Blogger: Wendy Lawton
A few years ago I accompanied Julie Klassen, one of my authors, on a week-long book tour. One of the best things about spending time in bookstores is that, among all the readers there to get autographs, …
Writing Craft
An Innovative Approach–Case Study
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
What do publishers and agents mean when they say they are looking for books that approach the subject in a new way or books that are innovative? We already know that books that are a rehash of …
Establishing Healthy Habits for Writers
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Healthy writer habits?
No, this isn’t a blog post about walking away from the computer at the top of every hour, although that’s a good idea. It’s not about finding healthy snack alternatives for deadline week. Also …
Book Inventory
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Book inventory. It had to happen eventually. When solid wood shelves sag like a swayback horse and avalanches have nothing to do with snow, it’s time to either buy more bookshelves or take inventory of what must …
Fiction Techniques
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Today I’m just going to highlight a few techniques I love finding in fiction.
Beats— This is a technique the author uses to seamlessly substitute an action that identifies the character in place of the tired …
This Post is For the Ones You Love
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I frequently hear from writers who are working hard to make their publishing dreams come true—but their significant others are not quite on board. These writers are being persistent, learning the craft, and building their platform. But …
Writing Obsessions
Janet Kobobel Grant
What stimulates you to write a story or to compose a manuscript about a certain topic?
Writing Hints
I find it instructive to listen to interviews with highly successful authors. They often are asked–and love to talk …
Grammar Rant
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
I almost never address the issue of grammar because, sure as shooting’, I’ll make a handful of mistakes right here in front of you. But irregardless I’m feeling cranky so I’m going to list seven of my …
Is Your Personal Story a Memoir?
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Friends tell you that you need to write the story of your experience. And your story burns within you–you need to write it. So you set out to construct your memoir.
Before you take another step, …
But I Don’t Feel Like Writing
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Have you ever had one of those days when you were supposed to be writing but you found yourself staring at the screen, whining, “But I don’t feel like writing!”
Let’s explore some ways to eliminate ennui, …