I love stories that showcase the antagonist’s point of view. It gives readers an opportunity to know where they are coming from. Granted, some antagonists are truly twisted people and getting a glimpse into their minds can be disturbing. But, say, in the case of a lot of thrillers or horror stories, this “chill down … More Writing Hacks: Creating Three-Dimensional Villains
The Indie Audiobook Process I’ve loved audiobooks since before it was cool. Before iPhones, before mp3 players. I spent years trying to convert friends to no avail. And now, finally, finally, readers are overcoming their prejudice. They’ve realized they can download straight to their phones, fit in reading while they’re driving, working out, mindlessly playing … More Publishing Audiobooks
A lot of people think that writing a good story is about nailing the plot. (I was this way when I first started out.) While plot is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Equally important to plot is your casts’ character development, or what some call the characters’ emotional development. What is emotional … More Writing Hacks: Developing Your Characters’ Emotional Arcs
Most of us will never forget what it felt like when we began writing. Whether it was terrifying or exhilarating, or a little of both, it holds a special place in our hearts. And most of us who’ve been at it a while, now look back on that with a laugh or shake of our … More Writing Hacks: What You’ll Learn
A few weeks ago, I attended my first farmer’s market. The trip was the brainchild of a dear friend and was maybe the most “Fall” 24 hours I’ve ever experienced. We left unbearably early, dressed in flannel and boots and scarves. We had hot tea and big grins and were only a cowboy with a … More Writing Hacks: Remembering to Live
One of the toughest challenges of sticking to your word count goals is to maintain momentum day after day. Below are some tips to help keep your writing sprints in high gear. Know where you’re headed. It’s difficult to arrive at your destination when you have no idea where you’re going. Having a detailed outline, … More Writing Hacks: Keeping Momentum
You’ve worked nonstop on this manuscript for months, an uphill battle you thought you’d never win. But now, finally, after painful revisions and thirty-seven proofreads and scheduling your release posts and promos and swimming in a pool of your own sweat and tears, your baby is going out into the world. It’s over. You’re done. … More Writing Hacks: Release Day Blues
anxiety (aNGˈzīədē) noun: desire to do something, typically accompanied by unease synonyms: worry, concern, apprehension, unease, fear, disquiet, agitation, angst, misgiving, nervousness, tension; informal butterflies, the jitters, twitchiness Is there a writer who can read this list without recognizing at least one symptom of writing anxiety? Probably not. That doesn’t mean anxiety is a necessary part … More Writing Hacks: Writer’s Anxiety
A common theme among authors is so much to do, so little time. Even if most of it is self-imposed, we feel overworked, over-stressed, and understaffed. You’re in this for the long haul, so small changes to make it a better experience can go a long way toward your productivity and overall satisfaction. Many of … More Writing Hacks: Healthy Writing
As I write this post, I’m coming up on the seven year anniversary of my first published book. It never fails to blow me away how fast time has passed, even when there have been books that felt like I was writing them so, so slowly. In the interest of growth, here’s a Looking … More Writing Hacks: Seven Years
