Archive for December 2025
Lean Writing Is Not the Point: Using the Goldilocks Approach for Drafting
More and more, I see an emphasis among both editors and writers alike on keeping drafts lean. The basic ideas are that leanness somehow proves control of skill, and that leanness accommodates the short attention span readers have. It’s true that, as you try to tighten a document, you have to think critically about what’s…
Read MoreHow Attachment Theory Can Power Character Development in Fiction
For the past few years, I’ve been diving deep into psychology. I don’t plan to ever be a licensed professional in that field, but I’ve been serious about in the context of understanding myself and my relationships to others. But does psychology have a use in writing? Sure does. The four primary attachments More specifically,…
Read MoreWhy Producing More Books Quickly Isn’t the Salvation Writers Think It Is
I’m used to doing a lot fast. That’s just the nature of having significant everyday responsibilities and pursuing multiple creative projects. It’s taught me to trust my instincts as a I work and “just do the da*n thing.” But sometimes, speed isn’t our friend. AI means AI slop, but also some OK-ish books The loudest…
Read MoreShould You Have Multiple Brands as a Writer?
Over the past three years, I’ve done a lot of work to develop brands of my own — I have my business brand (Takingdictation) and my faith brand (Faithful on the Clock). But these brands are separate for a reason — topics, audiences, and functions are all different. Not all writers operate in multiple spheres…
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