are all ways in which writers feel motivated to write. That’s until exhilaration turns into frustration or imposter syndrome. It’s natural to feel that initial spark fade as the work progresses. In fact, more than half of Americans want to write a book but less than 1% finish a manuscript.
Many writers experience burnout before finishing their drafts, which can be disheartening. Stories hold so much value for education, inspiration, and entertainment. Completing a manuscript without burning out is possible when you’re equipped with the right strategies.
The Importance and Power of Having a Writing Community
Writing might seem like a solo sport—you, a cup of coffee, and the glow of your laptop in the early morning hours—but what if I told you that writing doesn’t have to be a lonely affair? In fact, it doesn’t have to be. Enter, a writing community. This is a place to gather with link-minded writers to feel unstoppable: the community that becomes your cheerleading squad, accountability buddies, and creative collaborators.
Writing Through Challenging Times
It’s been a tough time for many of us, filled with emotions that can feel overwhelming to process. Whether it’s grief, fear, anger, or a blend of all three, these feelings can make it hard to write—or even find the motivation to sit down at the computer. If you’re struggling to get back into your writing practice, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to take it slow and be gentle with yourself.
Different Types of Book Editors and When to Work with One
Writing a book is a labor of love, but the journey to publication doesn't end with the final sentence—it's just the beginning. There comes a time in the writing process when inviting professional editors into the process becomes a crucial step. We’ve all become accustomed to hearing about an “editor” as an all-encompassing word wizard that polishes books right before publication. The key here is that not all editors are the same, and knowing when to engage with each type can significantly impact the success of your book. Let’s explore the various types of book editors and when it's the right time for authors to collaborate with them.
How to Write a Non-Fiction Book That Makes an Impact
Do you have a story, process, or life lesson you're eager to share with the world? Maybe you’re an entrepreneur with a success formula, or perhaps you want to write a memoir that leaves a lasting impression. No matter your motivation, writing a non-fiction book is a powerful way to share your message and make an impact. But how do you ensure your book resonates with readers?
How a Word Count Tracker Can Help You Finish Your Book
As writers, we all know the highs and lows of the creative process. There are days when the words seem to flow effortlessly, and then there are the days when you feel like you’re wrestling with every sentence. I’ve experienced both extremes, which means, you are not alone. Writing a book is a long journey that requires persistence, dedication, and most of all, momentum. As an author, maintaining that momentum can be one of the most challenging aspects of the process.
From Book Idea to a Completed Manuscript
Do you have an idea for a book but feel overwhelmed about where to begin? You're definitely not alone. In fact, more than 80% of the American population dreams of writing a book, yet less than 1% ever achieve the title of "published author." This gap isn’t due to a lack of passion or creativity but often stems from not knowing how to start or follow through. But here’s the good news: we’re going to change that! With the right guidance, tools, and support, you can go from idea to published manuscript, turning that lifelong dream into reality. It's time to take the first step toward becoming a published author!
How to Show and Not Tell in Your Writing (Part 2)
The number piece of feedback I provide to my editing clients is, “show more, tell less.” The good news? This is a writing skill that can be developed and send you on your way toward becoming a published author.
Since this topic has been helpful, this is the second blog post on the topic. You can find the first blog post here.
How to Write an Irresistible First Chapter
When you’re starting the journey of writing a book, the first chapter can often feel like the most daunting part to tackle. You may have countless ideas swirling in your mind and a strong desire to introduce your story in a way that captivates your audience from the start. It’s tempting to try and include everything, but the key to success lies in understanding the true role of the first chapter.
Let Your Characters Do the Talking: Crafting Dialogue That Sparkles
Do you know that feeling when you're reading a book and the characters start talking, and it just feels so real, like you're eavesdropping on a conversation? That's the magic of great dialogue.
Great dialogue feels natural and conveys or reveals information that keeps the story moving forward. This makes dialogue multifaceted and layered.
Navigating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome on Your Writing Journey
Let's talk about something that doesn't get enough airtime in the world of writing: the messy, tangled ball of emotions known as self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Yeah, I said it. You know, those nagging voices in your head that whisper, "You're not good enough," or "Who are you kidding? You'll never make it." Guess what? You're not alone.
How to Set Writing Goals You'll Actually Achieve
Are you struggling to set writing goals you actually achieve? Aspiring authors often find themselves in a loop of setting ambitious goals only to abandon them halfway through. But fear not, I'm here to walk through the process of setting and achieving realistic writing goals.
8 Novel Writing Tips and Tools
Writing a novel is no small feat. If you are anything like me, I dove into my novel writing without knowing a lot about the craft of fiction. New and aspiring authors don’t know what they didn’t know and that is perfectly okay. There is no shame in starting at the beginning. Every author does.
How to Overcome Writer’s Block
Every writer experiences the frustration of writer's block at some point in their creative journey. The inability to put words on the page or the absence of the next great idea can be disheartening.
When the dreaded writer’s block rears its ugly head, frustration and disappointment often follow suit. Whether you've hit a sudden roadblock in your writing progress or are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next best-selling idea, know that no writer is immune to this creative obstacle.
How to Write a Book: 7 Tips for Beginners
The journey of writing a novel can be both thrilling and challenging. I know this intimately from my own experience. When I started writing my first book, I encountered numerous obstacles that delayed its completion for years. That’s why I want to share my journey and the valuable insights I've gathered from guiding my author clients. These seven tips can provide valuable guidance for writing your first novel.
How to Get Story Ideas for Your Novel
If you dream of crafting a literary masterpiece like Lessons in Chemistry or The Hunger Games, you know that a captivating and original story idea is the key. But what if you’re having a hard time coming up with an idea for your book? Here are five creative techniques to unearth those elusive story concepts.
How to Market Your Book as an Author
As an author, writing a book is just the first step. Once you've poured your heart and soul into creating your masterpiece, it's time to shift gears and focus on marketing to ensure your book gets the attention it deserves. Effective marketing is essential to attract readers, generate buzz, and ultimately drive book sales. But where do you start? Here's your ultimate guide on how to market your book as an author.