Welcome to My Blog/Newsletter
Why subscribe?
To read about another writer’s journey through writing, revising, querying, and learning
To see photos of my dogs 😉
To read about specific craft issues from the point of view of a book coach/experienced writer who wants to help other writers improve their craft
Rereading Novels First Encountered in Childhood
Rereading novels you loved as a kid can be fascinating and instructive from a writer’s perspective. You can analyze the author’s choices to see how compelling fiction was made AND ponder what attracted you to it back then.
Characters with Compelling Perspectives
Adult contemporary fiction is not a category I naturally gravitate toward, but this is an example of why reading in many genres and age groups, not just the ones you want to write in, can help you fill your creative well and learn more about the market.
How to Remind Yourself of Your Next Writing Steps
Whether you’re in the middle of writing your first draft or revising your seventh, remembering what you were thinking the last time you worked on your MG or YA novel can be challenging.
How to Organize Your Writing Files So You Can Find What You Need
As writers, we produce a lot of words and a lot of computer files. It’s easy to get buried by both. So I have a few tips.
Are You Setting Smart Writing Goals?
Breaking down a big, juicy writing goal into smaller, more manageable chunks will help you keep moving toward it.
Are You Celebrating the Small Wins Along the Way to Your Big Goals?
Writing a novel is a BIG goal. Revising a novel is a BIG goal.
Michael Leali Q&A Part 2: Dismantling the Notion of White as the Default
Michael Leali and I discuss how to address diversity, equity and inclusion in fiction.
Michael Leali Q&A Part 1: Addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Head on in MG Fiction
Learning how to write more inclusively is one part of learning to write compelling fiction. We’re not born knowing how to do all of this. But we can learn it.
MG Novel Recommendation: The Civil War of Amos Abernathy
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy (HarperCollins, 2022), a debut middle grade novel by Michael Leali, is one that I highly recommend.
A Story of Perseverance
Writing a novel is also full of obstacles and challenges. It is work. Just like recovering my athletic ability is work. We don’t need inspiration to get our work done. We just need to show up.