How to Publish Your Poetry
I don’t know about you, but I wrote poems for years before it ever occurred to me that I might want to publish them. My poetry wasn’t written for an audience or publication. It was personal self-expression. I often used poetry to explore ideas and experiment with language. It seems that this is not uncommon….Read More
Goodreads Giveaway (for Kindle): Ready, Set, Write
This week, I’m hosting a Goodreads Giveaway for the Kindle edition of my latest book, Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. Ready, Set, Write takes you on a tour through various forms of writing, tools of the trade, and creativity techniques. It’s packed with practical tips for writing. Plus, there are plenty of writing…Read More
How to Get the Most Out of Your Writing Practice
Everybody wants to know the secret to success, and writers are no exception. We often talk about all the things one must do in order to become a successful writer. From studying grammar to working through multiple revisions, from sending out submissions to building a platform, writers must wear many hats if they hope to…Read More
25 Story Starters for Writing Fiction
Are you a storyteller? Do you want to be a storyteller? If you’re interested in writing flash fiction, short stories, or novels, then you’re going to need lots of ideas, especially if you want to write professionally. Some of us have too many ideas; others don’t have enough ideas. Maybe we have a solid idea…Read More
From Ready, Set, Write: Getting Ready to Write
Today, I’m excited to share an excerpt from my recently published book, Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing. This is from the book’s introduction. Enjoy! A Writer’s Journey Begins When I was a little girl, my mom used to sit, curled up on the couch, with a thick paperback novel in her hands…Read More
Storytelling Exercise: Three Acts
Today’s storytelling exercise is an excerpt from my book, Story Drills, which is filled with fiction-writing exercises that impart basic techniques of storytelling. Today’s exercise is from chapter forty-five. It’s called “Three Acts.” Enjoy! The three-act structure is one of the simplest and most effective ways to outline or analyze a story and its structure….Read More
Now Available: Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing
I’m excited to announce that a new book in the Adventures in Writing series is now available. Ready, Set, Write: A Guide to Creative Writing Ready, Set, Write takes you on tour through the world of creative writing. You’ll discover tools of the trade and creativity techniques as you explore various forms of creative writing. Learn…Read More
Health Tips for Writers
Lots of jobs pose health hazards, and writing is no exception. Whether you write professionally or as a hobby, spending hours hunched over your keyboard or notebook can have detrimental effects on your health if you don’t take the proper precautions. From muscle cramps and eye strain to getting bogged down in the mental clutter…Read More
What Makes Iconic Characters Unforgettable?
Luke Skywalker was the obvious hero of Star Wars: A New Hope, so why does it seem like Han, Leia, and Darth Vader got all the attention? When I think about the characters from Star Wars, Luke is often the last one who comes to mind. It’s not that he’s forgettable, but he doesn’t stand…Read More
Reading, Writing, and Reviewing Good Poems
I’ve always loved writing poetry. It’s a highly artistic and expressive form of writing. Poems can be intellectual, emotional, or abstract. Poetry can feel like a snapshot of a moment in time, or it can feel like a riveting three-hour film. Every poem offers a unique perspective and experience. I believe that all poetry is…Read More
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